Ketamine FAQs

WHAT IS KETAMINE?

Ketamine belongs to a class of medications called dissociative anesthetics. Ketamine works by allowing one to receive medical treatment without feeling pain and without having to put the patient to sleep. Ketamine preserves respiratory function, has a short half life and rare side effects thus giving it a great safety profile. Ketamine has been popular since the 1970s as a sedative/anesthetic in adult, pediatric and veterinary medicine for emergency and operative care. 

WHAT TYPES OF PATIENTS CAN BE SEEN AT QUENCH WELLNESS?

We are currently accepting patients with treatment resistant depression. We look forward to expanding to other mood disorders in the future. 

DO I NEED A REFERRAL FROM A PSYCHIATRIST? 

No, you do not need a referral from a psychiatrist to start infusions with us. We will gladly loop in your psychiatrist or mental health specialist if you would like. 

WHY DON’T OTHER DOCTORS PERFORM THE INFUSIONS? 

Not all physicians have the equipment, knowledge or time to perform procedures. Additionally, to provide this therapy in the hospital setting would take a lot of red tape, time and resources that large hospitals choose to go to more prioritized initiatives. 

DO I HAVE TO STOP TAKING ANY MEDICATIONS BEFORE STARTING KETAMINE INFUSIONS? 

You will not have to stop taking any medications/antidepressants in order to be treated. In fact, if you take medication for hypertension, ensure you take your medication regularly leading up to your infusion. 

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR THE INFUSION?

Eat lightly even before this 4 hour window. Make sure you are properly hydrated before this 4 hour window begins. Please use the bathroom before every session. 

WILL KETAMINE INTERFERE WITH ANY OF MY MEDICATIONS? 

There are no medications that will interfere with the safety of ketamine treatment. There are some medications, though, that could make the infusion less effective including: benzodiazepines, lamotrigine, diphenhydramine (allergy medications), dextromethorphan (cough suppressant),memantine and any other medication that can affect NMDA receptors. 

ARE THERE ANY MEDICAL PROBLEMS THAT STOP ME FROM GETTING KETAMINE?

There are very few medical problems that can stop you from getting ketamine. Note that patients who have high blood pressure on the day of their appointment will need to be treated to start the infusion. Other conditions that will be considered on a case by case basis include: pregnant/breastfeeding, congestive heart failure, dementia and adolescents. The following conditions may make ketamine ineffective or dangerous: untreated thyroid disease, untreated heart disease, bipolar disease with active mania, substance abuse or psychosis.

IS THERE A RISK OF GETTING ADDICTED TO KETAMINE? 

No, when the medication is given under physician care, there is no risk of forming an addiction. We will be using a fraction of what is normally used in the emergency/operative setting. In those settings, patients receive much higher doses of ketamine with no addiction potential. 

IS KETAMINE SAFE WHILE BEING USED AS AN OFF LABEL DRUG? 

Yes, ketamine has an excellent safety profile. We will be using a fraction of what is used in the emergency/operative setting. Physicians use medications off label in many instances. Often, there is a delay between emerging medical use and FDA approval. Note, the intranasal form of ketamine, esketamine, is FDA approved for the treatment of depression. Unfortunately, oral or intranasal forms of ketamine have unpredictable and varying absorption making them less effective than infusions. 

IS THIS AN OUTPATIENT PROCEDURE? 

Yes, you do not need to be admitted to the hospital for a ketamine infusion. 

HOW MUCH DOES THE KETAMINE INFUSION COST? 

Your initial consultation is $50. Your six induction ketamine infusions are $500 each. Boosters of single infusions are $450 per session. 

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO MY APPOINTMENT? 

Drink plenty of fluids before your infusion to help with IV placement. Stop eating 4-6 hours before your appointment. Bring your headphones/earpods to connect to your phone. Program about an hour worth of your favorite music. We will provide eye masks and blankets (including weighted blankets). Bring a trusted family or friend to drive you home. If desired, they can be present with you during the infusion. They will need to be able to drive you home. 

WHAT WILL THE KETAMINE INFUSION FEEL LIKE? WHAT ARE THE RISK OF THE INFUSION? 

After getting comfortable in our reclining chairs, a member of our team will place an IV in your arm or hand for the ketamine infusion. Your vital signs will be monitored during the infusion. Most people feel relaxed or even sleepy. Rarely, a patient can feel dissociative symptoms (feeling disconnected with yourself, anxious, hallucinations) during their infusion, but these are short lived and manageable. If you are ever feeling uncomfortable during your infusion, there are medications that we can give you to make you feel more comfortable. The risks are minimal when low dose Ketamine is used for mood disorders. Some possible side effects include blurred vision, nausea, dizziness, and a sense of floating. Blood pressure and heart rate may elevate. If needed medication will be given to manage these side effects. 

HOW LONG IS THE INFUSION? 

The infusion will take about an hour. You will be monitored afterwards until you have regained consciousness and your vitals are stable. Usually, this takes less than 30 minutes. 

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

Every client's treatment plan may not be the same. On average, most clients will require 6 infusions that are performed every 48-72 hours over a course of 2-3 weeks. Most will know after the first or second treatment if ketamine is working for them. You are in no way committed to do all 6 sessions with us. We will need to see you 30 days after your infusion. We can boost with single infusions as needed to maintain your results. 

WHAT ARE THE SUCCESS RATES? 

Ketamine, on average, has a success rate of 75%. 

HOW LONG DOES DEPRESSION RESPOND? 

Your length of response to the infusion will vary from patient to patient but will increase with subsequent treatments. After the first series of six infusions for depression, you may have relief of symptoms for 1-2 months and for as much as 6 months. We will then schedule single booster infusion as needed to control your symptoms after. 

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER MY INFUSIONS? 

You can resume your normal diet and normal activities following your infusions. We strongly recommend continuing care with your psychiatrist or behavioral health provider. Continuing therapy, eating well, exercising and maintaining a strong support system will help to maximize the benefits of ketamine. 

DOES QUENCH WELLNESS ACCEPT INSURANCE FOR KETAMINE INFUSIONS?

No, we do not accept insurance or Medicare/Medicaid. Unfortunately, many insurance companies are not yet covering Ketamine’s use for treating depression. We do accept cash, debit, credit, FSH/HSA and Care Credit. 

IS THERE A CANCELLATION FEE? 

Yes, there is a $100 cancellation fee if you fail to notify us within 24 hours of your appointment.