What You Should Know About Ketamine Infusion Therapy

Ketamine has been employed safely and effectively for decades since its development as a sedation medication for medical procedures in the 1960s. More recently, its use has expanded to include a wide variety of psychiatric issues and chronic pain management.

At Ki Ketamine in Stamford, Connecticut, Dr. Peter McAllister and our highly skilled team create personalized ketamine infusion therapy plans and provide treatments tailored to you and your specific needs. We support you physically and emotionally through the process, including offering the companionship of our therapy dog.

Ketamine infusions

Ketamine reduces pain by blocking specific neurotransmitters in the brain. It can also decrease many mental health concerns by encouraging the formation of new neural connections and the repair of ones that have been damaged. This results in the ability to create more positive thoughts and behaviors.

Unlike many mental health medications which can take weeks to take effect (if they work at all), an infusion with ketamine can provide relief quickly. Its benefits can also last for weeks.

Conditions treated

Ketamine infusion therapy has proven successful in several arenas. People with psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have experienced improvement in their symptoms. It can also be used for pain management in individuals suffering from chronic migraines, fibromyalgia, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

Typically this therapy is recommended for those who have not found success with standard protocols. Best results are often obtained by combining ketamine infusions with another treatment such as psychotherapy or counseling for those with mental health issues.

What to expect

Ketamine infusions are done by IV and last about 40 minutes. Your vital signs and oxygen levels are monitored throughout the procedure. We make sure you are comfortable during the infusion and for the 30-45 minute recovery period afterward.

During the treatment you may feel relaxed and sleepy. Some people report feelings of warmth. You may also experience mild dissociation and a sense of floating.

For best long-term results, most individuals receive ongoing regular infusions.

Tips

There are several steps you can take to have the best experience possible.

Use headphones

Music—particularly music without lyrics—can help you relax. Consider finding or creating a playlist of calming music in advance.

Decrease stress

Try to enter the infusion in the best frame of mind you can. Avoid anything that causes extra stress before treatment.

Relax

Try to relax before the infusion through meditation or another activity that works for you. Consider bringing an eye mask to decrease stimulation.

If you've tried other treatments for your emotional issues or physical pain and haven’t found the relief you seek, ketamine infusion therapy may help. Call our office at 203-914-1900 or click here to request an appointment today to learn more.