Ketamine Infusion Therapy in Connecticut

Scientists believe that depression may be due to a connection problem between nerve cells in areas of the brain that regulate mood. Research suggests that people with long-term depression may have fewer of the synapses that allow these nerve cells to communicate.

Medically supervised ketamine infusion therapy in Connecticut has been found to reactivate existing connections and to grow new ones, helping the brain to “shake loose” negative thoughts and shift out of depression. Because the brain has actually been “reshaped,” it may explain why antidepressant medications that didn’t work in the past, may help after ketamine therapy.

A 2000 study conducted at the Yale University School of Medicine showed that ketamine therapy significantly reduced depression symptoms within four hours, with effects lasting up to three days or more. “Additional, more recent studies have shown that when medically supervised, ketamine can be highly effective in treating depression when other therapies have been ineffective,” says Keming Gao, MD, PhD, Director of the Ketamine Infusion for Depression Clinic at University Hospitals.

Via: “The Benefits of Ketamine Therapy for Depression”

SPRAVATO® is a prescription medicine, used along with an antidepressant, taken by mouth to treat:

• Adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
• Depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or actions.

You will take SPRAVATO® nasal spray yourself, under the supervision of a healthcare provider in a healthcare setting. Your healthcare provider will show you how to use the SPRAVATO® nasal spray device.

Your healthcare provider will tell you how much SPRAVATO® you will take and when you will take it.
Follow your SPRAVATO® treatment schedule exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to.
During and after each use of the SPRAVATO® nasal spray device, you will be checked by a healthcare provider who will decide when you are ready to leave the healthcare setting.

You will need to plan for a caregiver or family member to drive you home after taking SPRAVATO®.
If you miss a SPRAVATO® treatment, your healthcare provider may change your dose and treatment schedule.

Some people taking SPRAVATO® experience nausea and vomiting. You should not eat for at least 2 hours before taking SPRAVATO® and not drink liquids at least 30 minutes before taking SPRAVATO®.
If you take a nasal corticosteroid or nasal decongestant medicine, take these medicines at least 1 hour before taking SPRAVATO®.

IV administration is the preferred method for delivering ketamine for infusion therapy due to its ability to provide precise dosing and immediate absorption into the bloodstream. When ketamine is administered intravenously, it bypasses the digestive system, ensuring maximum bioavailability and rapid onset of action.

Furthermore, IV infusion allows for continuous monitoring of the patient’s vitals and can be easily adjusted to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. The controlled and supervised environment ensures the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

During the infusion, the patient is typically seated or lying down in a comfortable setting, with medical professionals closely monitoring their condition. The IV line is carefully inserted into a vein, and the ketamine solution is slowly infused over a predetermined period of time. The duration of the infusion can vary depending on the individual’s needs and the specific treatment protocol.

It is important to note that IV ketamine infusion therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Each patient’s dosage and treatment plan are tailored to their specific needs and goals. The medical team will carefully assess the patient’s medical history, current medications, and overall health to determine the appropriate dosage and treatment duration.

One of the most promising applications of IV ketamine infusion therapy is in the treatment of severe depression, including treatment-resistant depression. Traditional antidepressant medications can take weeks or even months to show results, leaving patients to suffer in the meantime. Ketamine, on the other hand, has been shown to provide rapid relief for many individuals.

Research has demonstrated that ketamine can provide significant improvement in depressive symptoms within hours or days of the first treatment. This can be life-changing for individuals who have struggled with chronic depression and have not found relief from other treatment options.

A typical ketamine infusion session lasts for approximately 60-90 minutes. During the session, you will be comfortably seated in a relaxing environment while a healthcare professional administers the ketamine through an IV line.

The dosage and duration of the infusion will be tailored to your specific needs and treatment goals. Throughout the session, your vital signs will be closely monitored to ensure your safety and well-being.
Moreover, the infusion room is designed to provide a calming and soothing atmosphere to enhance your overall experience. Soft music, dim lighting, and comfortable seating are often incorporated to promote relaxation during the infusion.

Via: “What Is IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy?”