Ketamine, developed in the 1960s, is a widely used and endorsed anesthetic listed on the World Health Organization's Essential Medicines list since 1985. Extensive studies confirm its effectiveness in treating treatment-resistant mood disorders such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, as well as pain management. Unlike traditional antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs, which may take weeks to show results and often come with intolerable side effects, ketamine offers rapid relief, sometimes within hours of a single intravenous dose. When administered properly, ketamine boasts a longstanding safety record.

Ketamine is thought to operate by stimulating the production of glutamate, initiating a series of intricate neurological processes. This cascade facilitates the formation of new neural connections in the brain, enhancing its adaptability and capacity to generate fresh pathways. Consequently, patients may experience the development of more positive thoughts and behaviors—an effect not previously observed with conventional antidepressants.

While you may be familiar with street names like "Special K," "Kit Kat," or simply "K" referring to ketamine, it's important to note that ketamine IV therapy is vastly different from recreational abuse. The dosage, duration, intention, mindset, setting, and method of ketamine IV therapy are carefully controlled and administered by medical professionals for therapeutic purposes, bearing no resemblance to street usage.

Indeed, intravenous (IV) administration of ketamine has demonstrated superior efficacy compared to other routes. Oral medication typically provides patients with only 20-25% of the effective dose, while nasal sprays typically deliver 30-50% of the effective dose. Moreover, intranasal ketamine contains one isomer, whereas standard ketamine contains two, rendering IV ketamine more potent. Additionally, studies suggest that absorption via intranasal administration is less predictable than the controlled dosing achieved through IV administration.

Ketamine infusions could offer potential benefits if you are experiencing certain mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, or a pain disorder, especially if you have not found relief or have experienced intolerable side effects from traditional oral medications.

We highly encourage direct referrals. We will thoroughly review documentation from your primary care physician, pain specialist, psychiatrist, or therapist regarding your diagnosis and past treatments. It's essential for you to maintain regular ongoing contact with them throughout your ketamine infusion therapy. If you don't currently have a healthcare provider, we can assist in facilitating a referral for you.

Absolutely. We operate in a consulting capacity to administer ketamine infusions and strongly advise that you continue seeing your primary healthcare provider.

Most patients typically experience a sense of relaxation, sedation, or a dream-like state during the infusion process. Some may notice changes in their thought processes. However, please rest assured that our medical staff will be present throughout your entire session to provide any additional monitoring or assistance as needed. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities.

Following the infusion, the majority of patients typically recover within 20-30 minutes. You may experience mild fatigue, slight difficulty in walking, or a sensation of "cloudy thinking" for a few hours afterward. Therefore, it is required to have someone available to drive you home after the session. We strongly advise you to spend the remainder of the day relaxing. Additionally, we recommend refraining from operating heavy machinery, caring for small children, engaging in strenuous activities, or making legal decisions for at least a day following your infusion.

Ketamine is generally very well tolerated. It can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, and fatigue. In some cases, it can raise blood pressure and pulse. Accordingly, we will monitor you closely at all times and a trained medical professionals will be readily available at your side. One long-term side effect is bladder irritation (AKA cystitis) after chronic use of ketamine.

During your initial medical evaluation, you will complete a validated digital mood survey, which will be repeated before each infusion. Success is defined as a 50% improvement based on these scales, a criterion that will continue throughout the booster phase. It's worth noting that close friends, loved ones, and even coworkers may observe subtle improvements in mood before you're fully aware that the ketamine infusions are beginning to take effect.

The majority of patients report significant improvement by the third infusion, with over 80% experiencing remission by the fourth infusion. Notably, some patients may notice mood and well-being enhancements after just one infusion, often through feedback from loved ones. For those seeking further gains before transitioning to maintenance, additional infusions can be administered until satisfactory improvement levels are reached, typically achieved by the sixth infusion. Once patients complete the loading dose protocol, they enter the maintenance phase, tailored to individual needs. As a guideline, patients can anticipate maintenance infusions approximately every four weeks during the initial 12 months following treatment initiation.

The duration of the effects of a single ketamine infusion can vary widely, ranging from a few days to a month. A series of 4 to 6 infusions may extend relief for weeks to months, and often, a single booster infusion, administered when effects are wearing off, can restore and prolong the response. It's important to note that every patient responds differently, with some experiencing several months of relief with just a few infusions.

The effectiveness of IV ketamine for depression varies depending on the diagnosis, but research indicates improvement in 70-80% of treated patients.

Go to www.illume-wellbeing.com/resources and www.askp.org for more information.