What Is a Ketamine Infusion and What Is It Used For?

Feeling down? Depressed? You’ve tried the usual antidepressants, and they haven’t worked. You’re ready to try something different.

Enter ketamine infusion therapy. Ketamine is new to the medical scene and is gaining popularity due to its wide-ranging uses.

Read on to discover what ketamine is, what it can treat, and what to look for in a reputable medical clinic.

What Is Ketamine Infusion?

Ketamine infusion is a medical procedure that uses an intravenous (IV) infusion to give ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic. During a ketamine infusion, a solution of ketamine is put into the bloodstream slowly and steadily over a certain amount of time.

Infusions of ketamine are usually done in a controlled medical setting, like a hospital or clinic, by trained medical professionals. The dose and length of the infusion can change depending on how it will be used and the patient.

The process usually starts with putting the patient in a comfortable position and an IV line into a vein, usually in the arm. The IV line then gives the ketamine solution, which goes straight into the bloodstream. Healthcare providers usually keep a close eye on the infusion to ensure the right amount is given and to deal with possible side effects or complications.

What Is It Used For?

Ketamine infusions are typically used to treat certain medical conditions, particularly those related to chronic pain, psychiatric disorders, and treatment-resistant depression. Here are some specific uses of ketamine infusion therapy:

Chronic Pain Management

Ketamine can help relieve pain. It can also be used to treat conditions like neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). It helps the brain and spinal cord change how pain signals are sent.

Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)

Ketamine infusion therapy has gotten much attention because it might help people with severe depression who haven’t gotten better with other treatments.

It may help quickly, sometimes within hours, but the effects are often short-lived and must be treated again.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Infusions of ketamine have shown promise in reducing PTSD symptoms. These symptoms include intrusive thoughts, being too alert, and trying to avoid things. It can help people deal with traumatic events and feel better emotionally.

Anxiety Disorders

Some anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), might be helped by ketamine infusion therapy. It can help lessen the effects of anxiety and improve life.

Bipolar Disorder

People with bipolar disorder may be able to get rid of their depressive symptoms quickly with ketamine. But it should be used with care because it can make some people feel manic or hypomanic, which means they must be closely watched. 

The efficacy of ketamine infusions for personality disorders is greatly recommended. In addition to its known uses, it should be used carefully to avoid causing manic or hypomanic episodes. This would require careful monitoring and changes to the treatment plan.

Discover Relief Through Ketamine Infusion

A ketamine infusion is a safe, non-addictive treatment for mental health patients. Not only is it an effective alternative to traditional antidepressants, but it can also be used to help with chronic pain.

If you’re interested in learning more about ketamine infusion and the benefits it provides, speak to your doctor today.

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