IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy
IV Ketamine Infusion therapy is an innovative and effective treatment option for individuals struggling with various mental health conditions and chronic pain. This therapy involves the controlled administration of ketamine, a medication that has shown promising results in alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain disorders.
What is IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
IV Ketamine Infusion therapy is a medical procedure in which a carefully calibrated dose of ketamine is administered intravenously under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional. Ketamine is an FDA-approved anaesthetic that has gained recognition for its off-label use in treating mental health conditions.
How Does IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy Work?
Ketamine’s benefit in psychiatric conditions is understood to be due to an increase in certain natural chemicals, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This allows for new neuronal connections and pathways to form, which can help lead to an improvement in mood and a reduction in pain perception.
The best results are seen when ketamine infusion therapy is combined with psychotherapy within a relatively short time frame following the infusion, usually 24 hours or less, to best utilise this primed brain state.
Conditions Treated
IV Ketamine Infusion therapy has shown significant promise in treating a range of conditions, including:
- Depression: Especially treatment-resistant depression, where other forms of therapy or medication have not been effective.
- Anxiety Disorders: Including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Providing relief for individuals who have experienced traumatic events.
- Chronic Pain: Including neuropathic pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and fibromyalgia.
- Bipolar Disorder: Particularly in managing depressive episodes.
The Procedure
During the IV Ketamine Infusion therapy session, a small needle is used to insert an IV line into the patient’s arm. The ketamine solution is then administered through the IV line under the careful supervision of a trained healthcare professional. The infusion typically lasts for about 40 minutes, followed by a recovery period of 20 minutes, throughout which the patient is monitored.
During the procedure, the patient lies comfortably on a bed, wearing both an eye mask and headphones.
The Benefits of IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy
IV Ketamine Infusion therapy offers several benefits, including:
- Rapid Onset: Many patients report feeling improvements in their symptoms shortly after their first session.
- Effective for Treatment-Resistant Conditions: It has shown success in cases where other treatments have failed.
- Low Risk of Dependency: When administered in a controlled medical setting, the risk of addiction or dependence is minimal.
- Reduced Suicidal Ideation: Studies have shown a rapid reduction in suicidal thoughts for some individuals.
Potential Side Effects of IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy
While IV Ketamine Infusion therapy is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience mild side effects such as nausea, dissociation, and increased blood pressure. These effects are typically short-lived and monitored closely by healthcare professionals.
Is IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy Right for You?
The suitability of IV Ketamine Infusion therapy depends on various factors, including your specific diagnosis, medical history, and treatment goals. It’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider who can assess your individual situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
Where to find treatment
IV Ketamine Infusion therapy is a groundbreaking treatment option that holds great promise for individuals struggling with a range of mental health conditions and chronic pain disorders. If you believe you may benefit from this therapy, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation and personalised treatment plan. Take the first step towards a brighter, more hopeful future with IV Ketamine Infusion therapy. Treatment is available at:
Helderberg Clinic in Strand
St Catherine’s Life Path Hospital in Pietermaritzburg
Frequently Asked Questions about Ketamine
How many ketamine infusion sessions are typically required to see results?
Patients generally receive a series of 6 sessions over 3 weeks. Because responses to treatment can vary, some may require additional “booster” sessions as determined by the treating psychiatrist and patient.
Will my medical aid cover IV ketamine infusions?
Currently, medical aids in South Africa do not yet cover ketamine infusions.
How much does IV ketamine infusion therapy cost?
Costs can vary from facility to facility. At Helderberg Clinic in Strand, sessions cost R1 300 each, totalling R7 800 for six sessions over three weeks.
Can IV ketamine infusion therapy be administered on an outpatient basis?
Although this treatment modality can be administered on an outpatient basis, it will depend on factors such as the indication for treatment. The final decision is made based on the patient’s individual circumstances and the treating psychiatrist’s recommendation.
As an out-patient, will I need someone to accompany me to my infusion sessions?
Yes, due to the sedative effects of ketamine, patients are advised not to drive or operate heavy machineryafter an infusion. Arranging for someone to accompany you home is necessary.
Can ketamine infusions be used in conjunction with other medications?
Yes, in many cases, ketamine can be used alongside other medications. However, it’s important to disclose all medications you’re taking to your psychiatrist to avoid any adverse interactions.
What should I expect to feel during the ketamine infusion?
Patients might experience mild detachment from their surroundings, an altered perception of time, or slight euphoria during the infusion. It is also possible that the infusion may evoke past memories. These effects generally subside shortly after the session ends.
Can I have a bad experience during the infusion?
Each patient’s experience during an infusion is unique, and subsequent infusions can vary greatly. While it is more common for the experience to be pleasant and uplifting, it is also possible that portions of the experience may be more challenging in cases where difficult emotions or memories are triggered. However, these potentially unpleasant instances may subsequently lead to therapeutic breakthroughs and should not be judged in isolation as wholly negative occurrences.
Are IV ketamine infusions safe?
The dosage used in infusions is far smaller than those used in anaesthetic contexts where the medication is traditionally used. In addition, it is administered at a slower rate than in the operating room.
Even though ketamine has an extremely high safety profile at such a low dose, infusions are always administered by a doctor, and patients are constantly observed by a trained healthcare provider throughout the procedure and during the short recovery period.
Appropriate monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen level is performed throughout, and emergency equipment and trained personnel are available should they ever be required.
What music should I listen to during the infusion?
Patients who would like to listen to their own music during infusions are welcome to compile a playlist of songs. The playlist should last the duration of the infusion and the initial post-infusion recovery period. A playlist lasting one hour should be sufficient.
Alternatively, we have a series of carefully curated playlists for the 6 sessions. These playlists are comprised predominantly, although not exclusively, of classical music and are structured to gently evoke various emotions and guide the journey experienced during each infusion.
How should I prepare for my infusion?
One should avoid intake of solid foods for 3 hours prior to the infusion and refrain from drinking fluids for an hour prior, as this helps minimise the risk of nausea. We also recommend wearing comfortable clothing on the day of the procedure.
How do ketamine infusions fit into my overall treatment plan?
Ketamine infusions are part of a comprehensive treatment plan that is likely to include other medications prescribed by your treating psychiatrist. Additionally, it is crucial to incorporate integrative psychotherapy within the appropriate time frame—we recommend within 24 hours of each infusion—into your treatment to ensure the best results.
