Nasal Ketamine Treatment FAQs

Nasal ketamine treatment involves the use of ketamine as a treatment for mood disorders and pain management. If you are due to undergo the procedure, it is best to learn everything that there is to know before going to the office. This article provides answers to frequently asked questions about nasal ketamine treatment.

How is ketamine used?

Ketamine is commonly used for treating depression, suicidal thoughts, complex regional pain syndrome, and post-traumatic stress disorder. To treat mood disorders, ketamine treatment involves administering ketamine intranasally twice weekly for about four weeks, with each session lasting for about an hour. The dissociative impact of ketamine dissipates quickly, and patients should feel comfortable again within 20 to 30 minutes after the administration. That said, the patient will be observed for about an hour before being they can go home.

How does ketamine work?

When used for mood disorders, ketamine produces faster results. It has various therapeutic effects on the brain. For example, it can trigger physical growth in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, creating new links between neurons and repairing damaged cells. Ketamine also boosts neurotransmitters like glutamate that are responsible for creating new channels in the brain, thus enhancing functions like mood and sleep.

Patients dealing with a painful disorder often experience a process called “central sensitization,” where the frequency and severity of pain signals increase with time. Ketamine helps reset the pain receptors and restrict pain signals to reinstate a healthier balance.

How much does nasal ketamine treatment cost?

The precise cost of nasal ketamine treatment is not constant and depends on the condition, geographical location of the patient, and insurance coverage. Patients can discuss with their doctors to know the pricing and financing options that are available to them.

What are the side effects of the treatment?

It is common for patients to feel weary or sleepy after a nasal ketamine treatment session. These symptoms should disappear after a good night’s sleep. Some people may notice mild nausea after treatment, especially those susceptible to motion sickness. The doctor may provide anti-nausea medicine if the patient is prone to nausea.

Most side effects of treatment usually dissipate after a few hours and disappear completely by the next day. Nasal ketamine treatment has no permanent side effects if administered by an experienced medical professional.

How soon can one begin to feel better after treatment?

For patients with mood disorders, some may notice significant improvements right after their nasal ketamine treatment. They should wake up feeling better, with calmness and happy thoughts. Other patients may not see any improvement until after the third or fourth session. It all depends on the patient and the nature of the condition being treated.

What are the contraindications of nasal ketamine treatment?

Patients with untreated thyroid or endocrine conditions, substance abuse, unstable cardiovascular disease, or active psychotic symptoms are not eligible for nasal ketamine treatment. The doctor will recommend treating the underlying condition before undergoing any type of ketamine therapy.

Does ketamine therapy cause euphoria?

Although it is administered in low doses, ketamine treatment may have a short-term impact on the body. Floating feelings, mild hallucinations, and a sense of relaxation are common side effects, although they disappear quickly. Patients may not be able to drive themselves home after sessions because they feel too tired. The doctor will suggest that patients stay for a few minutes after the treatment to prevent that feeling of fuzziness when they eventually stand.

How long can one expect the results to last?

For the treatment of depression, nasal ketamine does not require long-term use like other antidepressant drugs. Patients will undergo ketamine treatment a few times per week for about two to three weeks. Symptom relief may remain for months after the therapy has stopped, and many patients report noticeable results after only a few sessions. Patients can return for booster treatments so the effects can last as long as possible.

Relief might last anywhere from a few hours to many days. After a single injection, most patients report improvements in mood and function within the week. Repeated treatments throughout the induction phase are intended to cement the benefits and extend the duration of symptom alleviation.

How safe is ketamine?

Mood problems can be treated with a far lower dose of ketamine than what is used in clinical anesthesia. When given by trained professionals in a regulated environment, nasal ketamine is entirely safe. Regarding monitoring, the professionals will adhere strictly to the most recent guidelines. Ketamine and esketamine dependency are possible as a Schedule 3/3n non-narcotic, and low doses help reduce the risk.

In conclusion

If there are any additional questions about the procedure, it is best to book a consultation appointment with a professional. Nasal ketamine treatment is an ideal option for those eligible.

Get more information here: https://mb.futurepsychsolutions.com or call Future Psych Ketamine Clinics at (843) 788-9718

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