Your Questions Answered
Ketamine therapy uses carefully administered, low doses of ketamine in a medically supervised setting. IV ketamine is used off-label for certain mental health conditions, with the strongest research supporting its use for treatment-resistant depression. Research is also exploring its potential benefits for anxiety, PTSD and other difficult-to-treat mental health conditions.
Ketamine primarily affects the brain’s glutamate system, including NMDA and AMPA receptor activity. Researchers believe these effects may influence neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and form new neural connections—which may contribute to improvements in mood and emotional processing. The exact mechanisms are still being studied.
For mental health treatment at K Plus Clinics, the IV ketamine infusion itself typically lasts about 40 minutes. Additional time is needed before and after the infusion for preparation, monitoring and recovery, so patients should plan for a longer overall appointment.
You’ll relax in a comfortable treatment setting while ketamine is administered gradually through an IV. Some patients experience temporary changes in perception, relaxation, lightheadedness or a dreamlike feeling. Our medical team monitors your vital signs and overall well-being throughout the infusion. After treatment, you’ll have time to recover before leaving with your designated driver.
Ketamine is known for its potential to work more quickly than many conventional antidepressants. Some patients notice changes in their symptoms within hours or days, while others may require several infusions before noticing improvement. Every patient responds differently, and results cannot be guaranteed.
The duration of improvement varies considerably from person to person. Some patients experience benefits for days or weeks following treatment, while others may require ongoing maintenance. After the initial loading series, your response can be evaluated to determine whether booster infusions may be appropriate.
Ketamine has been used in medical settings for decades and is FDA-approved as an anesthetic. Its use for psychiatric conditions is considered off-label. When ketamine is administered in an appropriate clinical setting, patients can be screened beforehand and monitored throughout treatment. Temporary side effects can include dizziness, nausea, changes in perception, dissociation and increases in blood pressure or heart rate. Ketamine is not appropriate for everyone, which is why a medical evaluation is required before treatment.
Ketamine therapy may be considered for adults experiencing conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, anxiety or PTSD, particularly when conventional treatments have not provided adequate relief. Candidacy depends on your medical history, mental health history, current medications and other individual factors. Every new patient at K Plus Clinics completes an evaluation to determine whether ketamine therapy is an appropriate treatment option.
Ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic, but its use for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and bipolar depression is considered off-label.
Off-label prescribing is a common medical practice in which healthcare providers use an FDA-approved medication for a condition or in a manner not included in its approved labeling when they determine it may be appropriate for an individual patient.
Research is strongest for treatment-resistant depression, while evidence for other mental health conditions continues to develop. At K Plus Clinics, each patient receives an individualized medical evaluation to determine whether IV ketamine therapy may be an appropriate treatment option.
While generally well-tolerated, ketamine therapy may cause temporary side effects such as mild dissociation, dizziness, nausea, or changes in perception. These effects typically subside shortly after the infusion. Our medical professionals will discuss potential side effects with you and address any concerns before starting treatment.
The number of ketamine therapy sessions required can vary based on the individual and the condition being treated. Typically, a series of sessions is recommended to achieve optimal results. Our medical professionals will create a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.
Contrary to popular belief, the use of ketamine does not pose a risk of neurological addiction. Neurological addiction typically arises when the brain becomes dependent on an external substance, usually a drug, to regulate certain neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. This dependence leads to a reduction in the brain’s natural production of these neurotransmitters. As a result, users may encounter physical consequences such as withdrawal symptoms, fatigue and even seizures if they abruptly cease using the drug.
However, ketamine operates differently and does not foster neurological addiction. Unlike substances like oxycontin, morphine, and other similar drugs, ketamine does not lead to a depletion of neurotransmitter production in the brain. Therefore, users can discontinue ketamine usage without experiencing adverse physical side effects.
We advise scheduling your treatments on a non-working day. You should be able to resume normal activities the day after your treatment.
Depending on the dosage and individual response, you may experience residual effects after the treatment. Having someone to help with basic tasks or provide assistance if needed can be beneficial.
The number of ketamine therapy sessions required can vary based on the individual and the condition being treated. Typically, a series of sessions is recommended to achieve optimal results. Our medical professionals will create a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.
Yes, follow-up appointments are essential to assess your progress, address any questions or concerns, and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Our medical team will work closely with you to ensure continued support and optimal results.
No, ketamine therapy is generally not covered by insurance. However, we offer flexible payment options and will work with you to find a suitable financial solution. Our priority is to make ketamine therapy accessible to as many individuals as possible, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for more information on payment options and potential reimbursement possibilities.