Ketamine Infusion therapy is one of the most convenient and effective ways to introduce drugs into the body and is helping many people overcome chronic and mental health conditions that are interfering with their quality of life. Patients undergo a series of treatments over the course of a few days, or spaced a few days apart, depending on the nature of their condition and treatment plan.
The process is simple and does not require an overnight stay at the clinic. Patients undergo treatment as an outpatient procedure and must provide information on any medications or drugs they are currently taking. They are advised not to eat or drink anything for four hours before an appointment to prevent nausea, some water is okay.
The treatment itself involves relaxing in a comfortable infusion chair, usually in a private room, where all the vitals can be monitored throughout treatment. Even though ketamine is a safe drug when administered in low doses, it’s still important for a clinic to take safety precautions and ensure the patient is comfortable throughout treatment.
Once a vein is located, a tiny needle is inserted with a tube under the skin’s surface. This is relatively painless and once the IV is established, the needle is removed while the small tube remains in the arm. The tube is then connected to a syringe with the appropriate dose inside a digital infusion pump, not an IV bag. This pump is programmed to administer just the right dose of medication at various intervals and can be programmed with a high degree of accuracy. The dose is able to be titrated up or down throughout the infusion to ensure the best results. Once the target dose is achieved, the tube is removed from the arm.
Many patients simply relax and listen to music while receiving treatment and may even close their eyes. Ketamine reaches the brain within a few seconds. People report a sense of disassociation and losing awareness of their body. Many patients describe this experience as being enjoyable, if not interesting. If a patient feels any type of anxiety or has an unpleasant experience, there is always a team of physicians and nurses standing by to ensure comfort and can provide additional relaxation medication if needed.
Ketamine has been used for decades as a general anesthetic but many medical studies and scientific investigations are now revealing that ketamine can be a benefit for treating mental health disorders, chronic pain, and other health conditions. For example, people suffering from severe depression who have not experienced significant results with anti-depressants or other medications can now turn to IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy. Several studies suggest that IV ketamine can be especially effective for managing treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation.
For more information about Ketamine Infusion Therapy treatments for depression, bipolar, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), fibromyalgia, pain syndromes and other conditions contact us at Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles in Southern California (Orange County) by clicking here or calling 310-270-0625.