Submitted by Quad Cities Ketamine Clinic
What is ketamine?
Ketamine was synthesized in 1962 for use as an anesthetic and subsequently approved by the FDA because of its ability to relieve pain and preserve respiratory and cardiac function. Although initially developed as an anesthetic, over the past several decades ketamine has been revealed to have greater potential in the field of medicine. A growing body of research has demonstrated the clinical value of ketamine across diverse settings, with emerging roles in pain medicine and treatment-resistant depression.
What conditions improve with ketamine therapy?
Ketamine has been studied and is currently being used to treat the following conditions:
- Treatment Resistant Depression
- Bipolar depression
- Suicidal Ideation (thoughts)
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Migraines
- Fibromyalgia
- Lyme disease
- Neuropathic pain
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
- Chronic Pain
What to expect during ketamine therapy.
Prior to Ketamine therapy, the patient would be required to fill out some preliminary assessments, a history, and physical examination. Once completed, the patient would be connected to a blood pressure and oxygen monitor and a small IV catheter would be inserted into the arm and a low dose of ketamine would be infused using an infusion pump. During the infusion, one may experience floating “out-of-body” sensations, tingling feelings, or mild hallucinations. These side effects are an expected part of the infusion and fade away soon after the treatment is complete. Following the infusion, there is a short recovery time prior to discharge. The patient is not able to drive after the infusion for a period of 24 hours. During the initial period, a patient will require a series of infusions to achieve optimal relief of symptoms, after which the infusions are spread out to just periodic infusions done as needed to maintain results.
What kind of results can I expect?
Ketamine is NOT a cure, but rather a very successful and fast acting treatment that has been shown to help 70-80 percent of people with treatment-resistant conditions find relief. This treatment has been shown to be especially effective when used in conjunction with other forms of therapy—i.e.: psychotherapy, counseling, meditation, journaling, self-reflection—therefore it is important that patients continue to see their primary mental health provider or pain provider while undergoing Ketamine infusion therapy.
If you think Ketamine therapy may help you or a loved one, please contact Quad Cities Ketamine Clinic at 563-219-7127 or visit us at www.quadcitiesketamine.com.