Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic, originally developed in 1962. Initially used for inducing general anesthesia in surgeries for children, adults, and animals, it has a strong safety record, including in pediatric use. Recently, ketamine has gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating depression, PTSD, fibromyalgia, and other conditions.

Research indicates that ketamine infusions are effective in treating depression for 60-80% of individuals. While the benefits typically last for several weeks, some people may experience relief from depression for months.

A referral is not required. However, if you have a history of childhood trauma or mood disorders, you must have an active relationship with a mental health practitioner.

Viva Infusions offers treatment to patients as young as 17, provided they have consent from a caregiver and mental health practitioner.

Ketamine operates differently from traditional antidepressants. While its exact mechanism is still being studied, we know it acts on a neurotransmitter called glutamate, which promotes the growth of a crucial factor that helps repair brain neurons damaged by stress and mental illness. As a result, ketamine can improve mood within hours or days and facilitate the regeneration of nerve cells over time.

At Viva Infusions, we focus on evidence-based ketamine infusion therapy to treat mental illnesses, especially for those who have not responded to conventional treatments. Ketamine has shown significant effects in treating severe, chronic, treatment-resistant depression. It may also benefit individuals diagnosed with major depression, bipolar depression, postpartum depression, or dysthymia. Additionally, research suggests ketamine can effectively treat fibromyalgia, PTSD, suicidal ideation, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and some anxiety disorders.

Ketamine infusion therapy is not recommended for individuals with psychosis or schizophrenia. Patients with high blood pressure, cardiac, or pulmonary issues may need medical clearance from their primary care physician before starting treatment.

Please avoid solid foods and milk for 6 hours before your infusion. You may consume clear liquids (water, fruit juices without pulp, carbonated beverages, clear tea, and black coffee) up to 2 hours before the procedure. It is crucial to avoid alcohol and illicit drugs, as these substances can be dangerous when combined with ketamine.

For mental health treatments, the dosage of ketamine is designed to avoid loss of consciousness, so you are unlikely to fall        asleep. The goal is to achieve an “out of body” experience or a sense of euphoria. However, for chronic pain management, the doses are higher and administered over a longer period, which can make you feel sleepy or disoriented. If necessary, medication is available to help reduce anxiety, but keep in mind that it might alter the intended effects of ketamine.

Ketamine is administered intravenously over 45 minutes for mood disorders or 4 hours for pain. Initially, you might not feel any effects, but as the infusion progresses, you may experience sensations of “lightness” or “floating,” often described as a “weight being lifted off the shoulders.” Mild dissociative symptoms are common and generally well-tolerated. You will be closely monitored throughout the procedure, and any adverse effects will be promptly managed. Most patients regain their senses and normal thinking within 15 minutes after the infusion ends.

Before your first treatment, we will ask you to complete a few brief questionnaires to establish a baseline. We will follow up after each infusion to assess your response and adjust the treatment as needed. Positive effects may be noticeable as soon as 30 minutes post-infusion, though improvements typically become apparent several hours after treatment.

During the infusion, you may experience immediate pain relief, but this effect is often temporary. It’s common for the pain to return shortly after the infusion. However, the full benefits of ketamine therapy usually develop over 1-2 weeks as the treatment takes effect. The goal is to achieve a significant reduction in pain intensity over time, rather than instant and complete pain elimination. The degree of relief varies from person to person, with some experiencing substantial improvement and others seeing more gradual changes.

The effects of a single infusion usually last up to two weeks.

After a series of six infusions, some individuals may remain symptom-free for several months. Booster infusions are available monthly or as needed.

For mood disorders, a series of six infusions over a 3-week period is recommended to maximize ketamine’s effects. 

For pain disorders, it may require 3-5 consecutive daily infusions depending on severity and nerve involvement. The repair and growth of new nerve cells over time can lead to lasting symptom improvement. However, treatment duration varies depending on individual circumstances.

We advise patients to continue working with their mental health providers for medication management and/or psychotherapy. If you don’t have a psychiatrist or therapist, Viva Infusions can help facilitate a referral.

No, ketamine has been safely used in humans for years, especially as a surgical anesthetic for children and in trauma care. While it has been abused recreationally at much higher doses, there is no evidence that ketamine is addictive when administered at sub-anesthetic doses under medical supervision.

Ketamine treatment plans vary in cost depending on the frequency of treatment. Unfortunately, insurance does not currently cover these infusions. Payment is cash only. Personal checks are also accepted, as well as HSA/FSAs.  If using a credit card, a 3% fee will be added. 

Yes, ketamine infusions are an outpatient procedure that does not require a hospital stay. However, you will need a driver to take you home after the treatment. 

After a pain infusion, you will need assistance with mobility. You will be required to ambulate immediately after the infusion with the support of a wheelchair, and you will also be in a wheelchair when heading to your vehicle. It’s normal to feel wobbly or unsteady after the procedure, so having this support is essential for your safety.

Patients should avoid taking benzodiazepines or prescribed narcotics on the day of their infusion.

No, you do not need to discontinue any of your current medications.

To maximize the benefits of your ketamine infusion, consider the following preparations:

– Cultivate a Calming Frame of Mind: Engage in activities that help you relax and center yourself, such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, art or music therapy, or having a supportive conversation with someone you trust.

– Bring Comforts from Home: Feel free to bring personal items that provide comfort and relaxation during your session, such as a stuffed animal, blanket, eye mask, noise-canceling headphones, or earplugs.

– On-Site Comforts at Viva Infusions: If you forget to bring something from home, don’t worry! Viva Infusions offers earplugs, warm, fuzzy blankets, soft background relaxation sounds, lavender diffusers, and low lighting to help you feel at ease.

– Post-Infusion Sun Sensitivity: You may be sensitive to sunlight after your infusion, so it’s a good idea to bring sunglasses for your journey home.

At Viva Infusions, your safety is our top priority. We have implemented the following safety measures to ensure a secure and comfortable treatment experience:

– Qualified Medical Staff: All ketamine infusions are administered by experienced medical professionals who are specially trained in ketamine therapy. Our team includes board-certified Nurse Anesthesiologists and Nurse Practitioners, registered nurses, and licensed healthcare providers who monitor your condition closely throughout the entire process. 

– Pre-Treatment Screening: Before beginning treatment, each patient undergoes a thorough medical evaluation to ensure they are a suitable candidate for ketamine therapy. This includes reviewing your medical history, current medications, and any potential contraindications.

– Continuous Monitoring: During the infusion, patients are continuously monitored for vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. We use monitoring equipment to promptly identify and address any adverse reactions or side effects.

– Emergency Preparedness: Our facility is fully equipped with emergency medical equipment such as crash cart and defibrillators, oxygen and medications to handle any unexpected complications. Our staff is trained in advanced life support protocols to provide immediate care if necessary.

– Controlled Environment: The treatment rooms at Viva Infusions are designed to create a calm and soothing atmosphere, minimizing external stressors. We maintain strict hygiene standards, regularly sanitizing all equipment and treatment areas.

– Post-Treatment Care: After your infusion, you will be observed until you are stable and ready to leave. We provide detailed post-infusion care instructions and ensure that you have a responsible person to accompany you home.

– Patient Education: We prioritize patient education, ensuring you are fully informed about the procedure, potential side effects, and aftercare. Our team is always available to answer any questions and provide support throughout your treatment journey.

Before your ketamine infusion, certain medications may be administered to enhance your comfort and reduce potential side effects, particularly for those receiving infusions for chronic pain:

– Pre-Infusion Medications for Pain Treatments:  If you’re undergoing ketamine infusions for pain, you will be given medications by mouth to help you relax, such as Benadryl and Clonidine. Additionally, baby aspirin is provided to counteract the effects of prolonged immobility during the infusion.

– Anti-Nausea Medication: To prevent nausea, which can occasionally occur during ketamine infusions, your provider may prescribe or administer an anti-nausea medication like ondansetron (Zofran) before the treatment.

– Anti-Anxiety Medication: For those feeling anxious before the infusion, a mild anxiolytic may be recommended to help you relax. However, benzodiazepines should generally be avoided on the day of your infusion, as they can reduce ketamine’s effectiveness.

– Rescue Treatments: Should any side effects arise during your infusion, we have a variety of rescue treatments available to address them promptly and effectively.

After your infusion, most patients do not require additional medication. However, if you experience lingering side effects like nausea or headache, your provider may prescribe medication to alleviate these symptoms. It’s also important to continue taking your regular psychiatric medications as prescribed unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.

Your provider will give you personalized recommendations based on your medical history and specific treatment needs.

Ketamine can cause bladder problems. This is because it breaks down into substances that can irritate the bladder, leading to inflammation (cystitis). Women are more likely to experience these issues.

Some women may experience incontinence (urine leakage) when using higher doses of ketamine. For this reason, we may provide chair pads. In some cases, your provider may recommend wearing an adult brief to manage incontinence.

If you receive high doses of ketamine for a long time, you may need additional treatments or supplements to protect your bladder. We will discuss this with you in the future if necessary.