Ketamine Infusions

What is ketamine?

Ketamine is a controlled prescription medication most commonly used as an anesthetic for surgery to keep you comfortable, but conscious.

When used in infusion therapy under close medical supervision, ketamine offers pain-relieving benefits for those with chronic pain. 

The drug also provides relief from symptoms of mental health disorders, such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), that are resistant to other types of therapy.

What conditions can a ketamine infusion treat?

At Delmarva Pain and Spine Center, Dr. Patel offers in-office ketamine infusion therapy to ease pain from a variety of conditions when other therapies fail. You may be a candidate for ketamine infusion therapy to address pain from:

• Cancer
• Headaches
• Fibromyalgia
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Peripheral nerve damage
• Post-amputation stump pain
• Complex regional pain syndrome

You may also benefit from ketamine infusion therapy to treat several types of neuralgia, a condition that causes shock-like pain due to nerve damage, including trigeminal, glossopharyngeal, and postherpetic neuralgia. 

Dr. Patel also offers ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression, OCD, and other mental health issues.

During your initial appointment, Dr. Patel ensures ketamine infusion therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for your condition by reviewing your medical history and the root cause of your pain. 

Based on your needs, she designs a treatment plan that outlines the ketamine dosage and the frequency of therapy to achieve optimum results.

What can I expect during a ketamine infusion?

To deliver ketamine into your bloodstream, Dr. Patel starts an intravenous (IV) line. When the infusion begins, she continues to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure your safety.

Many people experience the therapeutic benefit of ketamine therapy immediately and enjoy a significant reduction in pain while still receiving the infusion. 

Those receiving therapy for depression and other mental health issues can feel a boost in mood and a reduction in negative or suicidal thoughts.

You may experience possible side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or vivid dreams after your treatment. Dr. Patel provides comprehensive aftercare instructions following your ketamine infusion to keep you safe and healthy.

Depending on your condition, Dr. Patel may recommend additional infusions to keep you symptom-free and enjoying a high quality of life.

If you can’t find relief from chronic pain or overwhelming symptoms of depression, schedule a consultation at Delmarva Pain and Spine Center by phone or online today.