Ketamine Treatment
Roughly 1/3rd of patients treated with conventional antidepressant treatments will have persistent symptoms of depression.
Ketamine Treatment
This is commonly referred to as treatment resistant depression. Thorntree Psychiatric Associates offers ketamine nasal spray and oral ketamine treatment options for treatment resistant depression including FDA-approved Spravato (esketamine), and off-label use of intranasal ketamine, and ketamine sublingual lozenges. Generic intranasal ketamine is a viable option when Spravato is cost prohibitive. Additional benefits of generic ketamine include flexibility in dosing, and availability in lozenge form. Existing literature suggests that both ketamine and esketamine are effective treatments for treatment resistant depression. Newer research suggests that ketamine may be of benefit for conditions commonly associated with treatment resistant depression such as borderline personality disorder,
bipolar depression, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Ketamine targets specific brain receptors to promote new, healthy connections between stress damaged nerve cells. Its potential beneficial effects include pain relief, relaxation, and more flexible thinking.
Over time, chronic stress as well mental and physical illnesses appear to strain the body and mind leading to damaged nerve connections (synapses) in the brain. Ketamine appears to heal these damaged neural pathways, creating the conditions for therapeutic growth and change.
Why Should You Consider Ketamine Therapy?
Fast & Effective
Ketamine infusion therapy can help patients feel better within hours of treatment.
Over 50 years
Ketamine has been used in clinics and hospitals around the world for more than 50 years.
Long Term Relief
Ketamine can help those who suffer from mood conditions and chronic pain feel better for the long-term.
Strong Safety Profile
Unlike traditional treatments, ketamine is safe and patients reported minimal side effects.
How Does It Work?
The Consultation Process
In order to assess whether Ketamine is the right choice for you, we conduct an initial mental health screening using various questionnaires and a comprehensive assessment conducted by a psychiatrist. Additionally, an anesthesiologia staff will also perform a general medical assessment and pertinent physical exam to make sure there are no contraindications to receiving Ketamine treatment.
As a precaution, a routine urine drug screen is conducted to rule out those are actively abusing illicit substances. As Cannabis is legal in various states, a positive result will not necessarily disqualify you from treatment. However, patients that are prescribed any controlled medications will need to provide us with a copy of a valid prescription.
Medication Delivery
When you pursue SPRAVATO® treatment you’ll visit our REMS-certified treatment center. Our medical professionals here will oversee the process and ensure your safety. You’ll take three doses of SPRAVATO® nasal spray a few minutes apart. The esketamine will work its way into your bloodstream, where it can provide rapid relief from your symptoms and enhance your other medication’s effects.
We’ll keep you in the office for a couple of hours, as you may experience some disorienting side effects. SPRAVATO® is an outpatient treatment, so you’ll be free to return home after the observation period. However, side effects may persist for hours after the treatment. You will not be able to drive or operate machinery until the next day.
You’ll receive SPRAVATO® treatment twice a week during your first month, once a week during the second month then once every week or two in the following months. Continue to take your other antidepressants according to your doctor’s recommendations during your treatment period.
Could SPRAVATO® Work for Me?
Patients choose SPRAVATO® because it provides unique benefits over other medications. For one, you’ll experience immediate symptom relief, as well as long-term benefits. A clinical trial showed that SPRAVATO® patients experienced improvements at the four-week mark compared to the placebo group. Another significant benefit is that esketamine is safer than ketamine for depression treatment. Esketamine is a more potent ketamine variant that doctors can administer in smaller doses for positive results.
You’ll receive SPRAVATO® treatment twice a week during your first month, once a week during the second month then once every week or two in the following months. Continue to take your other antidepressants according to your doctor’s recommendations during your treatment period.