Chronic pain and mental illness can make it hard to get through the day. If other treatments have failed, Boston MindCare, PC, in Lexington, Massachusetts, can help. Boston MindCare, PC, is a ketamine infusion practice staffed by trained anesthesiologists. Jason Yee, MD, and Isabel Legarda, MD, offer intramuscular ketamine injections for fast-acting relief. Ketamine can help restore healthy brain function and generate new synapses. To learn more about the benefits of ketamine, Call the office today or schedule an appointment online.

Intramuscular Ketamine Q & A

What is intramuscular ketamine?

For many years, doctors have used ketamine as an anesthetic. In the right doses, ketamine acts as a sedative. The drug affects a patient's memory and induces a trance-like state. You may receive ketamine before or during surgery, to keep you comfortable and relaxed.

But in recent years, researchers have discovered unique benefits to ketamine. Doctors now know that ketamine does more than help patients during surgery. Studies show that the drug eases many chronic conditions, including depression and fibromyalgia.

At Boston MindCare, PC, you can receive ketamine through a nasal mist, oral drug, or IV infusion. The practice also offers intramuscular ketamine. These injections are delivered into the thick muscles of your arm, thigh, hip, or buttocks.

What conditions are treated with intramuscular ketamine?

Intramuscular injections allow your body to absorb the medication right away. Ketamine itself is also fast-acting, and many patients notice results within 24 hours.

These qualities make intramuscular ketamine injections an excellent option for people with:

  • Treatment-resistant depression
  • Chronic pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Anxiety
  • Migraines
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

If you're not sure whether ketamine is right for you, Boston MindCare, PC, can help. During your consultation, you meet with a licensed anesthesiologist. Your provider reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms. They help you decide if ketamine is a good fit.

How does intramuscular ketamine work?

Ketamine works directly on your brain, targeting NMDA receptors there. The drug blocks these receptors from receiving certain chemicals. Your body can then create new pathways in your brain and even generate new synapses.

Mental and physical illnesses can damage the synapses in your brain. Without healthy synapses, it's hard for your brain to recover. But ketamine helps your brain regenerate and heal itself. More than 75% of people who try ketamine feel some therapeutic benefits. Most patients report an improvement in their mood, better energy levels, and less physical pain.

What results can I expect?

Ketamine works best when used as part of a broader treatment strategy. During your consultation, your provider helps you create a personalized treatment plan. They let you know when you can expect to see results.

After your injections, the Boston MindCare, PC, team observes you carefully. They ask how you're feeling and make sure you're responding well. The team also helps you adjust your dosage or plan for your next treatment.

For expert care, look no further than Boston MindCare, PC,. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online.