What is ketamine?
Ketamine is a general anesthesitic developed in the early 1960s and is widely used as a sedative for procedures and as a general anesthetic. It is listed as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization. It has many medical uses and is FDA-approved as an anesthesitic. Ketamine has a very safe track record in surgical settings and is frequently used in pediatric surgery. It is now being used to treat depression, PTSD, fibromyalgia/myofascial pain symdromes and CRPS/RSD.
What is involved with the ketamine infusion?
The infusions are performed at TPMG Pain Management in Williamsburg, Virginia. The address is 5424 Discovery Park Blvd, Suite 204, Williamsburg, Virginia. The infusion is performed on an outpatient basis and typically last 3-4 hours for CRPS and myofascial pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia. Depression and PTSD infusions typically last about an hour. An IV will be started; EKG and pulse oximeter (monitors oxygen saturation) will be placed. You may or may not receive Versed or medication for nausea. The ketamine infusion is non painful and generally well tolerated. The dose received varies as it is individualized by the response of the patient. Most patients remain awake or slightly drowsy throughout the infusion. If drowsy, patients are easily arousable. You should expect to rest the afternoon and evening following the infusion. You should be able to resume your normal activities the following day. You should not enter into any agreements or make any decisions of significance for 24 hours following the infusion. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home following the infusion.
How many treatments are performed?
Typically, 4 ketamine infusions are provided initially. The patient will be reevaluated a few weeks following the infusion to determine the response. Additional infusions may or maynot be scheduled depending on the inital response. Occasionally, patients do not obtain any benefit from the infusions. There is no guarantee that the infusion will be beneficial for the patient. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic. There have not been any studies reviewing the long term effect of repeated ketamine infusions. The long term effects of ketamine infusions may be detrimental to the patient. Upon consenting to the infusion(s), the patient acknowledges that this is an experimental treatment and untoward side effects are possible with long term/permanent detrimental side effects.
Is it safe?
When ketamine is administered in a controlled medical setting by a trained physician, it is safe. Ketamine generally does not suppress the body’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems. It does have the potential to elevate heart rate and blood pressure, so the patient’s vital signs will be monitored during treatment.
How much does it cost?
The initial consultation is $350.00. Ketamine Infusions are $400.00 for the first hour and $250.00 for each additional hour. The cost of the infusion is not covered by insurance. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Payment in full is necessary before the treatment begins. The payment to the surgery center is between the patient and the surgery center.
Do I need a referral?
Self-referrals are accepted with a recent physical and office notes from your physician. Patients referred because of depression MUST be referred by a psychiatrist, psychologist or counselor . The psychiatrist/ psychologist or counselor will be intimately involved in the treatment and response of the patient to the ketamine therapy.
