Ketamine Specialist

What is ketamine treatment?

While ketamine was used for decades as an anesthetic, medical researchers have identified the medicine as an alternative treatment for depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When used to treat depression or another mental health condition, the prescribed dose of ketamine is much smaller than what is needed for anesthetic purposes. 

Ketamine stimulates activity in a different part of your brain than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other first-line antidepressant drugs. As a result, you benefit from more rapid results without many of the unwanted side effects caused by traditional antidepressants. 

What happens during ketamine treatment?

Dr. Estakhri provides both IV ketamine infusions and Spravato nasal spray at Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health. With both types of treatment, you’re under continuous supervision. This not only ensures your safety, but allows Dr. Estakhri to fine-tune your prescription. 

You sit in a comfortable chair in a private treatment room. Dr. Estakhri either prepares your IV or gives you the nasal spray to use. You spend approximately two hours having your treatment and waiting for the initial effects of the medicine to wear off. Some patients experience floating or out-of-body sensations, while others have tingling feelings or mild hallucinations. Any side effects wear off soon after your infusion is complete or within an hour or so of using the Spravato nasal spray.

A friend or family member can drive you home after your treatment. You will feel tired, but after a good night’s sleep, all side effects wear off and you wake up feeling refreshed. Many patients report an improvement in their mood after just one treatment. You should complete your prescribed series of treatments and adhere to Dr. Estakhri’s advice for follow-up care to achieve and maintain remission from your depression symptoms. 

Am I a good candidate for ketamine treatment?

Dr. Estakhri provides thorough evaluations before prescribing ketamine for depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Ketamine treatment isn’t a first-line treatment for depression, but if you’ve tried a few different types of antidepressants without any relief, you might be an excellent candidate for ketamine therapy. 

Make sure to mention any blood vessel health issues to Dr. Estakhri, as ketamine treatment might cause complications. 

If you haven’t found relief from your depression or other mental health symptoms with traditional treatments, call Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health or make an appointment online today to find out if ketamine treatments are right for you.