What is ketamine?
Ketamine was first invented in 1961. It was originally used as an anesthetic agent in the operating room and post-operative pain medication. It is still used in most countries around the world for these purposes. In fact, it is recognized by the World Health Organization as one of its essential medicines, for these very purposes.
Some 20 years ago, it became apparent that ketamine was having profound effects on some people suffering with depression. Since then, further research has shown that it significantly helps over two thirds of people suffering with depression, PTSD, bipolar disease, addiction/substance misuse and burnout.
How does ketamine work?
Over time depression, PTSD, bipolar disease, and addiction cause glutamine releasing nerves to shrink. It also disturbs internal brain connections involved with the feelings of joy, gratitude, generosity, and motivation. In animal studies, it has been shown that the administration of ketamine causes a rapid regrowth of these nerves and their connections with these other centers of the brains which have lain dormant, waiting to be reawaken.
How do I get an appointment at the ketamine clinic?
Call +1-(505) 544.0638
Or email staff@mdirc.com
You will be scheduled for an initial evaluation. At the time of your initial evaluation, we will do a complete medical and behavioral health questionnaire, as well as a brief physical examination. We will answer any further questions about ketamine treatment at this time including our unique integrative healing approach.
What is ketamine treatment like?
In a word: relaxing. Your customized ketamine treatment is tailored to you. Sit back, listen to your favorite music in a calm, safe enviroment. We will start an intravenous line (IV) of low dose ketamine that lasts about 45 minutes. During this time, you may experience a feeling of euphoria, a dreamlike state, or a sense of being pleasantly outside your body. Simply lay back and enjoy the experience. One of our trained staff will always be close by you. The total time spent here may be 60-90 minutes.
On the day after your ketamine infusion, we welcome you back to the clinic for an herbal foot soak, and other integrated therapy to help facilitate long lasting changes. Depending on your unique needs, you can participate in a group session of breath work meditation.
On the second day after your ketamine infusion, enjoy another round of integrated and holistic medical treatments.
On the third day, a second ketamine infusion may be carried out. Further ketamine infusions will depend upon your progress.
What are the success rates for ketamine infusion?
About one third of people have complete remission of symptoms of depression and PTSD. Two thirds of people have a greater than 50% reduction in their symptoms of depression and PTSD.
The success rate for people suffering with addiction and/or alcohol abuse is measured differently. Success is determined by the percent of people who remain in remission (drug or alcohol free). The published literature for treatment of alcohol abuse and heroin abuse with ketamine infusion indicates a 50% sustained remission rate at 1 year after treatment.
What are the risks of ketamine?
Ketamine is a medically safe drug. It tends to cause very mild increases in blood pressure or heart rate. It slightly dilates airways, making it easier to breathe. It may cause a slight increase in salivation. A small percentage of people experience some nausea or a mild headache. These physiological effects typically wear off within 15 minutes of completing the infusion.
Ketamine does have psychological effects, including changes in mood, perception, thinking processes. It gears you down. These are being used to your advantage to treat your depression, PTSD, addiction.
As with any medication with significant psychological effects, there is a risk of abuse/addiction. In a controlled medical setting, this risk is small, but clearly not 0. This is why we provide integrated alternative medical options for long term, self sufficient care.
How long will the benefits of ketamine infusion last?
Most studies indicate that the benefit lasts from 8-12 weeks.
If you do nothing else…
In our clinic, we recommend to you other evidence-supported treatment programs, that in and of themselves, have been shown to have significant positive effects on burnout, depression, PTSD, bipolar disease, addiction/substance misuse. Engaging in these other treatment programs is very likely to result in a much longer or sustained remission of your symptoms.
When is Ketamine not appropriate?
Ketamine is not recommended for people with schizophrenia or other active psychosis and it is not recommended for people in the manic phase of bipolar disease.
We do not recommend ketamine infusion if you are actively abusing alcohol or other drugs.
If you are currently being treated with benzodiazepines (Valium, Ativan, Xanax, etc.), ketamine infusion is typically less effective.
If you are currently being treated with amphetamine-like medications (Ritalin, Adderall, phentermine), we recommend that you not take these medications for 36 hours before the infusion.
Ketamine infusion is usually very safe in the presence of most other medical conditions. If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, uncontrolled rapid heart rhythm, untreated thyroid disease, severe heart/liver/kidney disease, we may recommend delaying treatment until these other problems are safely addressed.
Will insurance cover the cost of ketamine infusion?
Unfortunately, not at this time.
What is the cost of long term depression, PTSD, and drug dependency?
People with serious mental illness earn, on average, $16,000 less than their mentally well counterparts.
Reduced earnings and a lower likelihood of being, or staying, married compound the problem. The mentally ill are at higher risk of poverty than their peers.
What is the cost of treatment?
Because of the social challenges mentioned above, we operate on a sliding scale. We ask you to bring in proof of your income, at the time of your initial evaluation. And remember, Karma is real.
The cost of the initial evaluation ranges from $75-250.
The cost of each ketamine infusion ranges from $100-600.
The cost of other treatments, including Chinese herbal foot soaks, Chinese herbs for use at home, acupuncture treatment, massage treatment, gasotransmitter therapy, treatment, breath work meditation are available upon request. We strive to make all of these treatments affordable.
It is our commitment, that ketamine infusion be available for all military veterans, law-enforcement personnel, and first responders, regardless of their ability to pay. Ask us
Payments are accepted in cash, credit card, money orders.
Do I stop my other medications on the day of ketamine infusion?
We have you hold amphetamine-like medications (Ritalin, Adderall, phentermine), for 36 hours before the infusion.
We recommend that you be weaned off benzodiazepines by your prescribing doctor before undergoing ketamine infusion. The positive effects of ketamine infusion seem to be diminished for those who are concurrently taking benzodiazepines.
Do not use alcohol on the day of infusion.
It is safe to take any of your usual antidepressant medications on the day of infusion.
And of course, take all of your other prescribed medications, as you normal would, on the day of the infusion.