Ketamine IV Therapy is a safe and effective treatment to help with several conditions including, but not limited to:
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Cancer related pain
- Spinal Injury
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Postherpetic Neuralgia
- Fibromyalgia
- Crohn’s Disease
- Post-Surgical Pain
- Phantom Limb
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a medication that was developed in the 1960’s and approved by the FDA in 1970 for use as a general anesthetic. Ketamine is recognized as one the safest, most widely used anesthetic in the world has been used on both humans and animals for over 50 years.
Professional Acknowledgement of Ketamine Efficacy
Ketamine is an exciting addition in the management of pain for these conditions. Multiple professional organizations, including the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA), the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM), and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), have agreed that the collective evidence has shown support for ketamine’s role in managing pain.
What to expect
For the Ketamine pain protocol, the patient is typically given a 2-3-hour infusion of Ketamine. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve maximum pain-relieving results. Depending on the dosage required, patients may experience some normal side effects. To mitigate these potential side effects, adjuvant agents and guided imagery techniques may also be used where appropriate. Common side effects may include dissociation, altered sensation, blurry vision, or nausea, and are usually temporary, mild, and easily managed.
Prior to starting Ketamine Therapy
Before receiving Ketamine Therapy, we will perform a careful evaluation of your health to make sure that ketamine is a safe and a reasonable option. The doctor may also recommend some changes in the medications you are taking to make sure they do not interfere with Ketamine Therapy or make Ketamine Therapy less safe or effective. At this time, you and your family should voice any questions or concerns, so you are confident with the decision to receive Ketamine Therapy. Once you fully understand the risk and benefits of Ketamine Therapy and have made a decision, each participant must sign a consent form prior to starting Ketamine Therapy
How is Ketamine Therapy administrated?
Ketamine Therapies are typically given as a series of intravenous (IV) treatments. The number of treatments is based on individual needs. Once the program is determined, a member of our team will insert an intravenous (IV) catheter into the hand or arm to allow for the administration of the ketamine. Depending on your health status, you may give other medications for nausea or other symptoms. Your vital signs, including blood pressure and pulse, will be checked prior to and during the treatment.
Each IV treatment usually lasts between 40-60 minutes. After the treatment ends, you will be monitored by a member of the treatment team for about 30 minutes to allow most of the medication’s effect to dissipate.
Expectations for Ketamine Therapy
It is very important to understand the goals of Ketamine Therapy and what to expect when receiving a ketamine IV. Ketamine can be delivered in different doses and different settings depending on the clinic and physician administering the therapy. These differences can have a large impact on the experience and effectiveness of the treatment.
Thrive Wellness Ketamine Protocol
Dr. Chami has been utilizing Ketamine for several years and has developed protocols that deliver the best therapeutic outcomes. The dosage of Ketamine that is needed to achieve desired effects also initiates the sensation of lightness or floating, dizziness, and mild euphoria – you are physically relaxed, but your mind is fully engaged. For this reason we place each patient in comfortable beds in a dark, quiet room. We apply a soft eye mask along with noise canceling headphones that stream pleasant music throughout the entirety of the IV therapy.
How do I get started?
Each patient is required to have an initial consultation with Dr. Chami. During this consultation, he will discuss your symptoms, your goals, and your expectations. He will also go through your medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for IV Ketamine Therapy.
