IV Ketamine Treatment in Pennsylvania
Effective depression treatment in PA.
Ketamine is approved by the FDA for use in adults for anesthesia and as a pain reliever during medical procedures. As a low-dose infusion, ketamine may provide relief of symptoms related to depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). For individuals suffering from severe depression, OCD, and treatment-resistant PTSD, ketamine infusions can provide life-changing symptom relief.
Ketamine has been safely administered as an anesthetic in a hospital setting for decades, and recently small doses of ketamine have shown promise as a treatment for psychiatric ailments that have resisted other forms of treatment, including traditional therapy and other medications.
In an effort to provide our clients with treatment that is as convenient as it is effective, we offer intravenous ketamine infusions as an outpatient treatment for qualified clients in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Currently we offer IV ketamine therapy at our Washington clinic only.
We carefully monitor patient response to IV ketamine treatments and adjust the treatment plan as necessary, but many clients can expect to experience a favorable response within the first week to two weeks of treatment.
At New Directions Mental Health, we are unwavering in our commitment to ensuring the highest standards of treatment administration for our patients. Our approach to IV Ketamine treatment is built on a foundation of excellence and safety, where the treatment process is conducted under the direct supervision of a team of experienced professionals, including attending psychiatrists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and highly skilled nurses. This multi-disciplinary collaboration ensures that every client receives the utmost care and attention, with a focus on their well-being, comfort, and individual needs. We take pride in adhering to the most stringent standards of care, prioritizing the health and recovery of our patients, and upholding the trust they place in us as a mental health care provider.
What is Ketamine?
WHAT IS KETAMINE?
WHAT DOES KETAMINE TREAT?
How can I get evaluated for IV Ketamine therapy?
How Effective Is IV Ketamine in Treating Depression?
A study conducted by the National Library of Medicine determined that ketamine may provide “rapid, robust, but transient” antidepressant effects in people suffering from Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Depression, making it particularly effective in relieving suicidal ideation.
An independent 2019 study also concluded that ketamine is an effective treatment for depressive symptoms, drawing from a quarter-century of clinical experience and reports. This study included both children and adults and examined the efficacy of ketamine used alone as well as in combination with other depression treatments such as antidepressant medication.
Studies from Yale and other institutions have suggested that over half of patients experience relief after one ketamine treatment, and many more find relief after a course of multiple treatment sessions.
What Are the Side Effects of IV Ketamine?
The side effects of ketamine therapy vary in severity from mild headaches to more serious dissociative and addictive side effects. Before beginning ketamine therapy or any treatment, it’s important to talk to your doctor about what to expect during and after treatment. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, and increased heart rate. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic. You may have changes in perception, an “out-of-body” or floating experience, a feeling of detachment from yourself or your environment, or other sensory changes. Common side effects of ketamine therapy include:- Dizziness + floating sensations
- Distorted vision
- Mild hallucinations
- Decreased feeling or sensitivity
- Feelings of numbness or disconnectedness
- Increased blood pressure
- Nausea + vomiting
- Euphoria
Ketamine FAQs
Who is IV Ketamine recommended for?
Numerous studies show ketamine may help in the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. Ketamine may help improve symptoms quickly (a few hours to 24 hours). Symptom relief may last several days to a few months. A series of infusions is recommended to increase the duration of symptom relief. While the goal is to improve symptoms, individual results cannot be guaranteed.
What is the IV Ketamine procedure like?
You will be receiving ketamine by IV infusion over 40 minutes. An IV will be inserted into a vein in your hand or arm. Ketamine will be infused by a pump into your vein. During the infusion your level of sedation, heart rhythm, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respirations will be monitored and recorded. After the infusion, you will remain in the office to recover. You may take sips of fluid and eat a light snack during the recovery period. For depression, current research recommends six infusions over two to three weeks. Based on your symptoms, additional maintenance treatments, called booster infusions, may or may not be suggested by your healthcare provider.
What should I expect on the day of treatment?
On the day of your scheduled ketamine infusion, we kindly request that you arrive at the clinic 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. To ensure a smooth and effective procedure, please wear a short-sleeve shirt or a tank top for easy access to the treatment area.
In preparation for your appointment, our dedicated treatment team will provide you with detailed guidelines concerning dietary restrictions, beverage consumption, and any necessary medication adjustments. If you rely on medically necessary items such as an inhaler, glucose monitor, or CPAP/BIPAP, we ask that you bring these items with you to the treatment center for your convenience and safety. Please be advised that the use of any illegal substances is strictly prohibited before, during, and after your infusion sessions.
Furthermore, we encourage our clients to bring personal comfort items that will aid in relaxation during the procedure. These may include headphones for listening to music or meditation apps, an eye mask, and stress balls.
What other forms of ketamine treatment are available?
We also offer SPRAVATO nasal spray for treatment of major depressive disorder. Learn more on our SPRAVATO page.
Learn More About IV Ketamine for Depression at New Directions Mental Health
Our staff understands the importance of community, and that’s why we are so dedicated to serving the people and communities that helped raise us by providing exceptional treatment for depression. For more information about our individual providers, please reach out to us at 724.374.7414. We look forward to serving your needs and the needs of your community.
By working together to find a treatment that meets your needs, we can help you understand the source of your pain and begin down the road toward healing. Call New Directions Mental Health at 724.374.7414 or fill out our online contact form for more information about IV ketamine treatment or to schedule a consultation.