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Ketamine treatment
One of the unfortunate things about oral antidepressants is that they often take several weeks to take effect — if that drug works at all. And most selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) come with undesirable side effects.
IV Vitamin Therapy, led by Medical Director David Nazarian, offers an effective treatment for patients who have not found relief from oral antidepressant therapy. Quick-acting, intravenous ketamine often provides results for those struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and pain management.
Is IV ketamine therapy safe?
While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve dietary supplements, ketamine is actually a medication. Its primary use is as an anesthetic, but nasal spray ketamine is FDA-approved for depression treatment.
While not yet FDA-approved, studies have shown IV ketamine for depression to be safe, effective, and fast-acting.
What is ketamine therapy?
Originally approved more than 50 years ago as pediatric anesthesia, doctors found that, in low doses, ketamine encourages growth of the brain’s synapses. This activity stimulates receptors in the brain affected by depression. After about six treatments, the improved neurons are strengthened and are no longer stifled by depression.
Ketamine treatments work differently than other antidepressant medications. Typical antidepressants such as SSRIs must build up in your system to change your brain chemistry. Ketamine almost immediately alters the neurotransmitter activity in your brain and boasts a 90% success rate.
Why ketamine infusion?
It has been found that ketamine therapy differs from traditional antidepressant medications because it allows areas of your brain’s cortex to regrow. This means that the effects of ketamine are long-lasting, even after it has left your body.
Current statistics say that about 50% of people using ketamine for depression gain at least some relief after only one treatment. Meanwhile, the FDA has approved a nasal spray version of ketamine called Spravato, which is offered in our clinic. Ketamine infusion therapy is usually administered during six infusions over a 2- to 3-week period. Boosters may be administered over time during what is typically a three or four-hour appointment. It is common for patients to enjoy six months of feeling good, or longer.
How will the Ketamine infusion be administered?
- Ketamine infusions are administered by IV. We use sub-anesthetic doses based on your body weight and medical history
- Nasal spray or Spravato™, an FDA-approved ketamine nasal spray
- Rapid dissolve tablets
- Intramuscular Injection or shot
What can I expect during ketamine infusions?
A ketamine infusion typically takes about an hour. During the infusion, patients often report a dissociative effect:
- Increased sensitivity to light and sound
- An altered perception of time
Usually, this effect is experienced as pleasant and interesting, though in some cases it can be considered uncomfortable. If you become uncomfortable, IV Vitamin Therapy doctors will immediately administer medicine to relieve the discomfort.
The effects of low-dose ketamine go away within about 30 minutes after treatment. Patients can return to their homes or work after the treatment but must have someone to drive them.
Our medical team will be with you the entire time you are being infused. Immediately after your infusion, you may feel groggy; don’t worry, this is quite normal. Typically, patients feel refreshed about an hour after a ketamine IV.
When will I feel better after ketamine treatment?
For those suffering from mood disorders, it is not unusual to begin feeling better only an hour after infusion. Patients feeling hopeless, contemplating self-harm, or having suicidal ideation often notice those feelings dissipate first.
Other patients may not notice improvement until after the full series of six infusions. Still, others may require more infusions over time before experiencing significant relief.
Though the ketamine infusion effects may be dramatic, it is more common to experience a gradual, subtle improvement that increases over time.
Relief from IV ketamine infusions
Mood disorder patients commonly receive six infusions over a 2- to 3-week period. Booster infusions may be given for maintenance, as needed.
That said, many patients live symptom-free for six months or longer.
What Ketamine side effects might I experience?
Side effects are rare and minor with IV ketamine infusion. Patients sometimes experience redness and soreness at the point where the needle was inserted. The treatment also carries a small risk of bruising, dizziness, fainting, and mild infection at the injection site.
Our doctors will provide you with a complete list of possible side effects at your initial consultation. We suggest bringing a designated driver because many patients are groggy after the treatment.
Potential ketamine IV shortcomings
It should be noted that ketamine is not a front-line defense against anxiety, chronic pain, or depression. In truth, the drug falls into the category of helping patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). For psychiatry patients with TRD, ketamine might be the last line of defense against ongoing misery.
However, during your consultation at our treatment center, the doctor will discuss treatment options and develop a treatment plan. Ketamine sometimes causes dissociative effects and potential addictive properties. Remember, no treatment is perfect.
Other side effects include mild hallucinations, floating sensations, fuzzy vision, and dizziness.
To avoid any problems, the doctor will follow these safety steps before treating you with ketamine infusion treatment:
- Approve for use only after a comprehensive evaluation
- Treatment is received in a ketamine-certified clinical setting
- Ketamine is administered and monitored by a board-certified anesthesiologist
Lastly, ketamine isn’t the right solution for everyone with TRD — because it has potentially addictive properties, it may not be a suitable option for those who have a history of substance abuse or a diagnosed addictive disorder.
Allowing the doctor to strictly stay within these guidelines, you will be on your way to a peaceful quality of life.
Why trust IV Vitamin Therapy for your ketemine therapy near me?
IV Vitamin Therapy’s headquarters is located in an upscale boutique-style medical office. After consulting with a physician, you will be prescribed the exact amount of ketamine to meet your health history and goals. After the initial painless pinprick of a needle at the site of injection, the ketamine is allowed to flow into the bloodstream.
IV Vitamin Therapy is conveniently located in Beverly Hills and can come to your home or office throughout the Los Angeles area and Southern California. We serve patients near Beverly Hills, Bel Air, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Silverlake, Echo Park, and many more.
Book now/general inquires at 855-999-5577.
