Ketamine History and FDA Approval
Ketamine is often viewed as a dangerous drug due to its illegal uses on the streets where it is
taken in high doses, which in fact is very dangerous and even sometimes deadly. However, the use of small doses of ketamine as treatment for mood disorder has been gaining more attention in recent years with impressive results to show for it. These ketamine treatments have shown to be very safe and capable of producing rapid and profound antidepressant effects, which have proven short- and long-term effectiveness. The treatments have become an exciting new development that may soon be considered for approval by the FDA, as it can offer relief from symptoms and has fewer side effects than many alternatives; which leads to the question, if ketamine treatments are effective and safe why has the FDA not approved them?
For starters, the FDA has long ago approved the use of ketamine in much higher doses to be used for anesthesia and sedation purposes. Now that the drug is being looked at to treat mental disorders in smaller doses, they are required to evaluate completely different data regarding these smaller dose treatments in order to formulate an approval decision. This takes time and is not necessarily a high priority for the FDA since they have approved ketamine as afe and appropriate for other uses already. They took the step of approving a nasal spray that is being used under supervision of healthcare professionals since this was a different chemical and technically a new medication. Like the nasal ketamine treatment, the IV infusions are monitored by a professional as well and the ketamine is administered slowly over a hour-long period instead of a nasal dose all inhaled at once. Therefore, many professionals are optimistic about the FDA approval in the future. Until that point many clinics are still offering the treatment, but insurance companies are frequently issuing partial reimbursements through appeal, as they are not able to cover the entirety of the cost. The link below will go more in-depth on current testing and results coming from ketamine treatments for chronic pain and antidepressant use.
How to Start IV Infusions
First, it is important that you discuss this treatment option with you PCP (Primary Care
Provider). This is necessary for basic lab tests prior to treatment, and will be helpful when
looking for insurance to cover parts of the treatment. Also, it is important to continue to see a psychiatrist and/or therapist while considering and receiving ketamine treatments to monitor and adjust regular psychiatric plans and medications as necessary. It is important to us at KetAssure that you are officially diagnosed with a mood disorder prior to treatment. This ensures that the treatment is appropriate for you and has the potential to be effective in addressing those disorders. Once you have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or any other mood related disorder you will then set up a screening appointment prior to your first IV infusion treatment. This is just a short conversation usually around fifteen to thirty minutes with our medical professionals at KetAssure to meet you in person and talk you through everything again as well as answer any other questions you may have.
Early Treatment
Starting the treatment includes loading infusions, which are the initial treatments in the first three weeks of IV therapy. There are six loading sessions that will give the licensed provider
monitoring your treatment an understanding of the effectiveness of the treatment for you, as well as to get your body acclimated to the ketamine. The treatment tends to be very effective in immediately addressing your mental health issues, and once the loading sessions are complete it will allow you to have the lasting effects from the treatment for weeks at a time. After the initial six treatments patients tend to come in for their ongoing treatment needs every 6-12 weeks. It is also important that you plan a ride home after every session.
Visit the KetAssure website to learn more about ketamine and look over other FAQs: Ketassure.com
The Feels
Many people are worried about how the ketamine is going to make them feel during the infusion. For starters, you do not need to be scared coming into the treatment because you should always know that if you are ever overwhelmed or uncomfortable at any time the medical professional overseeing the infusion can shut off the IV drip and the feeling will wear off within 10 minutes. As for how the ketamine treatments will actually make you feel while in the treatment room can be slightly different experiences from person to person.
1. Relaxation or dissociation – the patients describe it almost like a relaxing dream
where they experience a sensation of “floating” or “lightness”.
2. Happy or euphoric – this is a common response because ketamine naturally will make
you feel blissful and talkative. This is why it can offer you instant relief from your pain
and worry.
3. Heightened senses – some patients become more aware of the joyful things around
them. For example, many patients listen to music so heightened senses could allow you
to more aware of certain instruments in your music. This could also mean you are seeing
an intensity of colors or feeling the softness of your blanket.
4. Memories – ketamine can offer some patients a safe way to revisit past memories or
even trauma that they usually would avoid, and this will allow them to revisit them while
in a happy and blissful headspace.
Every IV infusion experience varies from person to person and infusion to infusion, but for
simplicity many people will also describe it as a feeling of tipsiness like what you would receive from a few cocktails.
After Infusion
Once your infusion is complete your IV will be removed and there will be a period of 15-30
minutes where you stay at the clinic. This time is used for you to “cool down” post treatment as well as a short observation period for the medical professional overseeing your treatment to make sure you are good to go home. You will receive IV saline during this time to help flush away any metabolites so the Ketamine does not cause bladder irritation. Many people say they will immediately have relief from their feelings of depression or anxiety right as they walk out the clinic doors. They even find themselves being more social and productive. However, even if you feel like everything is solved it is important to check in with your therapist or mental health professional to maintain ongoing support. This will help monitor your health so you know how the effects of the therapy will decline for you overtime and can plan appointments for future treatments accordingly.
Helpful Articles on Ketamine Therapy:
- Written by Yale Medicine on the logistics behind ketamine being effective to treat
depression
- Washington Post article that speaks on individuals who have struggled with suicidal
thoughts or actions and were unable to find relief until ketamine therapy.
- Harvard health article touching on the different types of ketamine, more about how
ketamine therapy works, and some potential
KetAssure IV Infusion Clinic
1200 N 4th St.
Effingham, IL 62401
(217)-636-1444
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