Ketamine infusion therapy is an innovative way to treat chronic pain, intractable depression and some anxiety disorders. This treatment involves the controlled administration of the drug ketamine intravenously (IV). Ketamine is a fast-acting anesthetic and analgesic that relieves symptoms of pain and depression by affecting certain chemicals in the brain. The treatment process usually takes between 40 minutes and several hours and patients are closely monitored during treatment. While ketamine infusion therapy can provide rapid and significant improvement, side effects can include hallucinations, dizziness and nausea. It is therefore important to have a detailed assessment with a health professional before and after treatment.
Ketamine infusion therapy is a method used to treat chronic pain, depression and some psychiatric disorders. This treatment involves the slow administration of the drug ketamine through an intravenous (IV) line. Ketamine is a drug with anesthetic and analgesic properties and can relieve symptoms of pain and depression by affecting brain chemicals.
In which diseases is ketamine infusion therapy used?
Ketamine infusion therapy, medication and psychotherapy are the first-line treatments for depression. Among biological therapies, the drug group known as 'Antidepressants' has an important place in treatment. However, in 30-35% of patients, current drug treatments are inadequate and have serious side effects. This situation leads physicians and scientists to search for new treatments.
Ketamine Infusion Therapy (KIT) was discovered as a result of this search. After promising results were obtained in scientific researches, it started to be used in the treatment of resistant depression, especially in countries such as the USA and Canada. With the joint efforts of psychiatry and anesthesiologists, internationally accepted protocols for the clinical use of ketamine infusion have been established, the clinical diagnoses for which it can be used have been specified, and thousands of patients have been delivered to thousands of patients in the increasing number of Ketamine Treatment Centers.
It is used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as major depression, bipolar disorder-depressive episode, postpartum depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders and fibromyalgia.
Ketamine Infusion Treatment Process
The ketamine infusion treatment process consists of several steps and each step is important for the safety of the patient and the effectiveness of the treatment. Here are the steps of the ketamine infusion treatment process:
1. Assessment and Counseling
The treatment process begins with a detailed assessment of the patient's medical history and current condition. This takes into account the patient's symptoms such as depression, anxiety or chronic pain, past treatment history and other health problems. It also determines whether the patient is suitable for ketamine treatment and provides information about the treatment.
2. Preparation
Before the treatment, the patient is prepared physically and psychologically. Precautions are taken, such as ensuring that the patient comes to the treatment in an appropriate manner, whether he/she is on an empty stomach or not, and providing information about the medications he/she is taking. The patient is informed about the treatment process, possible side effects and expectations.
3. Infusion
Ketamine infusion therapy is usually carried out in a specialized clinic or hospital. The patient is given ketamine intravenously in the prescribed dose and duration. The duration of the infusion usually ranges from 40 minutes to several hours. During this time, the patient's vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen level) are closely monitored.
4. Observation and Monitoring
Patients are closely monitored during and after treatment. Due to the rapid effects and possible side effects of ketamine, the patient may need to be kept under observation for some time after treatment. At this stage, if the patient shows any adverse side effects, immediate intervention is taken.
5. Next Steps and Follow-up
After treatment, the patient's symptoms are assessed to see if they have improved and how long the effects of the treatment last. Usually, the effects of ketamine infusion therapy can last for several weeks and some patients may require repeated infusion sessions. After treatment, the patient's condition is monitored at follow-up appointments and adjustments to the treatment plan are made if necessary.
Ketamine infusion therapy is a promising way of dealing with conditions such as intractable depression, anxiety disorders and chronic pain. However, it is important that this treatment is administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional and under appropriate medical conditions.
How did ketamine come to be used in treatment?
Ketamine was originally developed as an anesthetic in the 1960s and became widely used in medical procedures. It was especially preferred for its ability to provide a fast and effective anesthetic for surgical operations and on the battlefield. However, as ketamine's effects on certain neurotransmitter systems in the brain were discovered, research intensified on its potential psychiatric and pain management applications. In the early 2000s, ketamine was discovered to exhibit rapid and potent antidepressant effects when used in low doses. This finding led to the use of ketamine as a potential treatment option for treatment-resistant conditions such as intractable depression, anxiety disorders and chronic pain. Clinical trials and hospital practice have contributed to the adoption of ketamine as a safe and effective treatment modality, and many health centers have started to use ketamine infusion therapy.
What are the results of ketamine infusion therapy?
The results of ketamine infusion therapy are generally positive, with rapid and significant improvements, especially in conditions such as intractable depression, anxiety disorders and chronic pain. Patients often report improvements in mood, energy levels and overall quality of life shortly after the first infusion. Side effects that can occur during and after treatment include nausea, dizziness and hallucinations, but these side effects are usually temporary. Ketamine infusion therapy is also effective in pain management, providing a significant reduction in pain levels for patients who have not responded to conventional methods. However, research into its long-term effects is ongoing and the success of treatment depends on individual patient characteristics.
Ketamine Treatment Process
The ketamine treatment process begins with an assessment of the patient's medical history and current condition. At this stage, symptoms such as depression, anxiety or chronic pain are taken into account and the patient's suitability for treatment is determined. Prior to treatment, the patient is properly prepared and informed about the treatment. During treatment, the drug ketamine is administered intravenously (IV) at a prescribed dose and duration, usually lasting between 40 minutes and several hours. The patient's vital signs are closely monitored during and after treatment. After treatment, the patient's symptoms are assessed for improvement and the effects of the treatment are monitored. Usually, the effects of ketamine infusion therapy can last for several weeks and some patients may require repeated sessions.
How is the drug dose adjusted in ketamine treatment?
The amount of medication given to the patient in ketamine treatment is meticulously adjusted according to the individual characteristics and needs of the patient. In this process, the patient's medical history, current health status and response to treatment are taken into consideration. The patient's vital signs are closely monitored before and during treatment, so that the most appropriate and safe dose is determined.
Is There a Protocol for Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
There is a specific international protocol for the use of this drug. Ketamine is normally an anesthetic agent. In this treatment, a much lower dose is used than the dose used in anesthesia. The person does not sleep during the application. A very low dose is given intravenously in serum over a period of 45 minutes. Ketamine has a rapid antidepressant effect. In many studies, it is stated that immediately after the first application, the patient's mood improves and suicidal tendency regresses, that is, a state of well-being emerges.
For Which Patients Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy Suitable?
Ketamine infusion therapy is particularly suitable for patients with resistant depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain who do not respond to conventional treatments. This treatment can be an effective option for patients who have not achieved adequate improvement with other treatment modalities or who are looking for quick relief. However, it is important to conduct a thorough medical evaluation to determine whether it is suitable for each patient.
