Ketamine therapy has shown to be a successful treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. Ketamine has shown the capability to work faster than traditional antidepressant treatments, providing patients rapid relief from their symptoms.
As with many medications, there are some potential risks that are involved with ketamine therapy — which is why The Remedy uses precautionary measures, consistent monitoring and proven methods when providing this treatment to keep patients safe. In addition, we take the time to educate our patients about the treatment so they are fully aware of the process involved and help minimize side effects and risks.
Understanding Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Ketamine works by affecting various brain chemicals and receptors, which are crucial to the brain’s ability to adapt and form new nerve connections — also known as neuroplasticity. Patients who don’t have these connections are more likely to be diagnosed with depression or other mood disorders. Ketamine also appears to stimulate the brain’s opioid receptors, which could play a role in its ability to quickly treat pain and mood disorders. This combination of effects could explain why patients have experienced rapid and prolonged relief from depression symptoms with ketamine infusion therapy.
What Conditions Can Ketamine Therapy Treat?
There are a number of conditions that ketamine has shown the ability to treat, providing relief for those with:
- Chronic anxiety
- Patients who have not responded to conventional antidepressant medications
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Treatment-resistant depression
For anyone with these conditions, or others that may be helped by ketamine therapy, finding treatment that includes comprehensive safety measures as part of treatment is crucial. This will allow you to continue on your journey toward better mental health with confidence and help ensure long-term well-being.
Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy Safe?
As with any treatment, safety is a top priority for our patients, especially if they are unsure about ketamine. At The Remedy, we design our ketamine treatment to be as safe, comfortable, and effective as possible. We maintain safety protocols that are tailored to each patient, beginning with pre-treatment screening for mental, emotional, and physical well-being and carrying through to every post-treatment evaluation. We also continually monitor patient vitals throughout the process. By centering the needs of each individual patient, our compassionate and experienced team is able to provide safe care that supports your care needs.
Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy Safe for Addicts?
Ketamine infusion therapy is a safe option for addicts, especially when combined with our medication management services. Please keep in mind that our team is only recommending treatments that are appropriate for your situation. We also go through a thorough evaluation of each patient’s mental, emotional, and physical health before starting any treatment to be sure that it is safe.
Is At-Home Ketamine Therapy Safe?
Undertaking ketamine therapy at home can pose some risks, which is why we recommend only undergoing ketamine therapy in a clinical setting. The Remedy conducts our ketamine infusion therapy sessions in a controlled, supportive, and welcoming environment with licensed administrators. This allows us to ensure your safety, as well as monitor the progress you are making over the course of your treatments.
Addressing the Risks of Ketamine Therapy
While ketamine therapy is quite safe — it’s been used as an anesthetic for more than 60 years — there are some potential side effects that patients need to keep in mind. These include:
- Dissociation (a floaty feeling, confusion, sensory illusions)
- Dizziness
- Feeling tired or groggy following the infusion
- Mild nausea
- Temporary elevation of heart rate and blood pressure
By undergoing ketamine therapy in a professional clinical environment, these risks and side effects are minimized and can be addressed during treatment to ensure there are no long-term health concerns. After each session, we will conduct an evaluation to measure progress and results before making any needed adjustments to your care. In the unlikely case of an emergency, our facility is fully outfitted with medical-grade tools and equipment and our team is fully trained in emergency preparedness and response.
If you want to learn more about the safety of ketamine infusion therapy at The Remedy, schedule a consultation. We’d be happy to walk you through the details and show we put your safety first.
Patient Experience During a Ketamine Infusion
Our dedication to your comfort and safety begins before treatment starts, with our pre-treatment assessment and welcoming, calm environment. Our team prioritizes your care and comfort, so you feel emotionally and physically supported from the moment you step into our clinic. This continues throughout your treatment, with both medical monitoring and ongoing comfort and support. After your session is finished, we’ll make sure you are comfortable and conduct another assessment to check your health and ensure you are able to safely go about the rest of your day.
Please note that you are required to have someone drive you home after your infusion and should not drive for at least 24 hours after treatment is complete.
How Safe Is Ketamine Therapy Compared to Other Treatments?
Ketamine has been used safely since 1962 and has even been the anesthetic of choice for some pediatric cases. There are no known long-term side effects of ketamine when used in a clinical setting, but as with any medication, there is some low-level risk with ketamine therapy. Especially when compared to self-managed medication or misuse, ketamine therapy should be considered safe. The safety and effectiveness of ketamine therapy are further improved with the individualized care plans that The Remedy develops for each patient.
Taking the Next Step With Confidence
Seeking treatment for mental health conditions can be intimidating for many, which is why The Remedy is dedicated to making the process as transparent and comfortable as possible. Our team will guide you through treatment and support your physical and emotional health before, during, and after each ketamine therapy session. We’re always here to answer any questions that you may have and make any changes needed to improve your care or comfort.
Ketamine Infusion Therapy in Minnesota and Wisconsin
The Remedy is proud to provide ketamine therapy to patients in Minnesota and Wisconsin, offering this treatment at the following clinics:
If you’re looking for more information about our ketamine therapy services, schedule an info session with our team. Ready to get started? You can book an appointment online.
