Ketamine Infusion Therapy: Overview, Preparation, Procedure, Recovery, Risks, and Aftercare
Overview
An intravenous (IV) infusion of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, is used in ketamine infusion therapy. Among its many uses are chronic pain conditions such as neuropathic pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and fibromyalgia, as well as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Preparation
Patients may undergo the following preparations before receiving ketamine infusion therapy:
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The patient will undergo a thorough medical evaluation to assess their overall health and determine whether they are a good candidate for ketamine infusion therapy.
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Medications: Patients may need to discuss their current medications with their healthcare provider, since some medications may need to be adjusted or stopped before the infusion.
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Before the infusion is administered, patients will receive information about the procedure, including its risks and benefits.
Procedure
The ketamine infusion therapy procedure typically involves the following steps:
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Ketamine infusion is administered by inserting a small needle into a vein, usually in the arm or hand.
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Ketamine is administered through an IV line at a controlled rate over a period of time, usually between 30 minutes and several hours, depending on the specific protocol used by the healthcare provider.
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Healthcare staff will closely monitor patients throughout the infusion to ensure their safety and well-being. Vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation may be monitored frequently.
Recovery
After receiving a ketamine infusion, patients may experience the following:
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During or immediately after the infusion, some patients may experience immediate relief from symptoms, such as pain or depression.
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For others, ketamine infusion therapy may take several hours or days to fully manifest, with gradual improvement in symptoms.
Risks
Ketamine infusion therapy is generally considered safe, but it does carry some risks, including:
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During the infusion, Ketamine can cause sedation and disorientation, and patients may experience dizziness or impaired coordination afterward.
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At higher doses, ketamine may cause hallucinations, vivid dreams, or other perceptual disturbances.
Aftercare
After receiving a ketamine infusion, patients may be advised to:
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After an infusion, patients should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery due to the possibility of sedation and altered perception.
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Patients should monitor themselves for any adverse reactions or side effects following an infusion and report them to their healthcare provider if they occur.
As a result, ketamine infusion therapy is an effective treatment option for patients with chronic pain and certain psychiatric disorders. As ketamine modulates neurotransmitter activity in the brain, symptoms can be relieved rapidly and significantly. Patients should be aware of the risks associated with the procedure and follow the instructions provided by their healthcare provider afterward.
