Ketamine infusion therapy usually has beneficial effects on many clinically depressed patients. Although it is still relatively new as a treatment option for depression, it is becoming more common. It is important to learn about what the treatment involves. This will help you make an informed decision on whether or not it may be right for you. Read on to learn about the treatment process and potential side effects.
Ketamine has been used as an anesthetic from as early as the 1960s. In medical settings, the drug is given intravenously to induce and help maintain anesthesia. Ketamine can also have antidepressant effects in individuals with mood disorders. It is, in some cases, used intravenously to help treat bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.
Ketamine infusion therapy may involve the administration of one infusion or a series of infusions. Depending on one’s needs and response, a doctor may suggest ketamine infusions twice a week for up to six treatments. Patients should not eat any food for eight hours before treatment. Smoking, candy and gum are also not recommended for six hours prior.
Water is okay for up to four hours prior to treatment. Once a patient checks in, a low dose of ketamine will be infused through an IV. This is usually over the course of several minutes. During this period, the doctor and nurse will continually monitor the patient.
During treatment, the patient may experience an altered mental status. But a person will be alert and still be able to talk. Patients have also reported mental confusion, slurred speech, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting. When the infusion is over a person will return to a normal mental state after a short time.
Most times, patients can go home after about 30 minutes. On the day of treatment, it is not advisable for the patient to operate machinery or drive. Caring for others or signing important papers on the same day is also not ideal. People are usually advised to arrange for someone to drive them home. Staying with someone for the rest of the day can also help.
A very low dose of the medication infused over about an hour can have positive effects on depression. It can help with suicidal feelings and in cases that do not respond to standard treatment. It can have a positive effect on patients almost immediately or in a few hours. The relief from a single infusion may last for a few hours or sometimes for one or several weeks. Most patients experience either one or two weeks of relief. But most times, with only one infusion, the depressive symptoms often return after this short interval.
Ketamine infusion therapy can help in the management of mental disorders or even chronic pain. Even though it is usually effective, not all patients experience relief. You should ask your doctor if you are an ideal candidate for the treatment. You should also ask about the potential side effects.
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