Patients that are on MAO-I type medications such as Isocarboxazid (Marplan), Phenelzine (Nardil), Selegiline (Emsam), or Tranylcypromine (Parnate), need to be tapered off their medication 2 weeks prior to infusions. Patients that are on high doses of benzodiazepines such as Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepan (Ativan), Clonazepam (Klonopin), or Diazepam (Valium) may consider decreasing to lower doses prior to infusion, but they may remain on these medications during the infusion time.

You will need someone to drive you home after a ketamine treatment.

The effects of ketamine are felt very quickly. You will be aware of your surroundings, but you will be unable to carry on with normal daily functions, like having a normal conversation or standing up. You may experience feeling confused, dizzy, or nauseous. Most patients have little to no side effects and any effects quickly subside after the infusion is complete.

The length of treatment will depend on what condition ketamine is being used to treat. You first visit will be a consultation where we will decide together if ketamine is a treatment option for you. During your consultation, we will review your past medical history, discuss ketamine, and review the risk and benefits of the procedure. Our team will be sure to answer all of your questions to assure that you are comfortable and feel fully informed.

If it is mutually agreed upon that ketamine may be beneficial, we will develop an individualized treatment plan. Generally, IV ketamine infusions for mental health and mood disorders are given in a course of 4-6 infusions over the course of approximately two weeks. Clinical trials have consistently shown a 70-75% success rate with this approach. When you arrive for your treatment, your vital signs will be checked and an IV will be started.

Ketamine is a NMDA receptor antagonist.