Ketamine Infusions
Ketamine has gained significance in treating chronic pain and depression since the 1990s. At our clinics, ketamine infusions are performed in a comfortable, private setting by qualified experts. Our clinicians are members of American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists and Practitioners. We are dedicated to the safe clinical use of ketamine for pain and mental health conditions. If you have been struggling with unsuccessful treatments, ketamine may work for you.
What is Ketamine?
Explained
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a member of a class of drugs called phencyclidines. Phencyclidines are dissociative anesthetics and cause pain relief, unresponsiveness while maintaining airway reflexes and breathing. Ketamine affects multiple nervous system pathways. Regarding the biological experience of pain, ketamine reduces pain by blocking the NMDA receptor which is an ion channel involved in excitation of the central nervous system. By interfering with the NMDA receptor, ketamine interferes with pain signal transmission. Ketamine has also been shown to directly bind opioid (pain medication) receptors in the brain and spinal cord. Studies have shown ketamine is beneficial in the treatment of chronic pain syndromes, particularly those with a neuropathic component.
Ketamine History
Ketamine was initially used as an anesthesia medicine in the 1960s. It was administered to soldiers on the front lines during the Vietnam War. Since the 1990s, many clinical studies have found that ketamine is not only useful to relieve pain short term, but can be an effective way to treat certain chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia, migraines and burns. In the 2000s, medical studies showed ketamine was a viable alternative treatment for depression. Today mental health professionals are using ketamine to treat treatment-resistant depression and other mental conditions such as PTSD. Ketamine is also used to treat chronic moderate to severe pain.
What can I expect during ketamine infusions?
If you’ve completed a Ketamine infusion consultation and are scheduled for an infusion, the length of your ketamine infusion may vary depending on your condition. After your infusion, we recommend you remain at the office for observation for about 30 minutes and arrange to have someone bring you home. We also recommend that you take it easy for the remainder of the day. To get the most benefits out of your ketamine infusions, you may need a series of treatments.
Does Medical Insurance Pay for Ketamine Infusions?
Even though ketamine infusions can benefit many patients, medical insurance does not cover them. Average costs of ketamine infusions vary and range from $400 to $2000. (source, Ketamineclinicsdirectory.com).
At Medical Pain and Spine Care, a single infusion (for one hour) costs $400 and a series of three infusions costs $1000.
Ketamine: A Breakthrough Treatment for Depression
How it works
One of the most significant advantages of ketamine is its rapid-acting nature. Unlike conventional antidepressant medications that can take weeks or even months to produce noticeable improvements, ketamine often delivers noticeable results within hours to days. This swift onset of action can provide much-needed relief for individuals experiencing severe depressive symptoms.
Ketamine acts on the brain’s NMDA receptors, influencing the release of neurotransmitters like glutamate. By modulating these receptors, ketamine helps restore and rebalance neural pathways associated with mood regulation and resilience. This unique mechanism sets ketamine apart from traditional antidepressants and allows for its rapid antidepressant effects.
Depression can disrupt synaptic connections in the brain, affecting communication between neurons. Ketamine has been shown to promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire and form new connections. This neuroplasticity-enhancing effect of ketamine may help repair and restore healthy neural pathways, facilitating long-term improvements in mood and overall mental well-being.
Inflammation has been linked to depression, with evidence suggesting that elevated levels of inflammatory markers can contribute to depressive symptoms. Ketamine exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing inflammation in the brain and helping to alleviate depression-related inflammation.
Ketamine’s effectiveness shines particularly in individuals with treatment-resistant depression—those who have not responded adequately to multiple standard antidepressant medications. This breakthrough treatment offers a glimmer of hope for those who have felt trapped by the weight of their depression, providing an alternative avenue towards remission and recovery.
Ketamine treatment for depression is administered under medical supervision in a controlled setting, ensuring safety and optimal outcomes. Each session is tailored to the individual’s needs, with careful monitoring and adjustment of dosage to maximize effectiveness and minimize potential side effects. Our experienced healthcare professionals are dedicated to providing comprehensive care, support, and guidance throughout the treatment process.
If you’re ready to explore a transformative approach to managing your depression, contact us today. Our compassionate team at Medical Pain and Spine Care is here to provide the support, expertise, and hope you need on your journey to recovery. Take that first step towards a brighter future and reclaim your life from the clutches of depression.
Ketamine: Unlocking Effective Pain Management
How it works
Ketamine acts on NMDA receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which play a crucial role in pain perception and transmission. By modulating these receptors, ketamine interrupts pain signals, reducing their intensity and providing relief. This mechanism sets ketamine apart from many other pain medications and offers an alternative option for individuals struggling with chronic pain.
Neuropathic pain, resulting from nerve damage or dysfunction, can be challenging to manage effectively. Ketamine has demonstrated effectiveness in relieving neuropathic pain by suppressing abnormal nerve signals and providing relief for conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), post-herpetic neuralgia, and diabetic neuropathy.
Chronic pain often involves a phenomenon known as central sensitization, where the nervous system becomes hypersensitive to pain signals, amplifying the perception of pain. Ketamine’s ability to modulate the central nervous system can help normalize pain processing, reducing hypersensitivity and restoring a more balanced pain perception.
Inflammation is a common contributor to pain, particularly in conditions such as arthritis or inflammatory disorders. Ketamine exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing inflammation in the body and mitigating pain associated with inflammatory processes.
For individuals who rely on opioid medications for pain management, ketamine can enhance the effectiveness of opioids, allowing for lower opioid doses and reducing the risk of opioid-related side effects. This combination approach has shown promise in improving pain control and reducing opioid dependence.
Long-term opioid use can lead to tolerance, diminishing their effectiveness over time and requiring higher doses for the same pain relief. Ketamine therapy can help manage opioid tolerance by restoring opioid sensitivity, allowing for better pain control at lower opioid doses.
Each treatment plan is personalized to meet the individual’s specific needs, with careful monitoring and adjustment of dosage to optimize pain relief and minimize potential side effects. Our experienced team at Medical Pain and Spine Care is dedicated to providing comprehensive care, support, and guidance throughout your pain management journey.If you’re seeking a breakthrough in pain management, contact us today at Medical Pain and Spine Care. Our compassionate team is here to help you explore the potential benefits of ketamine therapy and regain control over your life by effectively managing your chronic pain. Together, we can pave the path towards a more comfortable and fulfilling future.