How Often Are Ketamine Infusions Administered?

Ketamine infusions are a great way to treat severe depression, suicidal thoughts, PTSD and other mental health complications. It is often effective in instances where other types of treatment such as antidepressant medication fail.

It is helpful to have a complete understanding of how many and how often ketamine infusions are needed during the treatment process.

An overview of ketamine infusions

The use of ketamine in mental health is relatively new, although the drug has been used for anesthetic and pain relief purposes for years. Thus far, the effects of ketamine infusions for patients with depression have been positively stunning.

The following is an overview of the treatment process for ketamine infusions. 

How many treatments are required?

The number of sessions required during the ketamine infusions process varies. It depends on the purpose of treatment, the effectiveness of the first few sessions and a variety of other factors. In general, patients who receive ketamine infusions as treatment for depression or a mood disorder typically receive between three and six treatments over the course of several weeks. After the first and second sessions, the infusions may be adjusted depending on the quality of the results and side effects.

The exact number of treatments depends on the severity of the condition before treatment, the success after each ketamine infusion and the preference of the patient. 

How long does it take to see results?

Some patients see positive results within an hour after the first session, while some may not start to feel better until after two or three sessions. Although a sudden dramatic positive impact does happen from time to time, the results are typically gradual and patients to feel a little better after each session. With that said, certain symptoms such as suicidal thoughts often reduce after the very first session.

Compared to other forms of treatment, ketamine infusions work much faster. Typical antidepressant medication often takes several weeks to take effect, if they work at all. Cognitive-behavioral therapy may take even longer in many instances. 

What complications can ketamine infusions treat?

There are many reasons to consider seeking ketamine infusion, which often works in times other forms of treatment do not. Perhaps the most common reason psychiatrists recommend ketamine infusions is to treat severe depression. It is also often successful with mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress and anxiety.

Some mental health professionals may recommend other forms of treatment before starting ketamine infusions. It is also important for patients who receive ketamine infusion treatment to not have a drug or alcohol addiction, be pregnant or be at high risk of heart failure. 

Find out more about ketamine infusions

If you are interested in finding out if ketamine infusions are right for you, then reach out to us and schedule a time to visit with us here at our facility. We can determine if it is the most appropriate form of treatment for you and go over the treatment process with you, answering any questions and addressing any concerns you have along the way. 

Request an appointment here: https://futurepsychsolutions.com or call Future Psych Solutions at (803) 335-5232 for an appointment in our Columbia office.

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