FAQ

At D’Amore Ketamine Therapy Program, we understand that exploring a new treatment can raise many questions. To help you feel informed and comfortable with your decision, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions about ketamine therapy, its benefits, and what you can expect during your treatment journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ketamine is a safe and effective medication originally developed over 50 years ago as an anesthetic agent. It is FDA-approved as a sedative and is commonly used in both pediatric and adult medicine. Recently, ketamine infusions have been proven to effectively treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, and certain pain conditions.

 

Ketamine infusions have shown success in treating individuals who have not responded to traditional medications or therapies. While every patient is unique, many experience significant relief after just one or two treatments.

A typical course of ketamine therapy involves six infusions administered over a 2-3 week period. After the initial series, maintenance infusions may be scheduled every 1-3 months depending on your progress and treatment plan.

Scheduling begins with an initial consultation where we assess your medical history and treatment needs. If you’re a candidate for ketamine therapy, our team will work with you to develop a treatment plan and schedule your infusions.

While a referral from a mental health provider is encouraged, it is not always required. Our team can evaluate your eligibility and work with you to develop a treatment plan that best suits your needs.

Ketamine infusions are often considered an “off-label” use of the medication, so coverage varies by provider. We recommend contacting your insurance company to verify coverage or discussing payment options with our clinic.

Yes, ketamine is widely regarded as a safe medication when administered in a controlled, clinical setting. It has been used for decades in medical practice, and when used for mental health conditions, the doses are significantly lower than those used for anesthesia.

FDA-approved means that the medication is recognized as safe for a specific use. “Off-label” use refers to when a medication, like ketamine, is used for a purpose other than what it was originally approved for, such as treating depression or anxiety. Off-label use is common in many areas of medicine.

Common side effects include mild dizziness, nausea, or a temporary increase in blood pressure. These effects usually subside shortly after the infusion. Serious side effects are rare and monitored closely by our medical team.

When administered in a controlled clinical setting and at therapeutic doses, ketamine is not considered addictive. Our team carefully monitors each patient to ensure safety throughout treatment.

Approximately 70-85% of patients experience rapid and significant improvements in their symptoms after ketamine therapy, particularly in cases of treatment-resistant depression and PTSD.

During the infusion, you may feel relaxed, detached, or experience mild euphoria. Some patients report a dreamlike state. These sensations typically fade after the treatment, and many patients report feeling relief from their symptoms within hours.

The duration of relief varies by patient. Many individuals feel improvements for several weeks to months after the initial series of treatments. Maintenance infusions can help sustain these results over time.

You will arrive at our clinic, where a member of our team will guide you through the process. Each infusion takes approximately 40 minutes, and you’ll remain in our care for about 2 hours total, from arrival to discharge.

Ketamine often works faster than traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to show results. For many, ketamine provides relief when other treatments have failed, making it a promising option for treatment-resistant conditions.

Yes, we encourage you to maintain your existing mental health care relationships. We work closely with your providers to ensure that ketamine therapy is an integrated part of your overall treatment plan.

Certain conditions, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure or a history of substance misuse, may affect your eligibility for ketamine therapy. Our medical team will review your health history to determine if ketamine is right for you.

We will provide specific pre-infusion instructions, including dietary recommendations and guidance on managing medications, prior to your appointment.

In some cases, benzodiazepines may interfere with ketamine’s effects. We will review your medications and give you specific instructions on whether you should continue or adjust your current medication regimen.

All ketamine infusions are performed in our clinic by experienced medical professionals in a safe, controlled environment. Our treatment rooms are designed to provide comfort and privacy during your sessions.

In most cases, yes. We will review your current medications during your consultation to ensure there are no interactions with ketamine, and provide guidance if any adjustments are needed.

 

After your initial consultation and eligibility assessment, we will schedule your first infusion at a time that works best for you.

Ketamine therapy is typically reserved for adults, though exceptions may be made in certain cases. Our team will review age requirements and eligibility during your consultation.

 

Each ketamine infusion lasts about 40 minutes, with the entire appointment taking approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Get started with Ketamine Therapy

Take the first step towards feeling better. Contact D’Amore Ketamine Therapy Program to schedule your consultation and learn more about how ketamine therapy can help you regain control of your mental health.