About Ketamine

Intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions are primarily used to treat several conditions, particularly those that are treatment-resistant or difficult to manage with traditional therapies. Some of the conditions for which IV ketamine infusions may be used include:

Depression: Ketamine has gained significant attention for its rapid antidepressant effects, particularly in cases of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or major depressive disorder (MDD) where other antidepressants have not been effective.

Bipolar disorder: Ketamine may also be used as an adjunctive treatment for bipolar depression, especially in cases where standard treatments have not provided sufficient relief.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Some studies have suggested that ketamine may help alleviate symptoms of PTSD, particularly in cases where traditional treatments have been ineffective.

Chronic pain and migraine: Ketamine has analgesic properties and may be used to manage chronic pain conditions such as neuropathic pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and fibromyalgia.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Ketamine may provide relief for individuals with severe OCD symptoms, especially when other treatments have failed.

Anxiety disorders: While more research is needed, ketamine has shown promise in alleviating symptoms of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD).

Substance use disorders: Ketamine-assisted therapy may be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for certain substance use disorders, particularly in cases where individuals have not responded well to traditional treatments.

It's important to note that while ketamine infusion therapy can be effective for some individuals with these conditions, it's not a cure-all and may not work for everyone. Additionally, it should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider such as KetaRevive.

The scientific data supporting the use of ketamine infusions for depression and other conditions is still evolving. There is a growing body of research suggesting its effectiveness in certain cases. Here's a summary of some key findings:

Depression: Numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated the rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine, particularly in individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Studies have shown that a significant portion of patients experience a rapid reduction in depressive symptoms within hours to days after a single infusion. However, the duration of these effects varies among individuals, with some experiencing sustained relief and others requiring maintenance infusions to maintain benefits.

Bipolar Disorder: Research on the use of ketamine for bipolar depression is less extensive compared to depression, but some studies have shown promising results. Ketamine may be effective as an adjunctive treatment for bipolar depression, particularly in cases where traditional mood stabilizers and antidepressants have not provided sufficient relief.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): While fewer studies have investigated the use of ketamine for PTSD compared to depression, there is some evidence to suggest that it may be beneficial, particularly in reducing symptoms such as intrusive memories and avoidance behaviors. However, more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and optimal dosing regimens for PTSD.

Chronic Pain & Migraine: Ketamine has been studied extensively for its analgesic properties in various chronic pain conditions, including neuropathic pain, CRPS, and fibromyalgia. Research suggests that ketamine infusions can provide significant pain relief and improve quality of life in some patients, particularly when other treatments have failed.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Limited research has explored the use of ketamine for OCD, but some case reports and small studies have shown potential benefits in reducing obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Larger, well-controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Anxiety Disorders: There is emerging evidence suggesting that ketamine may have anxiolytic effects and could be beneficial for certain anxiety disorders, such as GAD and SAD. However, more research is needed to establish its efficacy and safety for these indications.

Keep in mind that research in this field is continuously evolving, and newer studies continue to provide additional insights.

Depression: Several clinical trials and meta-analyses have reported response rates ranging from 50% to 70% for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) following ketamine infusion therapy. These studies often define response as a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, typically measured by standardized depression rating scales, within a few hours to days after infusion.

Bipolar Disorder: Research on ketamine's efficacy in bipolar disorder is more limited compared to depression. Response rates in studies investigating ketamine as an adjunctive treatment for bipolar depression vary, but some trials have reported response rates similar to those seen in depression.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The data on ketamine's efficacy for PTSD are still relatively scarce, but some small studies and case reports have shown promising results in reducing PTSD symptoms. However, response rates and the durability of effects in larger, well-controlled trials remain to be determined.

Chronic Pain & Migraine: Studies evaluating ketamine for chronic pain conditions have reported response rates varying from 30% to 70%, depending on the specific pain condition and patient population. Response is often defined as a significant reduction in pain intensity or improvement in functional outcomes following ketamine infusion therapy.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): There are fewer studies on ketamine's efficacy for OCD compared to other conditions. Response rates in available studies vary, but some case reports and small trials have shown improvements in OCD symptoms following ketamine treatment.

Anxiety Disorders: Research on ketamine's efficacy for anxiety disorders is still in its early stages. While there is some evidence suggesting potential benefits, particularly for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD), more well-designed studies are needed to establish response rates and the overall effectiveness of ketamine for these conditions.

Additionally, the long-term efficacy and safety of ketamine infusion therapy for these conditions require further investigation.

The amount of infusions depends on each patient and individualized to the response. Initial infusions can range from one to four times a week. Once the induction phase is complete which is usually 6 weeks, maintenance infusions are required to maintain the steady state and balance of ketamine in your body. At KetaRevive, we use validated response scales at each visit to determine your progress, to modify your infusions, and to tailor an infusion schedule that suits your needs.