Ketamine has been around for decades as an anesthetic, but it has recently been getting serious attention as a potential treatment for a range of conditions, such as depression and chronic pain.
The speed and convenience of ketamine therapy in relieving symptoms of depression and pain are key factors encouraging many patients to explore this treatment option.
Let’s explore the safety and side effects of ketamine infusion therapy and how it has helped thousands of patients from all walks of life rediscover their long-lost well-being!
Ketamine infusion therapy is a procedure involving the administration of ketamine to patients for the treatment of certain neurological and psychiatric disorders. It is a type of intravenous therapy usually administered in a clinic or hospital setting under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Ketamine works on the glutamate system in the brain, which is one of the main excitatory neurotransmitter systems. By affecting this system, ketamine is able to create changes in mood, perceptions, and cognition, aiding the treatment of various health conditions.
How Safe is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
Ketamine infusion therapy is recognized as safe due to several factors.
First, ketamine has an established track record in the field of medicine. Originally developed as an anesthetic and used extensively for surgical procedures and pain relief, its effects and side effects are well-studied and understood. This historical usage provides a solid foundation of knowledge about the drug’s safety profile.
Second, the administration of ketamine during infusion therapy is conducted under the careful supervision of trained medical professionals within a controlled medical environment. This means that the dosage and the patient’s response to treatment are closely monitored and adjusted as necessary, further mitigating potential risks.
According to a 2020 study, only 0.7% of patients discontinue their ketamine infusion therapy due to adverse effects.
A series of precautions are implemented during ketamine infusion therapy to ensure patient safety and treatment efficacy. To begin, your provider will conduct a comprehensive medical assessment to understand your overall health status, including medical history and the nature of your symptoms.
During the infusion procedure itself, patients are closely monitored by trained medical professionals. Their vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation levels, are continually tracked to promptly detect and address any adverse physical responses.
Monitoring also extends to the patient’s psychological state, as ketamine can induce transient psychedelic or dissociative effects. Support and reassurance are provided to help manage these potential side effects.
After infusion treatment, patients remain under observation in the clinic until the immediate effects of ketamine have worn off, ensuring that they are in a stable condition before leaving. Ongoing follow-up assessments are often scheduled to evaluate the treatment’s effectiveness and to monitor for any delayed or long-term side effects.
What Benefits Does Ketamine Infusion Therapy Offer?
Ketamine infusion therapy offers a unique set of benefits in the field of mental health and pain management!
Providing Relief Where Antidepressant Medications Have Failed
Primarily, its potent and rapid-acting antidepressant effects make it a valuable tool in treating severe and treatment-resistant depression. For those who have not responded to conventional therapies, ketamine infusions can provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms, often within hours to a few days, which is considerably faster than most traditional antidepressants.
Providing Lasting Relief From Chronic Pain
In addition to its usefulness in treating depression, ketamine has also shown promise in the management of various chronic pain syndromes. Its unique properties make it especially useful in conditions characterized by a significant neuropathic component. In cases where other analgesics haven’t worked, ketamine infusion therapy offers an alternative for pain relief.
Overcoming Chronic Suicidal Ideation
The potential of ketamine to rapidly alleviate suicidal thoughts is another significant benefit in urgent situations. Traditional antidepressants can take weeks to have a noticeable effect, which may not be timely enough for individuals in crisis. However, the fast-acting nature of ketamine can provide immediate intervention in such instances.
What Side Effects Can Occur With Ketamine Treatment?
Ketamine infusion therapy carries potential risks and side effects.
Short-Term Side Effects of Ketamine Infusions
Potential side effects of ketamine infusion therapy can range from mild to severe, depending largely on the patients and the dosage. During the infusion, patients may experience high blood pressure and heart rate. Some patients may also experience nausea or vomiting, which can be mitigated with additional medications.
In the hours following the infusion, some people might experience a headache, dizziness, or fatigue. Additionally, there can be some difficulties with concentration or memory.
Long-Term Effects of Ketamine Therapy
With prolonged use, ketamine has the potential for more serious long-term side effects.
Repeated use has been associated with bladder problems, including cystitis, and cognitive issues. However, these side effects are more typically associated with misuse of the drug, and are relatively rare when used under medical supervision for therapeutic purposes.
Hallucinogenic Effects of Ketamine Infusions
The hallucinogenic effects of ketamine use are well documented and can sometimes cause confusion, hallucinations, or other short-term cognitive impairments. While these effects are typically brief and diminish after the infusion is completed, they can be distressing to some patients.
The administration of ketamine must always be closely supervised by a healthcare professional and used judiciously, taking into account the balance of potential benefits and harms.
Start Your Ketamine Treatment Today!
While these potential side effects might sound alarming, our team of trained medical professionals is here to come alongside you every step of the way. Medical expertise, encouragement, and support work hand-in-hand to create the most productive treatment plans possible, making ketamine infusion therapy an important option for those dealing with depression or chronic pain.
Want to learn more about ketamine treatment? Get in touch with our experts!
With mental health conditions increasingly becoming the number one concern modern health advocates seek to solve, ketamine may just be that solution. But you don’t have to take just our word for it — do your research, then come into Virginia’s premier ketamine infusion clinic in Leesburg. Send us a message through our contact us page or call us at (571) 371-0290 to connect with our friendly staff and learn more about ketamine infusion therapies and their benefits for your health.
If you’re ready for a one-on-one consultation, our office at 19490 Sandridge Way Suite 240, Lansdowne, Virginia 20176, proudly serves Loudoun County and the Ashburn area, so come and let our experts create the best treatment plan for you. We also invite you to keep up with our blog and social media to get answers to many of the frequently asked questions about ketamine infusion therapies!
References
- Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression: When and where is it safe? – Harvard Health — Access date: 1 June 2023.
- Ketamine Infusion Therapy: Is It Safe? Understanding the Risks and Benefits – Nao Medical — Access date: 1 June 2023.
- Ketamine Infusion Therapy: Techniques and Efficacy — Access date: 1 June 2023.
- Ketamine Side Effects: Physical, Mental & Long-Term Effects — Access date: 1 June 2023.
- Ketamine (Injection Route) Side Effects – Mayo Clinic — Access date: 1 June 2023.
- Risks and benefits – Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust — Access date: 1 June 2023.
- What is Ketamine? How it Works and Helps Severe Depression — Access date: 1 June 2023.
