If you've had a trial of at least three antidepressants and are still feeling symptomatic you may be a good candidate for a rapid, safe, and easy procedure that can be performed as an outpatient called ketamine infusion therapy.
Over the past several years Ketamine, usually used in higher doses as a dissociative anesthetic, has been shown to have powerful effects in treating depression with a minimum of side effects.
A ketamine infusion can be performed easily on an outpatient basis and takes about 40 minutes of infusion time, and 20 minutes to relax after the infusion. Some patients even enjoy discussing psychotherapeutic issues. During the infusion, there is a slight alteration of consciousness, but you will remain alert as the dosage of ketamine used is a fraction of the dosage that would be used as a general anesthetic. During the session, your blood pressure, pulse oxygenation and heart rate are monitored in that ketamine can rarely produce elevations in heart rate or blood pressure.
You can remain on your current antidepressant regimen and Dr. Salvage often collaborates in providing ketamine treatment to patients who may be seeing other psychiatrists for medication management. The protocol usually requires 6 infusions delivered over a two week period and then after that many patients don't require more treatment, others may require a booster infusion every 1-2 months, but each case is different. The fee for each infusion is $500 and the practice is able to accept credit and debit cards to maximize your convenience.
To explore your options with Ketamine Therapy, call David Salvage, MD, FAPM, or fill out the online form to request an appointment.
