Who Is a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine therapy is a treatment that is used to help with certain conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. For patients who have tried other treatments with little to no success, it can provide another option. Results from this treatment can be long-lasting and can even provide instant relief from symptoms in some cases. 

At Ahwatukee Ketamine Clinic and Drip Lounge in Phoenix, AZ, we seek and provide treatments that are backed up by established science and research to help improve your quality of life. Our intravenous ketamine treatments have helped many of our patients with their individual conditions and concerns. If you are wondering if you are a good candidate for this treatment, we would love to have a consultation with you at our ketamine clinic.

A Closer Look at Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine is a medication that is often used as anesthesia in surgical procedures and to reduce pain after surgery. In more recent years, ketamine has also been used to alleviate symptoms from a variety of mental health disorders, as well as chronic pain disorders. 

During our IV ketamine infusions, a small dose of ketamine is administered through a vein in your arm while closely monitored by a doctor. The drug is thought to have an effect on certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically glutamate. During the course of several treatments at our ketamine treatment center, unhealthy pathways in the brain can be rewired to form healthier pathways which can have a positive impact on mental health and chronic pain disorders.  

Your experience during your treatment will depend on your body chemistry and other factors. However, many people report feeling detached from their surroundings with an altered perception. You may feel like you are in a dream-like state or experience heightened emotions. The medication is administered in a highly controlled setting where you will be monitored closely the entire time. 

After treatments, many people report feeling better almost right away. While every situation will be different, you may start to feel less heaviness and have less pain. A series of two or more treatments may be needed to help you reach your goal.

What Medical Conditions Can Benefit From Ketamine Therapy?

• Depression: At our clinic, we use ketamine for depression, especially in patients who are treatment resistant and searching for another option.
• Anxiety: Ketamine for anxiety is a common use for this therapy at our ketamine clinic. These treatments can help reduce anxiety and fear by helping to form new pathways.
• PTSD: Ketamine for PTSD can help treat symptoms of this illness while also reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and OCD that often come along with the disease.
• CRPS: By interrupting pain signals, ketamine may be able to provide relief for patients suffering from complex regional pain syndrome.
• Migraines: Some patients who suffer from migraines may be able to find relief from their pain after ketamine infusion therapy.
• Fibromyalgia: By reducing the transmission of pain signals, ketamine can be used to provide a better quality of life for patients suffering from fibromyalgia.
• Neuropathy: We can help treat symptoms of neuropathy such as numbness, tingling, and pain through several ketamine treatments.

Factors to Consider When Identifying Good Candidates for Ketamine Therapy

The Severity of the Condition

Many people experience more severe forms of depression, anxiety, and other conditions. Often, these conditions are resistant to other forms of medication. Ketamine has shown promise in treating these more severe instances of these illnesses. If you are experiencing symptoms of severe treatment-resistant conditions, our ketamine treatments may help. 

Previous Treatment History

We always look at your previous treatment history during our consultation to help determine if ketamine therapy is right for you. We often recommend this treatment if other medications and treatments have proven ineffective for your chronic pain or mental health disorder. 

Overall Health and Medical History

At our ketamine treatment center, we spend a long time with you talking about your overall health and your medical history. This type of treatment may not be right for individuals with certain medical conditions. 

Contraindications

There are several contraindications that we may consider while determining if ketamine treatment is right for you. We will consider hypersensitivities or allergies, substance use disorders, pregnancy and breastfeeding, a history of certain psychotic disorders, and more. Each case is unique, and we will consider everything before proceeding with treatment. 

Personal Preferences and Goals

Your preferences and goals are an important component of determining whether ketamine therapy is right for you. We will discuss your symptoms, your goals for treatment, and whether ketamine may be able to provide you with satisfactory results. 

Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision of whether ketamine infusion therapy is right for you will be a personal choice that is made between you and your doctor. At our clinic, we want every individual to receive the treatments that they need to have a higher quality of life and be able to enjoy each day. That is why we will spend time with you to get to know your condition, your symptoms, and your previous treatment efforts. 

Scheduling Ketamine Infusion Therapy in Phoenix, AZ

Ketamine therapy is a treatment that can be helpful for many people in managing conditions that aren’t responsive to other treatments. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, CRPS, migraines, or other chronic conditions, we may be able to help.  At Ahwatukee Ketamine Clinic and Drip Lounge in Phoenix, AZ, we would love to meet with you to discuss treatment. Call our ketamine clinic today or request an appointment online.