Ketamine Infusion Therapy

About Ketamine

Many people have heard of ketamine as an animal anesthetic or as a club drug. What most have not heard about this drug is the extensive studies about its rapid impact on depression and anxiety. The dosing of ketamine is critical. When used for treatment it is given in 1/10 to 1/20th the dose for anesthesia and is given slowly over 45 minutes rather than over 1 to 10 seconds.

Symptoms that have seen improvement, often within hours, include moodiness, decreased concentration, low self-esteem, impaired sleep, decreased sexual desire, impaired appetite, and suicidal thoughts. In fact, the recent study at Yale University showed that ketamine can re-establish interrupted nerve connections that are necessary to process and overcome traumatic memories.

Ketamine Therapy impacts both mood and anxiety and can result in positive treatment outcomes for the following disorders:

  • Severe or Chronic Depression

  • Bipolar Disorder

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Post-Partum Depression (PPD)

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Ketamine Therapy coordinated by the Arkansas Psychiatric Clinic is a safe, reliable treatment tailored to your unique medical profile. We administer the therapy using state-of-the-art technology and monitor and evaluate your response and progress carefully.

FAQ

No. The Arkansas Psychiatric Clinic will probably not require you to be referred by a psychiatrist. However, he or she may want to discuss your diagnosis and treatment to date with other doctors who have been seeing you.

All treatment is outpatient and is performed in the Arkansas Psychiatric Clinic’s professional offices.

Based on searches of major medical centers over the past fifteen years, and in our experience, up to 70% of all patients can expect significant, and fast, relief. Of course, we cannot predict any individual’s results. Our treatment is tailored in terms of frequency and dosage to each person, and we believe it offers your best chance of success.

That will depend on your response. Most patients receive a series of six infusions.

Following the initial series of infusions, most patients choose, in consultation with their doctors, to begin a maintenance program, returning for single infusions intermittently. The interval between maintenance infusions varies from patient to patient.

Some patients will begin to feel better within hours of the first infusion. Patients with thoughts of self-harm often notice those thoughts dissipating first. There can be a dramatic relief of dread and hopelessness. Other patients may not notice any mood improvement until the next day. Some patients will require a second (or even a third) infusion before feeling better.

No. Some patients seem to achieve long-term relief after a series of infusions.

Ketamine is administered over a period of 40 minutes. The dose is determined by your weight. The amount of ketamine administered is not enough to cause a loss of consciousness, so you will remain awake. During the infusion, some patients experience odd perceptions—like seeing bright colors. Some report what is referred to as a “dissociative”, or “out of body” experience. These are side effects of ketamine that may be important for ketamine’s ultimate effectiveness. Most patients tolerate the experiences with no trouble, and many people find them pleasant. Once the infusion is complete, the dissociative effects of the drug rapidly dissipate. There are no delayed “flashbacks,” and patients generally leave the office within 30 minutes following the infusion and feel quite normal.

Occasionally patients experience some nausea following an infusion. If so, there is medication that will help. More rarely, a patient may experience a transient headache. Patients can expect to be tired following the infusion. Very, very rarely, patients already at risk for seizure have reportedly experienced one. If you have a seizure disorder, please be sure to discuss it with your doctor prior to receiving ketamine therapy.

Hypomania has not been reported following ketamine therapy.

There are very few. Dr. Diner and Dr. Bennett will discuss contraindications with you before you receive your first infusion.

No.

You do not need to have someone bring you or accompany you during the infusion, but we request that you have someone bring you home. We advise you not to drive a car until the following morning.

You cannot eat for the 4 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. You may have clear liquids up until 2 hours before your appointment.

Anti-depressant medications (SSRIs, MAOIs, and tricyclics) do not interfere with ketamine, and there is no need to stop them. Ketamine infusions can provide relief during the time it takes antidepressant medications to begin working. Important: You should not decrease or stop taking any prescribed medication without first consulting your prescribing physician.

Because ketamine therapy for mood and anxiety disorders is recent and still viewed as experimental, insurance companies do not provide reimbursement.

  OPENING HOURS

Monday - Thursday 8:00 - 5:00
Friday 8:00 - 4:30
Saturday - Sunday Closed

 1 (501) 448-0060

MEET OUR PHYSICIANS

Our providers represent a diverse group of specialists that are committed to putting the patient’s best interest first by using methods backed by a solid educational foundation while maintaining honesty, integrity, compassion and empathy.

Ivanjo Aldea, M.D.
Ivanjo Aldea, M.D.Psychiatrist
Leigh Anne Bennett, M.D.
Leigh Anne Bennett, M.D.Psychiatrist
James O. Davis IV, M.D.
James O. Davis IV, M.D.Psychiatrist
Christy Hillburn, LCSW
Christy Hillburn, LCSWPsychiatrist
Robert M. Jarvis, M.D.
Robert M. Jarvis, M.D.Psychiatrist
William J. Palmer, M.D.
William J. Palmer, M.D.Psychiatrist
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NEUROSTAR TMS THERAPY

NeuroStar uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to target key areas of the brain that are underactive in people with depression. It is not ECT (electroconvulsive therapy).

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