Ketamine Infusion Therapy

Based on searches of major medical centers over the past 15 years, and in our experience, up to 70% of all patients can expect significant, and fast, relief. Of course, we cannot predict any individual’s results.  Our treatment is tailored in terms of frequency and dosage to each person, and we believe it offers your best chance of success.

That will depend on your response. Most responsive patients receive a series of six to eight infusions. Dr. Lauter will work with you to customize your treatment plan for the best chance of success.

Traditional medications often produce side effects such as sexual dysfunction and weight gain. However, ketamine therapy results in no known long-term side effects.

There are very few.  Dr. Lauter will discuss contraindications with you before you receive your first infusion.

If you are not currently a patient of Dr. Lauter’s, he will meet with you to discuss your diagnosis and treatment prior to coordinating treatment. Patients who are already seeing Dr. Lauter will work with him to determine readiness.

Most likely not. Some patients seem to achieve long-term relief after a series of infusions.

Hypomania has not been reported following ketamine therapy.

Dr. Lauter is a Ketamine therapy specialist. All treatments are performed on an outpatient basis in his relaxing and comfortable location.

No.

It is impossible to predict exactly how long it will take to improve. Every patient is different. Some patients will begin to feel better very early in the infusion plan and some may take a bit longer. Patients with thoughts of self-harm often notice those thoughts dissipating first. There can be a dramatic relief of dread and hopelessness. Other patients may not notice any mood improvement until several infusions are completed. Discuss your treatment plan with Dr. Lauter to determine what is best for you personally.

Anti-depressant medications (SSRIs, MAOIs, and tricyclics) do not interfere with ketamine, and there is no need to stop them. Patients taking large doses of benzodiazepines (Ativan, Xanax and Klonipin) will have a reduced response to ketamine, but taking these medicines does not mean that ketamine cannot help you. Lamictal in doses over 100mg/day will blunt the ketamine response. Important: You should not decrease or stop taking any prescribed medication without first consulting your prescribing physician.

You do not need to have someone accompany you during the infusion, but we do require that someone drive you home. We advise you not to drive a car or make important decisions until the following morning.

Occasionally patients experience some nausea following an infusion. If so, we have medication that will help. More rarely, a patient may experience a transient headache. Patients can expect to be tired following the infusion. Very, very rarely patients already at risk for seizure have reportedly experienced one. If you have a seizure disorder please be sure to share that information with Dr. Lauter prior to your therapy.

You cannot eat for the 4 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. You may have clear liquids up until 2 hours before your appointment.

Following the initial series of infusions, most patients will work with Dr. Lauter to begin a maintenance program; returning for single infusions intermittently. The interval between maintenance infusions varies from patient to patient.

Because ketamine therapy for mood and anxiety disorders is recent and still viewed as experimental, insurance companies do not provide reimbursement.

Ketamine is administered over a period of 45 minutes. The dose is determined by your weight. The amount of ketamine administered is not enough to cause a loss of consciousness, so you will remain awake. During the infusion some patients experience odd perceptions—like seeing bright colors. Some report what is referred to as a “dissociative”, or “out of body” experience. These are side effects of ketamine that may be important for ketamine’s ultimate effectiveness. Most patients tolerate the experiences with no trouble, and many people find them pleasant. Once the infusion is complete, the dissociative effects of the drug rapidly dissipate. There are no delayed “flashbacks,” and patients generally leave the office within 30 minutes following the infusion and feel quite normal.