Welcome to New Chance Infusion Clinic

FREQENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a medication used to induce loss of consciousness or anesthesia when administered in larger doses.  In sub-anesthesia dosages it can produce relaxation and pain relief in both humans and animals.  Ketamine produces a dissociative affect, which is a kind of out-of-body experience where you partially lose awareness of yourself.  It provides the body a chance to reboot; to perceive things differently.

What does Ketamine treat?

Ketamine has been shown to effectively treat depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD and chronic pain.  Other areas of impact include suicide ideation and obsessive/compulsive disorder as well.

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What is the response rate to Ketamine infusions?

Currently, research and practice show about 50-70% response rate.  Ketamine's effect can take place anywhere between 1-2 hours after infusion.  Most patients feel effect the day after the infusion.  There may exist a continuation of bad periods of time during or after the infusions, but overall positive mood symptoms take effect.

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How long do the positive effects of Ketamine last?

Outcomes differ between patients.  However, multiple infusions may provide relief from a few weeks to several months. Some may even enjoy a lifetime with little maintenance.  Most feel there is an overall improved ability to cope and adjust after treatments.

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What is an infusion?

An infusion is the administration of a medication through an intravenous line over a certain period of time.  Ketamine infusions to treat depression or PTSD typically last approximately 40 minutes, at a cost of $1650 for 6 infusions.  Serial infusions have been shown to be more effective than a single infusion.  Typically, research has shown a series of six infusions spaced out over a two week period to be most effective.  Some choose to have a "booster" infusion over time.  Since each individual's response is different, I work to determine the best practice after understanding the patient's response to treatment.

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What can I expect from the ketamine infusion process?

Upon arrival to the clinic, appropriate paperwork will be completed.  The IV is placed and the infusion will begin and last 40-45 minutes.  Patients tend not to feel anything for the first 10-15 minutes.  After this point you may feel "odd", "unusual", and maybe "interesting".  Reports have been feeling dreamlike or floating; a feeling of disconnect from one's body or space. Perceptions may become distorted or more intense.  The experience increases in intensity and begins to subside after the 45 min mark.  Less common side effects may include nausea and anxiety.  Fast-acting IV medications can be administered for treatment in patients feeling bothered by these effects.  All effects cease about 15 mins after the infusion is completed.  Patients relax in the office for 20 minutes to an hour after treatment and then are driven home by a trusted and prearranged driver.

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What should I do during the infusion?

The best thing is to sit and relax. Tasks such as being on your phone, reading or talking are discouraged.  Listening to calming music is recommended like during a spa treatment or a massage.  You are encouraged to simply relax, close your eyes and allow the infusion to be administered.  The office area will be made as comfortable as possible.

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How much does the infusion cost?

The cost of the initial infusion for chronic pain is $500.  This fee includes the medication cost and the anesthetist's time.  In order to maximize the effects of Ketamine, patients usually need the standard protocol of six infusions.  After the second infusion, I will have a better sense of your response to the treatment and can determine if the remaining four treatments will be beneficial. Chronic pain treatment responses differ and require time commitment:  approximately four hours. Payment is expected for infusions the day of the appointment in the form of credit card or cash.

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What special instructions will I need to follow on the day of the appointment?

*You will NOT be allowed to drive yourself home after the infusion.  Make arrangements accordingly.  *Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until the day after the infusion.  *It is also advised to not make any significant life decisions until the following day.

*Abstain from eating beginning 4 hours prior to the appointment.  Clear liquids up to 2 hours prior is acceptable.  *Expect the entire process to last 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish.  The initial appointment may take longer.

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How soon can I begin Ketamine treatment?

Most patients can be seen within a week of their initial contact with my clinic, assuming your case is an appropriate referral.  Since I still maintain full time employment as an anesthetist appointments will need to be made afternoons, evenings and weekends.

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Are the infusions covered by insurance?

At this time Ketamine infusions for the treatment of chronic pain and psychiatric conditions are not covered by insurance.  While Ketamine is an FDA approved anesthetic medication, it is not recognized by the FDA for treatment of depression and other psychiatric conditions, even though it has been shown successful for almost 20 years as an off label use.  For example, neurontin is a medication developed to treat seizures but was found off label to be useful in treating restless leg syndrome. 

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