FAQs
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic agent initially developed in 1962. Ketamine has a remarkable safety track record, hence its use in the pediatric population. Recently, it has been discovered that ketamine can be highly effective in treating depression, PTSD, Fibromyalgia, and other conditions.
What is the success rate in treating depression?
According to research studies, infusions of Ketamine to treat depression can be effective for 60-80 % of individuals. Although the effects of Ketamine usually last for several weeks, some people can remain depression free for months.
Do I need a referral from my primary care physician?
No, any licensed mental health care professional or physician can refer you.
What is the minimum age for treatment?
Serenity Tree sees patients as young as 18 years old.
How does it help treat depression and mental pain?
Ketamine’s mechanism of action is entirely different from any other medication. Ketamine works to produce a critical growth factor that helps the brain repair damaged neurons affected by stress and mental illness. Thus, Ketamine can improve mood within hours/days and cause nerve cell regeneration over time.
What disorders can ketamine assistance treat?
At Serenity Tree, we focus on using evidence-based research to administer and treat our patients with ketamine-assisted therapy. Our primary focus is to help treat mental concerns and provide an option to those who have not had success with traditional medicines or psychotherapy.
Thus, anyone diagnosed with major depression, bipolar depression, postpartum depression, or dysthymia could benefit from Ketamine assistance. Research has also shown that Ketamine can also be effective in treating Fibromyalgia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal ideation. In addition, ketamine shows promise in alleviating symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and a number of anxiety disorders.
Are there any specific medical conditions that would prevent me from receiving treatment?
Ketamine infusion therapy is not indicated for patients diagnosed with psychosis. If you have high blood pressure, cardiac, and/or pulmonary issues, it may be necessary for your primary care physician to provide a medical clearance before beginning your ketamine infusions.
Can I eat and/or drink prior to my treatment?
Please avoid any kind of solid foods and/or milk for 4 hours prior to your ketamine-assisted therapy. You may drink clear liquids (i.e., water, fruit juices without pulp, carbonated beverages, clear tea, and black coffee) up until 2 hours before. Absolutely avoid alcohol or the use of any illicit drugs. These substances are hazardous in combination with ketamine.
Will I be asleep during the procedure?
No. The dose of ketamine you will receive does not cause any loss of consciousness.
What is the process like?
Ketamine is administered slowly over 45 minutes. At the start, you may not have noticeable effects, but as the process progresses, you may encounter a feeling of “lightness” or “floating,” which for some feels like a “weight being lifted off their shoulders.” Most patients describe mild symptoms that are generally well tolerated. You will be monitored throughout the process, and we are prepared to treat any unpleasant side effects during the procedure. Within 15 minutes of completing ketamine, you will start to feel back to normal and move forward.
How do I know if the ketamine worked? How should I expect to feel afterward?
Before your first treatment, we will ask you to fill out a few brief questionnaires to provide a baseline. We will then follow up after each assisted treatment to determine the response. If needed, we can adjust your treatment to maximize benefits and minimize adverse effects. You may notice positive effects as soon as 30 minutes afterward, but typically, improvements begin several hours post-treatment.
How long will the effects last?
The effects of a single session typically last up to two weeks. After a series of six sessions, people can remain symptom-free for extended times following therapeutic assistance. We also offer the option of booster infusions, which can be given monthly or a few times per year as needed.
What is the recommended course of treatment?
To maximize the effects of ketamine, a total of six to eight sessions is recommended. Over time, the repair and growth of new nerve cells can lead to long-lasting improvements in symptoms. However, the total length of treatment depends on each individual’s unique circumstances.
Should I continue seeing my psychiatrist? What if I don’t have one?
We recommend that our patients continue working with their outpatient providers for medication management and/or psychotherapy. Serenity Tree can facilitate a referral if you do not have a psychiatrist or therapist.
Should I be concerned about any risks of addiction with ketamine therapy?
No, ketamine has been proven safe in humans. It has been used for years as a surgical anesthetic in children and in trauma management. Although it may abused recreationally at much higher doses as a club drug, there is no evidence that ketamine is addictive. In addition, Serenity Tree and Journey will monitor your progress and dosage.
Are there any medications that can interfere with ketamine treatment?
Patients should not take benzodiazepines or any prescribed narcotics on the day of their session.
Will I be required to stop taking my psychiatric medications?
No, but a Doctor will guide you if you need a slight pause in medications on the date of treatment.