What Is Ketamine Treatment Like? What To Expect, Side Effects and More
March 04, 2021
Have you tried several traditional medications and seen zero improvement in your mood disorder?
Ketamine treatment may help.
Ketamine has become a groundbreaking therapy for those looking for a promising solution to finally heal and feel like their true selves again.
Supported by decades of research and ongoing studies, ketamine has been proven to show mental benefits in patients suffering from mood disorders. The novel drug’s worthwhile results have made it an option worth considering now more than ever, especially for those with treatment-resistant depression.
In this article, we’ll review what you can expect when you start ketamine infusion therapy, potential side effects and benefits.
What Is the Ketamine Treatment Process Like?
Before you begin ketamine treatment, you must meet with a physician to discuss your medical history and possible side effects. Once it has been confirmed you are an eligible candidate for treatment, you and your physician will come up with a treatment plan based on your individual needs. You can then begin treatment the same day or schedule for a later date.
Your experience may vary based on where you decide to get treatment. Here at MD Infusions, we aim to make it a pleasant experience every time you visit.
The day of treatment, you can expect to be greeted upon your arrival and shown to your own room for complete privacy and relaxation. One of our doctors will review your treatment plan with you, and ketamine infusion therapy will begin.
A nurse will place an IV into your arm with a safe and appropriate dosage. To ensure 100% safety and comfort during your treatment, a physician will be there to monitor your vital signs and cardiac function at all times.
The infusion lasts 45 minutes and is followed by 30 minutes of post-infusion relaxation. The entire process takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
We administer a course of 6 treatments over a 2-3 week time frame, with 2-3 days in between treatments. Once you have finished ketamine induction therapy, you can receive “booster” treatments once every 3-6 weeks based on your specific needs.
Have additional questions? Visit our FAQ page.
What Are the Side Effects of Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
Like any medicinal treatment, there are possible side effects that may differ from person to person. Ketamine side effects have been reported to be “mild” and “brief”.
Common side effects during and immediately after treatment include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Feeling strange
- Visual blurring/distortions
- Numbness
- Nausea
While side effects are temporary and may only last up to two hours, we advise absolutely no driving for 12 hours after a treatment. In addition, you should not consume alcohol or make major financial or legal decisions for 24 hours following an infusion.
What Are the Benefits of Ketamine Treatment?
Ketamine treatment has many advantages over traditional forms of treatment. Its most notable include being fast-acting, long-lasting and safe. These qualities have drawn attention to the unique drug as it’s become known as a revolutionary therapy in depression research.
Research has found traditional medications typically take 4-12 weeks for patients to notice a difference in their debilitating depression symptoms. With millions across the country suffering from mood disorders, time is of the essence. If a medication is found to be ineffective, it can be discouraging for a hopeful patient to start another medication all over again. With ketamine, patients feel the positive effects almost immediately upon receiving treatment.
According to a study conducted in 2019, subjects who received 0.5 mg/kg by a 40 minute infusion saw a “significant improvement at [the] 1st hour of the first dose” in depression and anxiety symptoms and a “significant improvement in depression, anxiety and the severity of illness after 2 weeks and 1 month of the last dose of ketamine.”
Additionally, traditional forms of treatment need to be taken daily to see improvement, whereas with ketamine, patients only need to get infusion therapy a handful of times over the course of 2-3 weeks. They can receive additional infusions if they’d like once they have completed induction therapy.
It’s important to note the dosage of ketamine given is not addictive, and its side effects are minimal. Ketamine infusions are safe when administered by an experienced physician who is present to monitor you as you receive treatment. The MD Infusions team is made up of board certified emergency medicine physicians who have over 50 years of combined experience using ketamine as a treatment.
Conclusion
If traditional treatments have failed you, consider ketamine infusion therapy for a chance to get well, live free and be happy. At MD Infusions, we believe everyone should have the chance to feel like their true selves and get back to doing what they love.
To learn more about ketamine treatment, schedule a FREE consultation with us or give us a call at (844) 463-8734. We look forward to hearing from you!
MD Infusions is located in Chicago’s North Shore community of Northbrook. Northbrook is known for its luxurious shopping and dining options, picturesque outdoor scenery and natural vibrancy. It is just 25 miles north from Downtown Chicago.