IV Ketamine Treatment FAQs
1. What mental health conditions are suitable for IV Ketamine treatment at our clinic?
At InnerVision Psychiatry, we focus on evidence-based care for challenging mental health issues. Our current literature indicates that IV Ketamine effectively treats major depressive disorder, bipolar depression (both without psychosis), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder shows mixed outcomes with Ketamine, with some studies indicating positive results while others show no response.
As of now, there’s no proven effectiveness of Ketamine in treating cognitive disorders like dementia, autism, or Down’s syndrome, and eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder.
2. What health conditions may disqualify me from IV Ketamine treatment?
- Past allergic reaction to Ketamine
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Pregnant women or those actively trying to conceive
3. What medical conditions may need further workup or clearance?
Recent history (within the past 12 months) of a heart attack or stroke will require a clearance letter from your cardiologist or neurologist, respectively.
History of intracranial hypertension or current VP shunt will require clearance from their neurologist or neurosurgeon.
Breastfeeding mothers may be considered after careful precautions.
4. What mental health conditions may disqualify me from IV Ketamine therapy?
Those diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or active substance abuse disorders aren’t suitable candidates.
If a first-degree relative has been diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, we’ll need to assess your case carefully, weighing the risks versus benefits.
5. How does Ketamine work?
To be transparent, the exact mechanism of Ketamine isn’t completely understood. However, it is known to bind to various receptors in the body, with the NMDA and AMPA receptors believed to be the most significant.
Ketamine’s binding prompts a receptor cascade, leading to increased glutamate, which in turn activates AMPA receptors. This triggers the rapamycin pathway, boosting dendritic spine density or “neuroplasticity”.
This increased neuroplasticity could be the main driver of Ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effect. Other receptors like sigma-1, the norepinephrine transporter (NET), m-opioid receptors, and the serotonin transporter (SERT) may also play a part.
6. Could these low-dose IV Ketamine treatments harm my bladder?
Bladder damage due to low-dose IV Ketamine treatment has not been proven in scientific literature. While high-dose illicit Ketamine abuse may cause hemorrhagic cystitis, no clinical data links our treatment method to this condition.
A small risk of interstitial cystitis exists, but its association with low-dose IV Ketamine treatment is uncertain and thought to be incredibly low. If it does occur, it usually surfaces early in treatment, and we can adjust the protocol to lessen the effects.
7. Is the IV Ketamine treatment you offer addictive?
Simply put, no. Our low-dose IV Ketamine treatment, carried out under close clinical supervision, doesn’t lead to addiction. While there are cases of addiction to illicit Ketamine, our treatment only begins after a comprehensive clinical interview, ensuring suitability.
8. How many IV Ketamine treatments will I require until I notice improvement?
This varies among clients. Some experience improvements after the first treatment, while others may require up to six treatments or more. We don’t see Ketamine as a quick fix, but as a medication that, with the right dosing and duration, can yield significant results. For this reason, we sell our treatments in packages, not as individual sessions.
9. What’s the frequency of maintenance treatments after the initial treatments?
After your initial six treatments, if you choose to proceed, we’ll discuss your results and treatment goals. Treatment frequency will vary based on your needs, from once every month to semi-annually. This is a collaborative decision between you and our psychiatrists.
10. What is the VIP low-dose IV ketamine treatment option?
Our VIP low-dose IV ketamine treatment option provides the same trusted therapy but in a private setting. Unlike our standard sessions, the VIP option allows you to undergo treatment in your own individual room, ensuring a personalized and exclusive experience.
It’s an upgrade for those seeking additional privacy and comfort during their session.
11. Are these treatments covered by my insurance?
Currently, insurance does not cover low-dose IV ketamine treatments. However, upon request, we can provide clients with a “superbill” for the initial 1-hour consultation, which they can submit to their insurance carriers for potential reimbursement.
12. What forms of payment do you accept?
Our clinic accepts all major credit and debit cards, and we are HSA and FSA-eligible. If you have an HSA or FSA account, you can use your associated debit card for payment. We do not accept cash or checks. In addition, we also offer Care Credit as a financing option for your convenience.
