Ketamine

Current research indicates that slow administration of ketamine helps ease mental health symptoms from conditions like depression and bipolar disorder. Kingwood Psychiatry in Kingwood and The Woodlands, Texas, specializes in diagnosing and treating psychiatric conditions using the latest treatments, including ketamine. Call the Kingwood Psychiatry office nearest you today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about ketamine and how it can help you. Telemedicine consultations are available.

What is ketamine?

Ketamine is a general anesthetic most often used during surgical procedures. More recently, scientists have investigated the benefits of administering ketamine at low doses for people with mental health conditions. These treatments rapidly improve symptoms.

Ketamine binds with glutamate receptors in the brain —  N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) — that plays a role in learning and memory.

When it binds to the NMDA receptors, brain levels of glutamate increase (because they can’t attach to the NMDA). This forces the neurotransmitters to bind with other receptors and create new neural pathways. This action changes how the brain communicates, improving mood, thinking, and behavior.

Am I a candidate for ketamine?

Dr Venkatesh determines if you’re a candidate for ketamine after a consultation. It’s not an FDA-approved treatment for mental health conditions, meaning it’s off-label use and not covered by health insurance.

Some of the conditions that benefit from ketamine include:

• Treatment resistant-depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Suicidal ideation

Kingwood Psychiatry will only recommend ketamine if you’ve tried traditional treatments like psychiatric medication and psychotherapy and failed to get relief from your symptoms.

What happens during ketamine treatment?

Dr Venkatesh customizes your ketamine treatment to match your needs. They review your plan at your consultation, so you know what to expect.

While you relax in the treatment chair, your provider inserts an intravenous (IV) line in your arm and starts your ketamine. They closely monitor you during your treatment, looking for side effects.

Once you complete your treatment, you remain in the office for continued observation. You must arrange to have someone drive you home after your ketamine treatment and plan to take the rest of the day off.

How many ketamine treatments do I need?

Kingwood Psychiatry personalizes your ketamine treatment. However, you could need six treatments over three weeks to start and then continued treatments once or twice a month.

Dr Venkatesh might also recommend that you continue with your prescription psychiatric medication and psychotherapy while undergoing ketamine treatment. That way, you get the most benefits from your psychiatric care.

Call Kingwood Psychiatry today or schedule your in-office or telemedicine consultation using the online booking tool.