Ketamine Infusion Therapy from APG…

Ketamine for Mood and Depression

APG’s Dr. Hamed Sadeghipour talks Ketamine

Ketamine is a versatile medication that has gained significant attention in recent years due to its diverse range of therapeutic applications. Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine is now being used in various medical and psychiatric treatments, offering potential benefits for conditions that were previously challenging to manage.

Below, we'll explore some of the key treatments that utilize ketamine.

1. Chronic Pain Management: Ketamine infusion therapy is employed to manage chronic pain conditions, such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and neuropathic pain. Ketamine acts on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the central nervous system, reducing pain perception and improving pain management.

2. Depression and Mood Disorders: Ketamine has shown remarkable potential in the treatment of mood disorders like major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar depression, and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Ketamine infusions can lead to rapid relief of depressive symptoms, often within hours, although the effects may be temporary and require maintenance treatments.

3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Some studies have explored ketamine's effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of PTSD, such as intrusive thoughts and nightmares. Ketamine may help in disrupting traumatic memories and facilitating therapeutic interventions.

4. Anxiety Disorders: Ketamine has demonstrated promise in treating various anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The anxiolytic effects of ketamine can provide relief for individuals who do not respond to traditional treatments.

5. Neurological Disorders: Ketamine is also being studied as a treatment for various neurological conditions, including migraines, cluster headaches, and certain types of seizures. Its ability to modulate glutamate neurotransmission may play a role in reducing the frequency and severity of these conditions.

It's important to note that while ketamine shows promise in these various applications, its use often requires careful medical supervision, proper dosing, and a personalized treatment plan. Additionally, research into the long-term safety and efficacy of ketamine treatments is ongoing. As the medical community continues to explore ketamine's potential, it holds the promise of revolutionizing the way we approach and treat a wide range of medical and psychiatric conditions.

Ketamine Infusion Therapy is a cash service we offer to patients in need. Typically they’re done in 4 individual sessions spaced a week apart. You’ll come into our facility and we’ll get you set up, started and will monitor you. Sessions last approximately 2 hours each, but you’re set up in a comfortable low-light environment with your choice of soothing music. At APG, a full treatment course is $1,600 (or $400 per session), and unfortunately not many insurance companies cover it yet. But don’t let that get in the way of your successful treatment — we offer various finance options to get you through.

If you or your doctor feel a Ketamine Infusion Therapy treatment would benefit you, please contact us for a consultation.

  • Yes. Ketamine has been used in medical settings around the world for more than 50 years. APG follows strict protocols overseen by clinical experts. Our in office infusion is medically guided, controlled and monitored.

  • While there are many versions of ketamine treatments available, the safest way to provide ketamine in a dose-controlled manner is through the use of infusions. In the field of care, we say that delivering ketamine through infusions makes it "100% bioavailable." The medication can be dosed in a precise manner with infusions, and it takes effect at a predictable time.

    Another major advantage to using an infusion is that if a patient has a negative response, the medication can be stopped immediately without delay. When Ketamine is administered through other means, such as through injections, nasal or lozenges, there is no way to "exit" the treatment session in the case of a negative response.

  • During the in-office ketamine treatment sessions, our medical personnel are always available to ensure individuals are comfortable and safe.

    As the treatment begins, you will be taking guidance from trained personnel on site and spend the next hour or so to receive the dose-controlled IV infusion.

    At the start of the infusion, you may not have any noticeable effects, but as the infusion progresses, you may encounter a feeling of "lightness" or "floating," which for some describe as "weight being lifted off their shoulders". Some patients report visions of colors, shapes, and images. Each person's experience can be different, and it can also vary from infusion to infusion. You will be monitored throughout the infusion, and we are prepared to treat any unpleasant side effects during the procedure.

    Once the treatment nears the end, you'll regain awareness of the surrounding space. You'll then spend some time acclimating yourself with help from the clinical team on site. Generally, within 15 minutes of completing the infusion, you will feel fully grounded again, and you will have a sense of clarity and being fully immersed in the present moment. In most cases, your awareness and thinking will be clear within minutes after the session, but as a standard precaution, we require all patients to avoid driving home after their Ketamine treatment session.

    Three common effects just after a ketamine infusion are temporary dizziness, disorientation, and fatigue. Feeling lightheaded or disoriented after the treatment is normal, and this typically goes away quickly. You may feel tired or fatigued after the treatment, which can be easily resolved with sleep. We recommend that you build in time to rest after each session if you should feel tired after one of your sessions. Remember that your experience can vary from session to session, so you may feel tired after some, but not all.

  • The side effects directly after a ketamine session are minimal and usually only last an hour or two. Side effects may include mild drowsiness, nausea, and increased blood pressure.

    We monitor your vital signs throughout the infusion session and will routinely administer medication to prevent nausea. Less common side effects include vivid dreams or agitation, which can be controlled by adjusting the dosage.

  • No, there is no evidence that ketamine infusions at low doses and frequencies used to treat mood disorders lead to dependence or addiction. Research has suggested that ketamine can be an effective treatment for overcoming addiction. If you have a history of substance abuse, it does not exclude you from receiving ketamine infusions but it is important to disclose this information during your assessment.

  • No. Ketamine treatment by APG is not covered by insurance at this time. However, to help make treatment affordable, we accept Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) as payment options. We also provide access to interest-free financing plans through CareCredit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the next Steps?

  1. Talk with our Medical Team — Our medical team is happy to consult with you about the procedure. Fill out the form on the left and a member of our medical team will contact you.

  2. Schedule your consultation or procedure appointment. We offer both in-person and Telehealth consultations.

  3. Schedule your procedure appointment. Fill out the form and we’ll contact you, or simply call our New Patient scheduling department at 888-363-8333 during business hours.

Talk to Beth…

Beth is our Clinical Operations Manager who works directly with our providers, has assisted with multiple procedures and is very knowledgable on it. If you’d like to speak to her about Ketamine Infusion Therapy, call her at 618-567-9936. She’s happy to walk you through the process!

Please fill out this form and a member of our staff will contact you within 24 business hours…

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