IV Ketamine

What is IV ketamine?

IV ketamine therapy is a fast-acting treatment that involves delivering a controlled dose of a medication called ketamine directly into your bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) infusion. Ketamine was initially used as an anesthetic but is showing great promise by promoting brain plasticity and reducing pain signals.

The neurology experts at Integrated Neurology Services use IV ketamine for:

• Back pain
• Joint pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Neck pain
• Joint pain 
• Headaches and migraines
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Ketamine therapy is also helpful for treatment-resistant depression and other symptoms of bipolar disorder.

How does IV ketamine work to improve my condition?

Ketamine works differently than the usual neurological medications. Instead of targeting serotonin or dopamine as antidepressants do, it affects NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors in your brain that help regulate your brain activity.

Typically, glutamate, a neurotransmitter, turns on your NMDA receptors to increase alertness. Ketamine works by blocking glutamate from switching the NMDA receptors on, leading to a stabilizing and calming effect that helps reduce pain signals and vastly improve mood and depression symptoms.

What can I expect during an IV ketamine infusion?

When you arrive at the nearest Integrated Neurology Services location, the team leads you to a quiet infusion suite where you sit in a comfortable recliner and lean back. Your provider gently inserts the IV line into your vein. The infusion typically takes 40-60 minutes. 

During the procedure, you may feel relaxed, lightheaded, or like you’re floating. After the infusion, the team monitors you for mild side effects like dizziness, elevated blood pressure, and nausea and checks your vitals periodically as the drug wears off. 

You’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home and plan to take the rest of the day off from work or school.

How soon will I feel the effects of IV ketamine infusion?

You will begin to feel the benefits of IV ketamine infusion within a few hours after treatment. You’ll likely need a series of infusions spread out over weeks and months to optimize the outcome. Your ketamine specialist talks with you about your unique needs and crafts an infusion schedule so you’ll know what to expect.

Ready to learn more about how IV ketamine can help you get your life back? Call one of the four locations at your convenience or request an appointment online.