Many people grew up only knowing ketamine as an illicit party drug, but it was originally developed by scientists and doctors as an anesthetic. Today, its unique properties make it an outstanding treatment for certain patients with mental health problems or chronic pain. At Knox Wellness Experience, we are proud to offer ketamine infusion therapy to our patients, a safe and effective way to help patients who have not found relief from their symptoms through more traditional means. Below, Dr. Chris Siano explains which patients may be good candidates for ketamine therapy.
Most of our patients who undergo ketamine therapy have been diagnosed with a mental health or pain disorder. Although ketamine is not usually the first recommendation for depression, it is appropriate for TRD (treatment-resistant depression) where antidepressant medications (SSRIs) have failed to improve symptoms. Ketamine has also been found to help address conditions like anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and bipolar disorder that have gone unresolved with medication and counseling.
Given its history as an anesthetic, it should come as no surprise that ketamine also has pain-numbing properties. Patients with CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome) and chronic nerve pain can often find relief with ketamine therapy.
How Does Ketamine Therapy Work?
Ketamine effectively blocks activity of receptors in the glutamatergic system (one of the brain’s main neurotransmitter systems). This prompts the brain to generate additional glutamate, which is believed to help reduce feelings of depression. Blocking receptors also reduces pain sensations related to nerve conditions. At the same time, ketamine helps the brain to develop new and better-organized neural conditions, which can help to reduce stress and depression.
Ketamine provides anti-inflammatory effects as well as pain reduction. A low dose acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist, providing an analgesic effect. At Knox Wellness Experience, our experts administer ketamine intravenously to offer a safe, controlled dosage of ketamine. This is a fast-acting treatment, with many patients noticing an improvement in their symptoms within hours or a couple days of a single infusion. Patients on ketamine generally feel calmer and more optimistic about life.
Ketamine therapy should only be performed under medical supervision with experts you can trust. If you have depression or chronic nerve pain that is negatively impacting your life and are ready to try something new to resolve your symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Siano to learn more about this remarkable treatment and determine if you are an appropriate candidate. Call 865-801-9501 or request an appointment online.
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