KETAMINE INFUSION THERAPY

KETAMINE INFUSION THERAPY | Vermont

Serving patients in Colchester, Burlington, Essex, Winooski and beyond

An Overview of Ketamine Infusion Therapy

IV ketamine infusions have been used since the 1960’s as a sedative for medical procedures. It’s effect of creating an experience of separating the body from the mind, as well as its safety and ease of use, has found its place for decades at high-doses in emergency rooms across the globe.

 

After further research, Intravenous (IV) ketamine therapy, in sub-anesthetic doses, has emerged as a promising treatment option for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even certain pain disorders. 


At these lower doses, ketamine infusions produce a variety of both psychedelic, therapeutic, and sometimes euphoric experiences. Administered properly, Ketamine can create novel neural pathways in the brain that help patients create new ways of thinking and relating.


Some patients achieve long-term relief after a series of single infusions and complementary therapy with their psychologist. Others find that ketamine infusions enhance their oral medication routine. In a safely monitored and controlled environment, studies show that ketamine does not exhibit addictive potential and may be administered consistently to sustain balanced mental health.

Ketamine Use At Preventive Medicine

Though we primarily administer IV ketamine infusions, given it’s high level of absorption and short duration, when you visit our clinic for Ketamine Therapy, you can choose to have it administered in one of the following ways:

  • Intravenous infusion (IV) 
  • Intramuscular injection (IM) (into the muscle)
  • Subcutaneous injection (SC) (under the skin, above the muscle)
  • Intranasally (inhaled through the nose)
  • Sublingual oral dissolving lozenge


After completing a health screening and establishing care with us, patients come for a 40 - 60 minute treatment visit. Direct supervision and a safe environment is always provided so that patients feel supported at all times of their experience and are able to be met with care through anything that may arise.


The therapy space is calming and comfortable. Soft eye coverings are provided and the sound of binaural beat music (two tones of music played at the same time at slightly different frequencies) plays in the background so you can relax lying down or sitting comfortably in a chair. Treatment duration is typically about 20-minutes, though time may feel stretched or condensed for some. While many patients may have profound thoughts and epiphanies after a single visit, others may have a more gradual opening experience that enhances over time.


We recommend patients follow the treatment protocol of 12 sessions, with maintenance treatments every 1-3 months depending on life circumstances and stressors, or as long as it is needed/desired. We will, however, work with you to create a customized treatment protocol that best suits your personal and travel needs.

FAQ'S

  • I think I suffer from depression and anxiety. Can I come in for Ketamine Therapy?

    Yes! During your initial visit we will discuss your mood in depth and discover together whether ketamine therapy is an appropriate treatment for you. If treatment makes sense for you we can start the same day or at a time that best suits you. 

  • What is the difference between esketamine and ketamine?

    Esketamine, administered as a nasal spray, is an enantiomer (meaning, a nearly identical mirror-image molecule) of ketamine that was developed as a new patented drug to gain FDA approval for use in mood disorders in the same way that traditional ketamine is currently being used “off-label”. This is to say that they function incredibly similarly in terms of effect and benefits.


    As esketamine is a type of ketamine molecule, it is intended to be its own treatment program and protocol. Depending on insurance coverage, esketamine can be between $10 and $687 per use, so treatment options and affordability may vary.

  • Is treatment covered by insurance?

    Ketamine infusion therapy is considered “off-label” use for mood disorders by the FDA. This is not an uncommon practice and there are many medications that are used “off- label” for things other than what they were originally created for. These include Rogaine (Minoxidil) which was originally used to treat high blood pressure and was later found to help (in off-label use) for hair loss from alopecia. Insurance will not cover off-label medication use, but your office visit and counseling can be billed to insurance.

  • What is the cost of ketamine assisted therapy?

    We always do our best to make all services available to the patients who need them. 


    Although insurance companies will not cover the cost of Ketamine, they will typically cover the cost of the office visit itself.


    As we strive to keep out-of-pocket patient costs low, we are able to offer a reduced rate for Ketamine Therapy when patients have insurance that covers the office visit fee. 

    Ketamine Therapy with insurance: $250

    Ketamine Therapy without insurance: $400

    If you’re in great financial hardship, please send us a personal message and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

  • How does ketamine make a positive difference for me?

    While nothing is a certainty, the studies for ketamine infusion therapy show very promising results in the vast majority of patients who try it. Ketamine increases serotonin uptake and neuroplasticity, opening your brain up to new possibilities for life!

  • How is ketamine different from SSRI medication?

    Biochemically, ketamine operates on a receptor level as a NMDA antagonist and  regulates the availability of the neurotransmitter glutamate in the brain.  The  antidepressant effect appears to be mediated by downstream signal effects of AMPA  receptors.  A variety of other receptors are targeted and contribute to the acute and  ongoing effects of treatment.  The big result of this is better regulation of mood related neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine as well as increased growth of new neural pathways and recovery. Neuroinflammation has also been shown to be decreased after treatments. 

  • I’m still not sure….what else can you tell me?

    If you want to change the way you think and feel about your day to day life from the big picture all the way down to the cellular level, ketamine therapy may be right for you! One consideration when we talk about treatment is the cost of not trying. How much does your mood and the way you feel about your life cost you on a day-to-day basis?

     

    It’s also important to know that during the 4-hour aftercare window, it is not safe to drive, so you’ll want to be sure you have a safe ride home and a healthy supportive space to integrate. It’s a beautiful thing to be supported by a friend or family member in this way.

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