Ketamine Therapy in Oklahoma

Ketamine infusion works by providing medication directly into the bloodstream where it immediately begins to repair the stress-induced damage in the brain’s communication system. Ketamine is able to increase BDNF, the substance responsible for synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis. According to the literature, Ketamine is effective in about 70% of patients, with the effects of a single treatment lasting one week. Longer or shorter duration of action is possible. The initiation protocol includes six infusions over a three-week period. Maintenance treatment is required to sustain the effects. Potential side effects from Ketamine include dizziness, bad dreams, perceptual disturbances, confusion, elevation in blood pressure, euphoria, dizziness, increased libido, and nausea. These side effects mostly disappear 20 minutes after completion of the infusion, and Ketamine treatment is well tolerated. Patients may not leave our office until deemed stable by our staff members.

Many find it helpful and relaxing to listen to music and to wear an eyeshade or sunglasses. It can be difficult to carry on a conversation during the procedure, so you are encouraged to sit back and relax and pay attention to what you are feeling. The first five minutes are uneventful with no noticeable effects. At around the ten-minute point, people tend to notice some blurring of vision or double vision, a feeling of “lightness,” “floating,” or intoxication, and sometimes some numbness in the toes or area around the mouth. These feelings start to subside approximately 10-15 minutes after the medicine is done and last for a total of 45-50 minutes.

You should not expect to wake up feeling “perfect and overjoyed,” but rather there should be a noticeable difference in feeling more hopeful, less sad, decreased thoughts of suicide, increased calmness, “weight” of depression lifted, or more inclined to engage with people. Further improvements are often seen over the course of treatment. Most people can expect to be with us for about 90 minutes from the time you walk in the door to when you leave, with no side effects at that point and none between treatments. Patients must have a driver to take them home following treatment as driving is not allowed the rest of the day. You will be provided with post-procedure instructions and will receive a call the day following your first infusion to see how you are feeling.

Most insurance companies will cover the majority of charges for ketamine infusion. We are in-network with most major insurance companies and are happy to verify your benefits and provide an estimate of your out-of-pocket cost for treatment. Patients are responsible for any amount not covered by insurance.

Spravato is the only nasal spray formulation of ketamine on the market. The dose of Spravato and subanesthetic Ketamine may vary. One is not necessarily better than the other. Both have a value and utility in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses. Talk with a LifeStance professional during your consultation.