Ketamine is a drug that has been in use since the 60's and 70's. It is an anesthetic drug with wonderful pain relieving properties. It is used in pediatrics and on the battlefield and is still routinely used in the modern operating room. One of ketamines advantages is that it does not cause decreases in breathing like many other anesthetics and pain relievers. It can cause feelings of dissociation that some persons may find uncomfortable or even some bad dreams at high doses.
In 2000 Yale University published the first study about ketamine being used as an antidepressant. A single low dose ketamine infusion showed a rapid and robust antidepressant effect that lasted on average of 1 week. There has been a great deal of research conducted on ketamine since then and the current treatment model is 6 low dose ketamine infusions over a two week period. The research that is available shows a rapid and robust reduction in depression symptoms and immediate relief of suicidal thoughts. These effects last anywhere from several weeks to several months.
There are some potential side effects with ketamine infusions. These side effects include: Floating sensations, mild nausea, mildly increased heart rate and blood pressure sensitivity to light and noise. Here at First Coast Wellness Infusions and Ketamine Clinic we take precautions to mitigate those side effects. We will administer an anti-nausea medication at the beginning of your infusion. We will be with you throughout your infusion monitoring your vital signs and progress. Our treatment rooms are quiet and dimly lit. We sometimes administer magnesium with our ketamine infusions. Magnesium naturally helps to control blood pressure and heart rate, has a natural relaxant effect and enhances the effects of ketamine by blocking one of the receptors in the neurons that ketamine also blocks (NMDA receptor).
We believe that these infusions can save lives and help people get back to living their lives and achieving their goals.
Check back with our blog for future posts about ketamine and other infusions that we offer here at First Coast Wellness Infusions and Ketamine Clinic. Also, we suggest visiting the Ketamine Advocacy Network at ketamineadvocacynetwork.org They do a great job at explaining what to expect during your infusion and the science behind how ketamine works for depression, chronic pain and suicidal ideas. Thank you for reading this blog.
Sincerely,
Francis McClarnon CRNA, NP.
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