Since we started our mission at Lakeside Med Spa & IV Lounge, we made it clear that we want to support you both inside and out. We are passionate about helping you look your best but also to help you feel your best! To that end, we are thrilled to announce that we are offering Ketamine infusions for the treatment of depression, PTSD, anxiety, CRPS, chronic pain and a myriad of other ailments.
It sounds intriguing but Ketamine’s use outside of anesthesia offers so many benefits and is growing in popularity! Let’s dive into what it actually is and how it works!
WHAT IS KETAMINE?
Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic that’s been used on battlefields and in operating rooms. Ketamine has been used for over 50 years and has undergone a tremendous amount of research for treatment-resistant mental health disorders.
The lowest effective doses of IV Ketamine can be used to allow the maximum benefit while attempting to keep side effects at a minimum. It is generally used only when first-line therapy has failed.
There are two types of Ketamine used to treat depression.
- Racemic ketamine, also referred to as Intravenous Ketamine, is the most effective and most thoroughly researched.
- Esketamine (Spravato) was approved by the FDA in March of 2019 and is given as a nasal spray.
BENEFITS:
- Fast Results: Mainstream approaches such as antidepressant medications, talk therapy, TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) and ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) take weeks at best to produce results. Ketamine works quickly (often within hours) by increasing glutamate-the neurotransmitter that helps the brain repair neural pathways damaged by chronic depression, PTSD and so on. Studies show that more than half of the patients who receive Ketamine Infusions experience relief of some symptoms after a single treatment. Greater relief is often achieved with subsequent treatments.
- Long-Lasting Results: Symptom relief lasts! Because ketamine infusions cause positive changes in the brain, relief is long-term! Generally, 6-8 treatments are administered over the course of 2-3 weeks. Maintenance infusion requirements vary patient to patient.
DRAWBACKS:
- Side Effects: Like all treatments, Ketamine is not a magic bullet and not without side effects. It is important to review your case carefully with your provider before engaging in Ketamine infusion therapy. The following side effects may occur during the first infusion and dissipate quickly:
- Mild hallucinations
- Floating sensations
- Fuzzy vision
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Dissociation
- High Blood Pressure
For these reasons, patients must arrange for a ride home after Ketamine infusions. The infusion may/may not be combined with other oral and intravenous medications as tailored to individual patient benefit.
- Potential for Addiction: Ketamines’ reputation as a street drug is misleading. The risk of addiction under supervised medical use is very low.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Ketamine works in two ways. First, it works to reduce inflammation, which has been repeatedly tied to depression and other mood disorders.
Second, it triggers a process called synaptogenesis: When introduced into the body, Ketamine binds to NMDA receptors and increases the amount of glutamate, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Glutamate then activates connections in the AMPA receptor, releasing molecules that support the communication of neurons via new pathways. When combined with other traditional treatment modalities, this allows for faster recovery by changing perspective.
HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?
In collaboration with your other healthcare/mental health professionals, we will plan an infusion schedule after a thorough consultation. Questionnaires are administered, monitors are placed as well as an IV for treatment. In NO WAY does this approach replace other treatments. It exists to aid you in your recovery from your issue(s) of concern. Ryan has 15 years of anesthesia experience and as such, is highly qualified to administer and manage ketamine infusions.
We are thrilled to be adding Ketamine to our menu of intravenous services. We aim to bring hope and healing. By offering this potentially life-altering service in a comfortable spa setting, we are doing our part to remove some of the stigma from the mental health struggles so many face today.
Contact us today to set up a consultation to discuss Ketamine infusions!
Rachel and Ryan