Ketamine Infusion Therapy Specialist

What is ketamine infusion therapy?

Ketamine infusion therapy is a series of small doses of ketamine, the anesthetic with some psychedelic properties, delivered through an IV. Clinical research is identifying new uses for ketamine, including treatments for depression and some other mental health conditions. 

Intravenous ketamine infusion assisted psychotherapy works differently in your brain than conventional antidepressants. Instead of taking weeks or even months to build up in your body, ketamine starts to act on your NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors and stimulates glutamate activity immediately. Glutamate is one of the many neurotransmitters that regulate your mood, and when these neural pathways are connected, symptoms of depression subside rapidly. 

What conditions improve with ketamine infusion therapy?

Ketamine infusion therapy is an alternative treatment option if you have treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Around 16 million Americans suffer from depression symptoms every year, and up to a third of them don’t get the relief they need from conventional treatments like antidepressants and therapy. 

In addition to TRD, you may benefit from intravenous ketamine infusion assisted psychotherapy if you have other mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bipolar disorder. 

What should I expect during ketamine infusion therapy?

Dr. Gentile creates a personalized treatment plan, but most patients have a series of infusions over two or three weeks. He provides your infusions in the comfort of Wyckoff Wellness Center. 

During your infusion, you relax in a comfortable chair, while Dr. Gentile or another member of the clinical team stays on hand to supervise your treatment. Some patients experience mild dissociation or a floating, out-of-body sensation while they receive the infusion. These side effects subside soon after your infusion is complete. 

After your infusion, you continue to rest while the initial effects of the ketamine wear off. When Dr. Gentile releases you, a friend or family member should drive you home so you can continue to relax. You need a good night’s sleep after your ketamine infusions, but you shouldn’t need to take time off from work or school to recover from your treatments. 

You might start to notice a change in your mood and a reduction in your symptoms within an hour of your first treatment. You should complete your series of treatments to achieve optimal results. Depending on your needs, you may need occasional follow-up treatments to maintain your results. 

If you’re interested in ketamine infusion therapy, call Wyckoff Wellness Center or make an appointment online today.