FAQ's about Columbus Ketamine Clinic Treatments

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Like adding branches to a tree, ketamine creates new branches and connections in depression and PTSD-damaged areas of the brain.

AMAZINGLY - Ketamine acts in hours, not days or weeks like traditional medications.  That is because ketamine works on a completely different part of the brain.  Most other antidepressants act on the monoamine system of the brain, targeting serotonin or similar neurotransmitters.

Ketamine is different: Ketamine appears to target a completely separate system – the glutamate system.

In acting this way, ketamine stimulates a molecule called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which has been coined “Miracle-Gro for the brain”  because it is associated with growth of new branches on nerve cells as well as more and better connections between the neurons.  It makes nerves blossom like a tree in spring."

Your complex brain chemistry regulates your moods, emotions, and overall and mental health.The symptoms associated with many mental health conditions (PTSD, Suicidal thoughts, Anxiety and Depression) often arise due to an imbalance of the neurotransmitters that send messages throughout your brain and body about how to feel.

Ketamine stimulates the production of glutamate in your brain. Glutamate is an essential amino acid that supports healthy nervous system function. If you have low glutamate levels, your risk of mental health issues such as anxiety disorders and depression increases. As your brain produces more glutamate, it more efficiently regulates the production and effectiveness of other neurotransmitters, reducing your negative or erratic symptoms.

Ketamine IV infusion therapy, as a treatment for clinical depression, has been shown to provide rapid relief of symptoms when other treatments have failed. 

Studies have shown that a series of very low doses of ketamine infused over 40-60 minutes has had dramatic effects on Bipolar Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, and Depression including patients suffering from suicidal ideation. 

The results indicate a rapid resolution of depression. Some patients can sense relief even after a single infusion. However, research suggests six infusions over a three-week period is needed and is clinically recommended. 

Future maintenance infusions are used to protect against relapse of depression.  Such treatments may be needed every one to three months.  Each patient is different, each brain chemistry complex.

WHAT IS A KETAMINE IV INFUSION?

It is a very simple procedure. An IV will be started in your arm and a bag of normal saline mixed with your prescribed Ketamine medication will be slowly given to you over the course of 45 minutes.  You will be safely monitored for every infusion to ensure no adverse reactions (very rare).

IS INFUSION THERAPY RIGHT FOR ME?

If you suffer from anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, bipolar disorders or depression that has not responded to medication or other traditional treatment modalities then infusion therapy may be an option for you. The procedure is easy to administer and essentially pain free. There will be an free initial consultation to see if ketamine infusion therapy is right for you.

WHAT IS KETAMINE?

Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic drug that has been used in hospitals worldwide since the 1960s. In the last few, years numerous articles in medical journals have shown efficacy in using ketamine at subanesthetic doses to treat depression and some chronic pain syndromes. The FDA also approved a form of intranasal esketamine to treat depression in 2019 (now known to be less reliable and less effective than IV infusion therapy).  Ketamine’s anesthetic effects are mediated by interactions with a member of the glutamate receptor family, the NMDA receptor. It interacts with other receptors as well, including opioid receptors, dopamine receptors, and a receptor known as the AMPA receptor, thought to be an important component of its antidepressant effects.

HOW LONG IS THE INFUSION?

It depends on your diagnosis and protocol. Most of the infusions for depression, PTSD, anxiety and bipolar disorder will be around 45-60 minutes long. After the infusion, you will stay for another 15 to 30 minutes to recover. Appointments are a full 90 minutes to allow relaxed recovery.

WILL I BE AWAKE?

Yes, the dose that we use will not put you to sleep, but you may find it difficult to carry on a conversation.  We recommend relaxing, listening to music, and/or meditating.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE INFUSION?

Some possible side effects include dizziness, blurred vision, and nausea. These are rare and dose-related. They can be treated immediately to make your experience as pleasant as possible. It isn't safe for you to drive for up to 12 hours after treatment, so we mandate you have a driver. Treatment will not be administered if we believe you will be driving yourself.

HOW MANY INFUSIONS WILL I NEED?

The response to treatment varies. Most patients require six treatments. The amount of medication required depends on both the physical and mental needs of each patient. Some do respond immediately, however, most will not feel the true benefit until several treatments have been administered. We recommend a series of six infusions over a two to three week period.  

WILL I GET BETTER?

It is possible to undergo ketamine infusion therapy and have no beneficial effect. Patients must make their own decision to voluntarily proceed knowing it may have no beneficial effect. However, the data from many studies and practitioner-generated data suggest that up to 70% of patients will have significant improvement of their symptoms.

CAN I GET ADDICTED?

Studies and clinical experience have found that in the very low doses used, in a medical setting, with lack of access at home and infrequent dosing, there is virtually no potential for addiction or abuse.

DO I NEED TO STOP MY MEDICATIONS?

Some medications have the potential to interfere, such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Valium, or Klonopin), or amphetamine-based stimulants (Adderall or Ritalin).  Please do not stop any medication prior to discussion with your prescribing provider. 

WHAT MEDICAL CONDITIONS WILL EXCLUDE ME FROM KETAMINE TREATMENT?

Uncontrolled high blood pressure or any serious cardiac or respiratory conditions need to be disclosed to avoid complications.

DO I NEED SOMEONE WITH ME?

You will need a responsible adult to take you home. You will not be able to drive for 12-24 hours after the infusion.

CAN I EAT AND BEFORE THE INFUSION?

Yes, however, we prefer your last large meal to have been at least two hours prior.  Please drink plenty of water!  This will help mediate any potential side effects during and after the infusion.

IS THIS TREATMENT COVERED BY MY INSURANCE?

Ketamine infusion therapy is not a service typically reimbursed by insurance companies. However, depending upon your individual medical insurance plan, some portion of the treatment may be eligible for partial reimbursement. Each new patient makes it more likely that insurance companies will add this treatment to their plan of covered services. We do not submit to any insurance company but can provide documentation of your treatments upon request.