Discover how Vancouver Ketamine Infusions can relieve treatment-resistant depression and chronic pain.
Benefits of Ketamine Infusion
Since the first study by Berman and colleagues in 2000 (1), Ketamine has gradually been used more in non-traditional ways; treating medicine resistant depression and other mood disorders, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS/RSD), and other pain conditions. In the last decade, a great deal of clinical research has been conducted by leading institutions all over the world proving IV (intravenous) ketamine’s efficacy in the treatment of these conditions; regularly reporting around a 75% success rate or higher. Yale University, Stanford University, The Cleveland Clinic, USC, UCLA, NYU, The National Institute of Mental Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, and The Black Dog Institute are just a few of those institutions.
Berman RM, Cappiello A, Anand A, et al.: Antidepressant effects of ketamine in depressed patients. Biol Psychiatry 2000; 47:351–354 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is an anesthetic that has been used on humans and animals since the 1960s, both in Europe and the USA. Its ability to anesthetize patients quickly and safely, with few side effects, was quickly realized by the medical community; it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1970. It rapidly became a necessity for doctors all over the world because it does not depress breathing or circulatory systems like other anesthetics including opiates, barbiturate analgesics, and halogenated ethers. Ketamine is commonly used as a pain killer for this reason, especially for severe injuries and in crisis situations where slowing respiration and circulation is a major problem. It’s also very fast-acting.
How soon will I feel better?
For mood disorder patients, some will begin to feel better within hours of their 3rd or 4th infusion. Patients with thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation often notice those thoughts and feelings dissipate first. There is often a dramatic relief from dread and hopelessness. Other patients may not notice any improvement in their mood until the day after the 4th or 5th infusion. Some patients will require more infusions and more time following their infusions before feeling significantly better. It is important to note that the results of ketamine can be sudden and dramatic, but they are not always. It is common for patients to see gradual, subtle improvement.
Ketamine Essential to World Health Organization
Ketamine is one of only two anesthetics listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an “essential drug”. The WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations concerned with international public health. Their essential drugs are “those drugs that satisfy the health care needs of the majority of the population; they should therefore be available at all times in adequate amounts and in appropriate dosage forms, at a price the community can afford”. WHO’s essential drugs are the basis for many countries’ national drugs policy.
Vancouver Ketamine Infusion Experience
Many patients recline and listen to relaxing music. Patients generally close their eyes and relax during the procedure. Ketamine reaches the brain within seconds and some people report a sense of disassociation where they lose awareness of their body. This is not usually unpleasant in any way but can be startling to some patients. The important thing to remember is that the treatment is safe and you are in expert hands in a medical facility with all the necessary safety and monitoring equipment. Our team is highly trained to handle a wide variety of situations and when needed, additional medications can be administered to aid in safety and relaxation.
Our Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologists will monitor you for comfort and effect during treatment to see how you are responding to infusion therapy. In some cases, feelings of nausea can occur, particularly in people who suffer from motion sickness. This can be managed with a prescription antiemetic given before, during, or after your infusion.
You will feel relatively normal shortly after the treatment is complete, usually within 20-30 minutes. Lingering side effects tend to dissipate within a few hours of your visit. Fatigue is the most common, but still short-lived as it generally goes away after a meal and a full night of sleep. We require a responsible adult to drive you home after your infusions. You will not be able to drive for the remainder of the day, resume work, or operate heavy machinery, so plan accordingly.
