Ketamine

In the last 20 years there has been a renewed interest in the use of ketamine for therapeutic treatment in chronic pain and mental illness. Long-standing intractable pain or mental illness can be particularly challenging to treat and resistant to multiple treatment modalities. Ketamine offers an additional option in many patients who have failed conventional or alternative therapies. 

What is Ketamine? 

Ketamine is a NMDA, (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor) antagonist, and has been shown to be effective for neuropathic pain, chronic pain, and psychiatric disorders. Ketamine is classified as an anesthetic agent. Ketamine has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antidepressants effects. 

Is Ketamine safe? Who will be present during my infusion? 

Yes, Ketamine is safe and effective when administered by the appropriate physician at subanesthetic doses. Due to its classification as an anesthetic agent, most hospitals prevent its use in patients unless under the administration and guidance of a Board Certified Anesthesiologist and Pain Medicine Specialist. 

Board Certified Anesthesiologists, and in particular Board Certified Pain Medicine Specialists, have the greatest amount of experience treating patients with ketamine in the operating room, hospital settings, and outpatient settings like a medical office. Dr. Masri will be present and available during the entirety of your treatment session. 

What conditions does Ketamine treat?

Ketamine is a treatment option for chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and mental illness.

What are the benefits of Ketamine and how does it work? 

Ketamine is a NMDA antagonist working at peripheral and central receptors. This leads to pain modulation, neuromodulation, nerve pain relief, and reduced opioid need. For mental illness, ketamine’s action at the NMDA receptor leads to anti-depressant effects. 

Ketamine mechanisms: 

● Decreases central and peripheral sensitization from chronic pain “wind up” phenomenon 

● Enhancement of descending pain inhibitory pathways 

● Anti-inflammatory effects at central sites 

● Inhibits excitatory receptors involved in chronic pain 

● Anti-depressant effects and subsequent reversal of chronic stress and depression in the brain 

Do I need a referral for treatment of my mental health illness? 

Yes. Colorado Interventional Health Sciences wishes to treat patients suffering from mental illness with the coordination of their care team. We will need a recommendation from your treating psychiatrist, psychologist, or family physician/primary care physician prior to treatment to ensure proper follow-up is provided. 

What are the side effects?

Side effects are minimal; however, the most common are nausea/vomiting. Some individuals may have somnolence or mild psychotropic effects such as euphoria, disorientation, or hallucinations. Every patient must undergo an initial consultation to determine if one is an appropriate candidate. We will review the risks/benefits of ketamine administration and infusion treatments based upon your medical history. 

When I can see results and how long should I treat for? 

For mental illness and mood disorders, Ketamine may produce results within a few hours after administration. Individuals suffering from chronic pain and chronic neurological pain may see similar results; however, this is often patient dependent. Medical literature demonstrates the clinical benefit of ketamine may last weeks to months and is patient dependent. Medical literature also demonstrates a dose response meaning repeat infusions over time have a larger effect than a single infusion. 

Does insurance cover Ketamine? 

Ketamine infusion treatment is currently not covered by insurance companies. We are happy to review our pricing if interested.