KETAMINE

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a medication that was developed in the 1960s and approved by the FDA in 1970 for use as a general anesthetic. Ketamine is recognized as one of the safest, most widely used anesthetics in the world, having been used on both humans and animals for over 50 years.

​

Ketamine has been found to have powerful effects on the way information travels through the brain. This communication enhancement is how it has emerged as an effective tool to fight depression and improve one's outlook on life. The beneficial actions of Ketamine can be seen both in the short term and the long term. For some, the results are instant and life-changing, while for others, it can be gradual. But what we do know is that the results are real.

​

By improving connections and messaging in the brain, ketamine therapy has been a valuable way to improve people's perspective on life. It helps people efficiently sort through the puzzle pieces of their life by progressively removing the ones that do not fit, allowing them a much easier path to build the life they want. This organization allows people the opportunity to live smarter, faster, and happier.

​

What is Ketamine Infusion Therapy (KIT)?

Ketamine Therapy is used to treat several psychiatric conditions but may also play an important role in improving cognition and potentially reducing the risk of some neurological conditions. Ketamine is given in doses much lower than when it is used as an anesthetic and is administered very slowly through an intravenous (IV) infusion. This type of ketamine treatment does not induce general anesthesia and is not FDA approved for these particular conditions.

​

Unlike traditional antidepressants that target the brain's serotonin and noradrenaline systems, ketamine appears to block a receptor called NMDA, which is activated by the neurotransmitter glutamate. Because ketamine works on receptors and not on shifting hormone balances, the effects are dramatically faster. While traditional antidepressants can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks to start taking effect, ketamine starts to work almost immediately, sometimes within minutes, without the notorious side effects of psychiatric medications.

​

Candidates for KIT

Ketamine has FDA approval for use as an anesthetic and, in 2019, received approval for a ketamine nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. KIT utilizes much lower doses than used as an anesthetic and is administered slowly through an intravenous (IV) infusion.

Ketamine Therapy is safe and effective in helping treat several conditions, including mental illness, chronic pain, dementia, and many other diseases and symptoms of brain disease. Ketamine has been helpful for several chronic pain disorders, including complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), ischemic limb pain, phantom limb pain, fibromyalgia, and other neuropathic conditions.

​

Most of this research has involved adults with depression. Globally, it is estimated that depression affects 350 million people. Yet over the past 50 years, drugs to treat depression have not radically changed. This is despite the fact that for around a third of patients, these drugs do not work. This is what makes the prospect of using Ketamine so groundbreaking for medical providers.

​

One of the more exciting and developing uses of Ketamine is for cognitive enhancement, which includes both memory and focus. We are confident research will uncover that ketamine and other psychedelics work as nootropics (brain enhancers) that could directly improve brain function through several mechanisms. This will expand the treatment options for ketamine to include most if not all causes of disease in the brain.

​

Does ketamine work with other mental health therapies?

Clients receiving any mental health counseling or treatment can still find benefit in Ketamine Therapy. In fact, the combination could produce better results. Feel free to bring our literature on Ketamine to your other medical providers or counselors, and they can always contact us if they have any questions.

​

One important factor that makes KIT a great option for multiple health conditions is its safety profile. Ketamine has minimal drug interactions, which makes clients on various medication regimens still candidates for Ketamine Therapy. Your Ketamine Provider will go over your medication list and make sure you are safe for the treatment.

​

Who should NOT receive ketamine therapy?

Some health conditions have been considered as contraindications for KIT, but many times we are able to alter the therapy administration or utilize some of the other therapies available. These conditions include certain heart or cardiovascular conditions, severe liver disease, substance use disorders, and schizophrenia.

​

We do not perform KIT on those who are pregnant or breastfeeding because the risks are not well established. People with uncontrolled high blood pressure or a history of cardiac disease will be cleared for Ketamine Therapy on a case-by-case basis.

​

Expectations for Ketamine Therapy

It is very important to understand the goals of KIT and what to expect when receiving KIT. Depending on the clinic and physician administering the therapy, ketamine can be delivered in different doses and settings. While some doctors will also pre-medicate clients with benzodiazepines to mitigate any dissociative experience. These differences can have a significant impact on the experience and effectiveness of the treatment.

​

In our experience, those who are serious about making change and doing what is necessary to transcend, reflect, and rejuvenate will have success at some level. Those who expect and accept change for their healing, KIT can be a catalyst for this process of growth. Each client's success is determined by their work outside of KIT, which includes lifestyle enhancements, meditation, coaching, and any other opportunities that will help you achieve health and happiness.

​

Many clients are desperate and hoping KIT will rapidly relieve them of their unwanted symptoms, which is understandable. We make it clear, although KIT has a high rate of success, it's still not a magic pill and requires clients to be engaged, disciplined, and accountable to achieve maximal success. Research supports that ketamine itself can provide some therapeutic benefits, but it is the person that makes the key changes through their actions. Unlike other psychedelic medicines whose true mechanism of action is unknown, Ketamine has a more understandable effect on our brains.

​

Dissociation

Some consider the dissociation effect you can experience with KIT as a side effect, but we look at it as a therapeutic opportunity. Dissociation refers to a temporary mental state in which a person can feel 'detached' from their surroundings and their body. This sensation can feel strange, but when explained and anticipated, any fear or anxiety can be channeled into excitement for self-exploration and intrapersonal growth.

​

Despite some backlash regarding ketamine's dissociative mind state that can occur during treatment, we have found this to positively influence therapeutic outcomes. It is dissociation and self-counseling that provide the spiritual and intrapersonal component of psychedelic-healing therapy. Research is divided on whether the level of dissociation is associated with the level of antidepressant success, but from our own observational study, it seems there is an important positive connection.

​

Not everyone has the same level of dissociation, and even when one experiences minimal dissociative effects such as euphoria, visual changes, or the feeling of moving, they still have meaningful experiences. We are always monitoring results and have various tools that can enhance the KIT experience and the overall outcome.

​

The other important note about dissociation is that you can often reduce the dissociative effect by simply by lifting the eye mask or squeezing the arm of the chair to relax and confirm your location. It may seem strange the first time, but most find it to be a pleasant sensation and overall experience.

​

Individualized Approach

Psychedelic healing treatments are inherently individualistic, with each person's journey being unique and deeply personal. As a result, the number of treatments required for a client can vary significantly based on several factors that influence their healing process. It is crucial to understand that the need for more treatments does not reflect any inadequacy in the client or the treatment itself but rather underscores the personalized nature of the therapeutic experience.

​

Several factors contribute to determining the need for additional psychedelic healing treatments:

• Severity of Underlying Issues: Clients with more complex or deeply rooted emotional, psychological, or trauma-related challenges may require a series of sessions to address these issues effectively. The severity of these underlying concerns can extend the treatment timeline.

• Individual Resilience and Coping Abilities: People differ in their ability to integrate and process the insights gained during psychedelic therapy. Clients with limited coping mechanisms or lower psychological resilience may need additional support sessions to facilitate long-term healing.

• Provider trust: The trust between the client and the medical provider and wellness coach can significantly impact the treatment's effectiveness. Some individuals may need more time to build trust and rapport with the team, which can extend the treatment duration. 

• Specific Treatment Goals: The objectives of psychedelic therapy can vary, from addressing specific traumas to focusing on cognitive enhancement, personal growth, and self-discovery. Clients with ambitious or multifaceted treatment goals may require a series of sessions to achieve their desired outcomes.

• Self-care: The degree to which a client engages in their activation plan and follow up with therapeutic support can influence the need for additional treatments. Clients who actively engage in lifestyle modifications, hormone optimization and other forms of self-care, often require fewer sessions, while those who require ongoing support may need more.

• History or previous psychedelic therapies: Clients that have had success with previous psychedelic therapy sessions just need a few treatments to get them back to baseline.  

• External factors: Client's daily life stressors, support systems, and access to resources, can impact the healing process. Clients facing challenging life circumstances may require more sessions to maintain progress.

Common conditions supported by KIT:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• PTSD

• OCD

• Chronic pain

• Bipolar

• Neurodegenerative disease 

• TBI

• Post-concussion syndrome 

• Cognitive enhancement

• Stuck – dysthymia

• Other

​

Ideal Candidates
Ketamine infusions are widely known for the treatment of drug-resistant depression and other mental health issues. Ketamine could be beneficial for someone who has been struggling with symptoms of depression or anxiety, suffering from feeling “stuck” in life, suffering from substance abuse, history of brain trauma, feeling cognitive decline, or suffering from any other symptoms disease-relating to the brain or neurologic system. The ideal candidate would be one that has been working hard on themselves but have not responded to traditional treatments, such as anti-depressants; talk therapy; or lifestyle changes. It is important to note that those with known severe heart disease or uncontrolled hypertension may not be able to consider ketamine until the situations are under control. The exclusion guidelines below are to be used only as a guide.