ABOUT KETAMINE & SPRAVATO
KETAMINE
FAQS
What is Ketamine?
For information, including recent research, visit our page on Ketamine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ketamine addictive?
Ketamine, unlike opioids, is not associated with any physically addictive properties.
Do I need a referral from another physician?
All patients are welcome to self-refer. We strongly recommend that patients suffering from mental health disorders, such as depression, OCD, severe anxiety also be under the care of a mental health professional. We will work closely with your practitioner to ensure the best outcomes for your well-being, whether for pain or mood disorders.
How long before Ketamine works? What is a typical protocol?
Rarely, patients report an improvement in mood and general well-being after the first few treatments. Most patients experience a more gradual outcomes that occur over the course of the treatments. We base our treatments on the latest research studies that recommend a series of 6 treatments to begin, and gauge response. We therefore, begin with an "induction dose" of 6 treatments, spread over a 2-3 week period. Followed by booster maintenance treatments, that are individualized.
After the fifth to sixth treatment, some patients feel an overall better sense of well-being, which can include change in mood, and improvement in daily functionality.
We have found that oftentimes patient require more than the first 6 treatments to reach optimum results.
Do I have to stop or change my other medications?
Please call us with any questions regarding your current medications. Some anti-anxiety medications are known interfere with Ketamine’s effects, we ask that you not take these medications in the 48 hours leading up to your treatment. Do not change your current medication regimen without the direction of your physician, and/or mental health practitioner. Ketamine Infusions are not intended to replace your current medications. Please, confer with your primary care provider, and/or your primary mental health care provider.
How long do the effects of Ketamine last?
The duration of effect is very individual, and can last anywhere from 2-3 weeks to 3 months, and beyond. The booster maintenance phase is different for each patient. After the first induction dose of 6 treatments, we begin to assess for maintenance booster treatment intervals, which are varied.
How is the infusion experience?
We check a set of baseline vital signs, such as your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygenation, and your weight. We start an intravenous (IV) line and begin the infusion, which takes about 45-60 minutes. During this time we keep the environment private, quiet, and relaxing. We do monitor you intermittently throughout the infusion. You may listen to your own choice of soothing music.
How do I know if Ketamine is for me?
You must be 18 years or older with no uncontrolled medical conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or cardiac disease.
You must have a diagnosis of major depression, refractory depression, PTSD, OCD, Bipolar disorder, anxiety, and/or chronic pain, and be resistant to other treatments, such as medications.
You must be under the care of a current provider treating you for your diagnosis.
Patient with sleep apnea may be asked to bring their CPAP devices with them, and may be administered oxygen.
Have no history of difficult IV insertions, and can sit comfortably for 1-4 hours.
How do I know if Spravato is for me?
If your insurance covers the cost of the drug and reimburses you for the clinic monitoring time, then Spravato may be right for you. However, if your insurance only covers a part of the above, you must weigh that against:
The cost of the IV treatments, including the time it takes to do IV versus nasal.
Research has shown the IV to be more effective than the nasal.
How do I book an appointment?
Feel free to contact us to schedule your initial free consultation. We are happy to answer all your questions.
What can I expect on treatment day?
Please Follow these Instructions Carefully:
Before your first treatment, please fill out our forms, which will be sent to you via our Osmind mood monitoring app.
Please wear comfortable clothing that allow us to access your arms (for blood pressure and IV start) and your chest (for ECG lead placements).
You may eat up to 6 hours in advance of the treatment, and have clear liquids up to 2 hours prior to the treatment. Clear liquid examples include only water, black coffee, plain tea, or apple juice. Milk, and creamer in coffee are considered a meal and are not clear liquids. Nothing to eat for 6 hours and no liquids for 2 hours before your treatment.
You must arrange for a ride from the clinic, you may not drive the day of your infusion.
Your treatment will be administered in a private room.
Phones should be in do not disturb mode, and for privacy of all of our patients we require no talking, photos, videos or texts.
Before your first visit, kindly follow the instructions you should have received when we invited you to the Osmind system. You can log in using the information you received via email and text message, and fill out the initial mood tracker so that we can better assist you with your management, and treatments.
