Ketamine Treatment
An intramuscular (IM) dose of ketamine, an anesthetic and is typically used to during surgeries to augment pain control. Ketamine is also being used off label to treat mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder, OCD, suicidal ideation, PTSD, substance use disorders and to improve mood.
The Ketamine Procedure
Intramuscular ketamine is usually performed in a hospital setting, though they can also be performed on an outpatient basis. First, the medication is drawn up and injected intramuscularly into the deltoid or glute muscle. The dose given is a sub-anesthetic dose. Initial effects may include feelings of relaxation, warmth, openness, lowered defensiveness, empathy, and increased capability for introspection. The session usually lasts 60-90 minutes.
Recovery from the IM Ketamine Injection
There are usually no limitations placed on the patient's activity following the procedure. The beneficial effects on mood persisits from 1 week to several months. Since the greatest and longest lasting benefit of ketamine comes with 6 treatments over a 2-3 week period, we ask patients to commit to at least 2 but perferably 6 administrations and then plan to return for periodic booster sessions every few weeks or months to prevent depression from returning. Driving home after a treatment is not allowed until the next day since ketamine temporarily impairs coordination and balance.
Complications of the IM Ketamine Injection
Fortunately, most patients do not experience serious complications following an IM ketamine infusion. However, possible complications may include:
- Fatigue
- Changes in blood pressure
- Seizures
- Arrhythmias
The practitioner will monitor the patient's results to ensure there are no significant complications following the injection.
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