Ketamine is a non-opioid anesthetic and phenylpiperidine derivative that will trigger the release of the neurotransmitter glutamate, essential in combating the damage caused by depression, thus making it an effective mood stabilizer. It also reduces the perception of pain and will treat many types of chronic pain. Additionally, it is a potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and opioid-sparing agent. Within an hour, Ketamine has shown the ability to stimulate the growth of glutamate, allowing the brain to experience immediate effects that may be long-term with consistent and on-going treatments. Low Dose Ketamine (LDK) therapy was approved for clinical use in the 1970’s and is now used as a nonopioid IV anesthetic to manage symptoms associated with various mood/psychological disorders such as depression and various other depressive disorders.
Ketamine Infusion Therapy is a form of treatment that has been around for many years. It is being utilized to treat depression because of its effectiveness and benefits. Most of the current treatment methods and medications used to treat depression and its symptoms have an extensive list of side effects that may be just as debilitating as depression itself. With Ketamine Infusion Therapy, those side effects may be avoided. It has proven to be a wonderful substitute for typical treatment methods for depression and is supported by research and practice.
Before: To get started, schedule a consultation with Dr. Noormand, where he will do an in-depth and comprehensive health history and answer any questions and concerns that a patient may have. Patients may schedule a consultation via our contact us page, or by calling (310) 855-8936. There are various factors that the doctor will take into consideration when determining the dosage of each patient's infusion. **You may drink (non-alcoholic) fluids prior to your infusion, however, it is important that you DO NOT eat anything 4 hours before your infusion**
During: Patients will be brought to a quiet, private room where they will receive their infusion. An IV will be inserted by one of our nurses. Dr. Noormand will then make sure your vitals are stable and then he will begin the infusion. Once the infusion is started, Dr. Noormand and our staff nurses will closely monitor you, the patient throughout the treatment. The length of the infusion will be approximately one hour. During the infusion, it is important to minimize stimuli and facilitate a calm environment so that our patients may get the most out of each and every treatment. You may feel slightly groggy or as though you are in and out of sleep, but the infusion will not cause you to be completely unconscious. If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, do not hesitate to alert the staff so that we may either stop the infusion or slow the rate.
After: Patients can expect to feel drowsy and tired the day of the infusion and will be monitored for about 30 minutes afterward. Once a patient is on their feet and walking, they will be allowed to go home. However, we do not allow patients to drive home or operate heavy machinery after the infusion and they are advised to resume work and regular activities the following day. It is required that patients have a responsible and licensed adult to drive them home upon discharge. No exceptions.
