What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a pharmaceutical substance that has been around for over 50 years. It has historically been used to anesthetize its patients, and at high doses it will render the patient unconscious. In recent years it has been used for many other things, and is a surprisingly safe alternative to some of those medications that it has replaced.
What does Ketamine treat?
In short, it does phenomenal at treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. In fact, many emergency departments and EMTs have replaced morphine by the use of ketamine. The standard of care for someone with suicidal thoughts in the emergency department, is to give the patient a dose of ketamine.
Mood Dysregulation
All of the being said, ketamine works better, faster, and longer than any other medication we have for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Other standard options include SSRIs, antipsychotics, and ECT with their plethora of adverse effects. Counseling is a great option as well, none of these are more than about 65% effective*. We see about 75-80% of patients significantly improved in their mood after our standard 6-session treatment. Many patients will go on to use lower-dose ketamine on a less frequent basis at home, but not all of our patients require this.
*depending on the source of your statistical data*
All of the being said, ketamine works better, faster, and longer than any other medication we have for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Other standard options include SSRIs, antipsychotics, and ECT with their plethora of adverse effects. Counseling is a great option as well, none of these are more than about 65% effective*. We see about 75-80% of patients significantly improved in their mood after our standard 6-session treatment. Many patients will go on to use lower-dose ketamine on a less frequent basis at home, but not all of our patients require this.
*depending on the source of your statistical data*
Chronic Pain
As mentioned above, chronic pain is also an indication for treatment with ketamine. As for mood dysregulation, we see about 75% of patients satisfied with the outcomes. This could be a viable option for those not wanting to be placed on opioids, but also could be used in conjunction with them if needed. There are a number of other options for pain management including anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, and an array of supplements; ketamine doesn't interact with most of these options, and does a fine job augmenting them.
As mentioned above, chronic pain is also an indication for treatment with ketamine. As for mood dysregulation, we see about 75% of patients satisfied with the outcomes. This could be a viable option for those not wanting to be placed on opioids, but also could be used in conjunction with them if needed. There are a number of other options for pain management including anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, and an array of supplements; ketamine doesn't interact with most of these options, and does a fine job augmenting them.
How does Ketamine work?
The mechanism is somewhat simple but still more data is being collected each day. Essentially it reaches the brain and causes a small amount of mind-body dissociation. This break in the synapses allows the brain to rebuild in a constructive manner. The day of treatment, as well the follow day are critical in rebuilding. Because of this, it is imperative that you are in a good head-space when you receive your treatments. Take the day off and keep responsibilities at a minimum.
As you call around, you will find that techniques and approaches vary from facility to facility. Some utilize counseling in-house, while other do not. Some require daily treatments for as much as 3 weeks in a row, while others do once weekly. Some do intravenous, others intramuscular, and some do nasal sprays or lozenges.
As you call around, you will find that techniques and approaches vary from facility to facility. Some utilize counseling in-house, while other do not. Some require daily treatments for as much as 3 weeks in a row, while others do once weekly. Some do intravenous, others intramuscular, and some do nasal sprays or lozenges.
Our Approach to Ketamine. What to Expect
Initial consultation. This is free. See if it is a good fit for you. If so, then let's set up your first treatment appointment.
Ketamine appointments. These will be scheduled twice weekly for a total of 6 sessions. Come in with comfortable clothing, no stress or angst, and have a ride ready for you about 2.5 hours after your appointment time. You will want to take the rest of the day off.
Follow up. You will then follow up with Dr. Watkins (Insurance-based appointments at Medical Arts Center Clinic in Brigham City, UT. Cash-based appointments at TruHealth Clinic in Ogden, UT) after all of your treatment sessions. This is where we decide what approach we will take on further management. Often we will continue lower dose home-based treatments in a weaning pattern, but sometimes we don't need any further ketamine; it all depends on what your individual needs are.
Future alternatives to Ketamine
There is a lot of future in psychedelics. The mechanism behind why they work is essentially the same as mentioned above, for ketamine. The mind and body disconnect, allowing you to rebuild the synapses in a constructive manner. Of these, there are 2 that are in close proximity to being approved and cleared federally.
Psilocybin and MDMA. These are not yet federal options, but in states like Oregon you can purchase psilocybin for purposes of PTSD and depression. As peculiar as it may seem to some, these are very safe and highly effective options. In Utah, they are not yet available, but keep your eyes out for them in the coming years.
Consultations are free. Come for a free discussion with one of our providers to determine if ketamine is right for you.
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2707 N 1600 W
Ogden, UT 84404 (435) 731-4141 |
