Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that causes a psychedelic effect. It is used a great deal in the medical world for its sedating properties, however has shown a great deal of promise for treating mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD as well as pain disorders.

Ketamine was FDA approved in the 1960s as an anesthetic. The discovery of antidepressive action of ketamine in the last 20 years has been described as the single most important advance in the treatment of depression in over 50 years. It  has shifted  and continues to expand the direction of antidepressant research and development.

Ketamine is not physically addictive. In fact ketamine has shown promise in assisting patients break addiction patterns. However, if abused (frequently in a recreational setting), ketamine can become psychologically addictive. As ketamine is used under supervision of our highly-trained staff and not in a recreational environment, the risk of addiction is incredibly low.

Contraindications for ketamine administration include a history of severe liver disease, uncontrolled hypertension, schizophrenia or active psychosis, aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, or a prior sensitivity to the drug.

A ketamine infusion involves first placing a IV. You will then be placed on a cardiac monitor and continuous pulse oximetry so that we may monitor you continuously throughout your infusion. You will be provided with an eye-mask and noise-canceling headphones that will play music designed specifically for your ketamine infusion. Our staff will monitor you closely throughout your entire infusion and reentry and will be available for any need that may arise. Our medical personnel not only have extensive training in ketamine and mental health, but also emergency medicine, which also provides an extra layer of comfort for you as we are adept at handling any situation. Personnel including NPs, MDs, and EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians).

Once your induction infusions are complete, return for additional maintenance or “booster” infusions is symptom-based. Every individual is unique and boosters may be monthly for some individuals and every six months for others.

Patients typically see the greatest benefit from completing four to six induction infusions. Returning for additional maintenance or “booster” infusions is dependent upon your symptoms and response to the medication.

Most common side effects to ketamine are nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Wearing our provided eye mask will help reduce these side effects. We also are able to provide you with antiemetic medications prior to, during, or after your infusion to increase your level of comfort.

While it is not required to be involved in therapy during your ketamine treatments, we highly recommend it. Ketamine can aid in your therapeutic relationship and can also assist in processing emotions and thoughts that are unlocked during your sessions. We are happy to assist you in establishing care with a therapist upon request.

Due to the end of the  Covid-19 pandemic and emergency act, we are legally allowed to prescribe medication across state lines for established patients until November 2024. We are unfortunately not able to establish new relationships for oral ketamine for those that live out of Illinois as of November 11, 2023.

While we know that life happens, appointments must be canceled 24 hours in advance. In the case of a late cancellation, failure to reschedule, or show up for an appointment, a $100 charge will be made directly to the office by the patient. Due to the volume of patients in need of services, each appointment is valuable to both you as the patient and to the provider to maintain the efficiency of the practice. We thank you for your understanding and consideration.