When you struggle with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, trying new treatments without getting results that make a difference in your life can be exhausting. There’s also the hassle of adjusting dosages of new medications, adapting to the side effects, and then going through withdrawal if it ends up not being a good fit. There’s an effective alternative medication if you have treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, OCD, and other mental health issues. Here’s what to expect after your first ketamine infusion in NYC.
What is ketamine infusion treatment?
The FDA approved ketamine as an anesthetic a long time ago. Its off-label use as a treatment for depression and anxiety is more recent. The infusion goes directly into the bloodstream with a much lower dosage than used for anesthetic purposes.
Ketamine stimulates the areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation. This stimulation is effective for mental health uses such as treating depression, anxiety, OCD, suicidal ideation, and more.
How long do ketamine infusions take?
Each appointment is around 40 minutes, with most new patients receiving six infusions over two to three weeks. Some patients feel immediate relief following their first appointment. However, it can take all six treatments for someone to experience a notable difference.
Working with a psychiatrist for ketamine therapy instead of an anesthesiologist gives patients the support they need to find the ideal treatment course, including therapy, medication, and ketamine infusions.
What are the side effects of ketamine?
When practitioners follow protocols established by the National Institute for Mental Health, there are no known long-term side effects. Because the infusion introduces medication directly into the bloodstream, it’s possible to use a much lower dosage than oral prescriptions.
There can be immediate side effects from the treatment. Patients vary greatly in whether they experience any side effects at all and their severity. Some of the most common include:
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep
- Vomiting or nausea
- Dizziness
- Double vision
Reported side effects tend to be mild and subside as treatments continue. Ketamine is non-addictive and can only be administered by a medical professional. Patients are at low risk of becoming dependent.
What does it feel like during the infusion?
The low dose of the infusion ensures patients don’t experience a “high” that’s common with opiates and other drugs. Some individuals report feeling slightly sedated or something like a waking dream. In general, patients find the actual infusions quite pleasant.
Afterward, most people feel like their usual selves. It’s important not to drive or operate heavy machinery for the rest of the day after treatment simply because of diminished reaction times or impaired decision-making.
How long does it take treatment to work?
Some individuals feel an immediate improvement following a transfusion. However, a complete initial treatment of six infusions over two to three weeks is recommended for patients to receive the full benefit of ketamine treatment.
Some people don’t experience a significant improvement in their symptoms after the initial six-infusion treatment. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a psychiatrist instead of an anesthesiologist because they’ll be able to combine alternative and traditional medicine for personalized treatment plans.
Long Island Ketamine Infusions in NYC provides revolutionary mental health therapy.
Long Island Ketamine Infusions is a team of compassionate medical professionals led by Dr. Michelle Curro. Her specialty is treating depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses, especially those resistant to prior treatment. It’s recommended to work with a trained psychiatrist like Dr. Curro for ketamine infusion therapy rather than an anesthesiologist. Our team goes beyond administering infusions to providing supportive treatment for mental health issues.
Call 631-215-3142 to schedule an appointment and learn how ketamine infusions in NYC can help you.