Ketamine, a common anesthetic drug, offers new hope for adults living with depression. At Boston MindCare, PC, in Lexington, Massachusetts, you can explore a variety of ketamine treatments. The practice is staffed by trained anesthesiologists Jason Yee, MD, and Isabel Legarda, MD, who provide IV ketamine infusions. This simple outpatient treatment offers rapid relief for mental illness. Ketamine can lift your mood, block pain, and even create new synapses in your brain. If you struggle with depression, let Boston MindCare, PC, help. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online.

Intravenous Ketamine Infusion Q & A

What is ketamine?

Ketamine has been used for many years as an anesthetic. During surgery, anesthesiologists often give patients ketamine to ease their discomfort. In certain doses, ketamine can also calm you down and help you relax.

But the benefits of ketamine extend beyond the operating room. Researchers have also learned that ketamine can effectively treat many chronic conditions. Ketamine has an especially powerful effect on people who struggle with depression.

People who have mental illness may experience changes in their brain's structure. Ketamine appears to reverse some of those changes, providing rapid relief. The drug works directly on your brain, creating pathways and generating new synapses.

What conditions can be treated with ketamine?

Ketamine is often used for treatment-resistant depression. But the drug has many other therapeutic benefits. Your medical team may suggest ketamine infusions if you have:

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

But ketamine isn't right for everyone. At Boston MindCare, PC, you receive a personalized consultation to discuss your options.

You meet with a trained anesthesiologist who reviews your medical history. Your provider asks about your symptoms and your treatment history. They help you determine whether ketamine is a good fit for you.

How does IV ketamine work?

At Boston MindCare, PC, you can receive ketamine through:

  • Nasal sprays
  • Oral drugs
  • Intramuscular injections
  • IV infusions

IV infusions are the ideal option for many patients. If you opt for this type of treatment, your expert provider delivers the drug through an IV.

The practice uses hospital-grade equipment and medications. A qualified anesthesiologist oversees each treatment, and most infusions take less than an hour. During your infusion, the Boston MindCare, PC, team observes you carefully. They adjust your dose as needed and provide you with ongoing support.

What results can I expect?

Ketamine works quickly. Many patients report some improvement within 24 hours. The drug is also very effective for most patients. Over 75% of people who undergo ketamine experience some benefits.

But each person has unique needs. Your Boston MindCare, PC, provider works with you to create a personally tailored treatment plan. They help you decide how often you need infusions based on your response to treatment.

Boston MindCare, PC, is dedicated to helping patients find relief. The team works with you closely to ensure a safe, comfortable experience. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online.