Frequently Asked Questions about Ketamine Therapy
We understand that when you’re looking for help with chronic pain or a depressive disorder, you have a lot of questions. We have answered some of the most common questions we’re asked below. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact us so we can help you find the answers you need about ketamine therapy.
- What is ketamine?
Ketamine is an anesthesia developed in the early 1960s. It is one of the most widely used drugs in modern medicine and is listed as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization.
It is FDA-approved for use as a general anesthestic medication. Ketamine has an very safe track record in surgical settings and is frequently used in pediatric surgery. It has been found to be effective in treating the extreme physical pain of CRPS/RSD when other treatment modalities have failed.
- What is involved in a ketamine infusion?
Ketamine infusions are performed in our office, TPMG Pain Management. TPMG Pain Management is located at 223 Bulifants Blvd., Suite C, Williamsburg, Virginia. The infusion is performed on an outpatient basis and typically lasts between 3 and 4 hours.
Before the infusion can begin, an IV will be inserted and other health monitoring instruments will be used throughout the infusion. The ketamine infusion is not painful and is generally well-tolerated.
Most patients remain awake or slightly drowsy throughout the infusion. After the infusion, patients should expect to rest for the remainder of the afternoon and evening but will be able to resume normal activities the following day. Each patient will also need a responsible adult to drive them home following the infusion.
- How many treatments are performed?
Typically, 4-5 ketamine infusions are provided initially. After the initial infusions, the patients response will be re-evaluated before continuing the therapy.
Just as with other medications, before continuing ketamine therapy, the patient will be reevaluated to determine the effectiveness of the infusion. If therapy is continued, future infusions are individualized. However, most patients can wait several weeks to months between repeat infusions without trouble.
- Is it safe?
It is safe. The patients vital signs will be monitored during the infusion. Some patients report nausea as a side effect, so an anti-emetic may be added to the IV to help prevent this. Patients with a history of nausea associated with medications or motion sickness should let their physician know so nausea can be prevented.
- How much does it cost?
Consultation: $350
Depression: $400
Addiction (Alcohol and Drugs): $400
Migraines: $600
Chronic Pain: $900
The cost of the infusion is not covered by insurance. Payments may be made by cash or check and the payment for each infusion is due in full before the treatment begins.
- Do I need a referral?
Self-referrals by patients with chronic pain are accepted with a recent physical exam and office notes from your physician. If a patient is currently being treated by a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist, all ketamine treatments will be shared with those individuals at the patient’s request in order that the psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist may be intimately involved in the patient’s treatment and response to the ketamine therapy.
Again, if you have a question that wasn’t answered above, please contact us today.