Ketamine Infusion Therapy

Ketamine is an anesthetic medication that, in low doses, can help manage chronic pain and treatment-resistant depression. It works differently than traditional medications by targeting NMDA receptors in the brain and spinal cord, helping to reset nerve activity and reduce symptoms.

• Chronic neuropathic pain (e.g., CRPS, fibromyalgia, postherpetic neuralgia)
• Treatment-resistant depression
• PTSD
• Severe anxiety or bipolar disorder (in select cases)
• Phantom limb pain
• Migraines or cluster headaches (in some cases)

• Administered through an intravenous (IV) line in a monitored setting
• A low, sub-anesthetic dose is infused over 40 minutes to 4 hours, depending on your condition
• Alters pain perception and mood regulation pathways
• May promote the growth of new nerve connections (neuroplasticity)

• Review your medications with your provider, especially sedatives or psychiatric meds
• No food for 6 hours and no clear liquids for 2 hours before treatment (unless told otherwise)
• Arrange for transportation home — you cannot drive yourself
• Wear comfortable clothing and bring headphones or a sleep mask if desired

• You will be seated or lying comfortably in a quiet room
• An IV line will be placed in your arm
• You will be monitored for heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen
• The room may be dimmed, and you'll be encouraged to relax
• A nurse or provider will be nearby to monitor your response

• Light-headedness or floating sensation
• Visual or auditory distortions ("dream-like" state)
• Numbness or tingling in hands or face
• Temporary increase in heart rate or blood pressure
• Emotional release or mild euphoria
• Most effects wear off shortly after the infusion ends

These effects are normal and temporary.

• You'll rest in the clinic until you're cleared to leave
• You may feel tired, slightly off-balance, or emotionally sensitive
• Do not drive, drink alcohol, or make important decisions for 24 hours
• Many patients feel better within hours to days; effects may build over several sessions

• Nausea or dizziness
• Headache
• Blurry vision or sensitivity to light
• Anxiety or emotional shifts during the infusion
• Increased blood pressure or heart rate
• Rare: confusion, agitation, or hallucinations (usually brief and treatable)

• Most protocols involve a series of infusions (e.g., 2–6 over 1–3 weeks), followed by maintenance treatments
• Your provider will adjust the schedule based on your response and condition
• May be combined with other treatments like therapy or physical rehabilitation