Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine Treatment

Ketamine infusion therapy can effectively treat various mental disorders, from anxiety to treatment-resistant depression. Although the research on ketamine treatment is ongoing, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals have already found it beneficial for patients with chronic, hard-to-treat conditions. This article will answer the most frequently asked questions about this developing treatment.

Ketamine Treatment: FAQ

What is ketamine?

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic and pain-relieving drug. Dissociative drugs cause people to experience feelings of separation from their bodies and the world around them. With some hallucinogenic properties, ketamine can also change consciousness, thought processes, moods, and emotions.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or “FDA,” has approved ketamine for use as an anesthetic in medical settings since 1970. It has long been used by veterinarians. In recent years, it has been tried and tested as a mental health treatment for a wide range of disorders.

What disorders can be treated with ketamine?

Ketamine infusion therapy can treat patients with mental health conditions and substance use disorders, or “SUDS.” It has been known to reduce suicidal thoughts, even in people who have struggled to respond to other types of treatment (from therapy to antidepressants). Ketamine treatment may help the following disorders and conditions:

• Bipolar disorder 
• Anxiety disorders
• Substance use disorders
• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Treatment-resistant depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

How does ketamine treatment work?

While research on the process behind ketamine treatment is ongoing, Harvard Health states that ketamine infusion may work by targeting the brain’s NMDA receptors and increasing glutamate, a neurotransmitter. As a result, this activates the AMPA receptor. Altogether, this helps the brain create new pathways that are more beneficial for mood and thought patterns. Other studies are ongoing on how ketamine makes communication easier between various parts of the brain.

As for the treatment process itself, clients will need to receive several ketamine IV infusions, which last about 40 minutes each, over a few weeks. This typically means six ketamine infusions over the course of three weeks. It may also be administered as an injection in the arm. If the client is receiving ketamine infusions, the psychiatrist may prescribe ketamine lozenges for relief between appointments. There are also ketamine nasal sprays (esketamine), which the FDA has approved for depression treatment.

What does ketamine treatment feel like?

Ketamine treatment feels different for everyone depending on their reason for treatment and the dose they receive. In addition, just like with any medication, everyone’s body reacts differently to ketamine. Most clients report experiencing euphoria, relaxation, and pleasant or neutral dissociation (feeling like they are in a dream), which allows them to revisit traumatic events. Some report feeling as though they have heightened senses, such as suddenly noticing the brightness of certain colors.

The positive effects of ketamine can linger long after the infusion ends and the dissociative symptoms subside. Symptoms of depression, for example, may decrease and leave room for more joyful or neutral moods. This will often reignite interest in life through hobbies, socializing, and more.

Does ketamine have negative side effects?

Every medication, including ketamine, has the potential to cause negative side effects. Since infusions take place in the office, the doctor will be readily available to help the client through any that should arise. Common negative reactions to ketamine treatment include but are not limited to:

• Hives
• Confusion
• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Changes in vision (blurred vision)
• Bloody or painful urination
• Frequent urination
• Irregular heartbeat
• Irregular breathing
• Restlessness
• Weakness

Some patients may continue to feel the effects of ketamine for 24 hours after the infusion. This includes feeling excited, confused, or like they are in a dream state. Call the doctor if this does not wear off in 24 hours.

Can you drive yourself home after a ketamine infusion?

Do not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after receiving ketamine treatment. As mentioned, the effects of ketamine may persist after the infusion is complete. It is recommended to have someone pick up and care for the client on the day of the infusion.

Does insurance cover ketamine treatment?

The cost of ketamine infusion therapy varies depending on the client’s needs (i.e., dosage and treatment frequency). Most health insurance only covers esketamine (ketamine nasal sprays) for depression, not infusions or lozenges. This is because the FDA has yet to approve ketamine infusions and lozenges as mental health treatments.

However, this does not mean that every insurance company does not cover ketamine treatment. Call the insurance agent to confirm coverage. Some clients may be able to get their treatment covered by submitting a superbill to their insurance.

Find out more about ketamine infusions

Ketamine treatment can help people with chronic and hard-to-treat mental disorders find relief and a new perspective. Consult a psychiatrist to learn more about this treatment option. Simply call our office to get started.

Request an appointment here: https://mb.futurepsychsolutions.com or call Future Psych Ketamine Clinics at (843) 788-9718 for an appointment in our Myrtle Beach office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Ketamine Treatment in Myrtle Beach, SC.