Conditions Treated With Ketamine - Integrative Medical Pain Clinic

Depression affects millions of people globally and is one of the leading causes of disability. In many cases, ketamine infusions have provided relief for up to 80% of individuals after just one session. For those who have not found success with other medications or antidepressants, ketamine may offer a promising solution for managing depression.

Bipolar depression involves episodes of intense mania or euphoria followed by periods of deep misery. Successfully stabilizing mood swings to interrupt the cycle of mania and depression is crucial for effective treatment. Ketamine infusions provide quicker relief and symptom improvement compared to other treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation or electroconvulsive therapy, which may take weeks or even months to show full results. Many patients report noticeable improvements after just two weeks of repeated ketamine doses, especially when combined with psychotherapy.

Dealing with severe anxiety can be extremely frustrating. Symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pains, trembling, sweating, and dizziness may leave you searching for a solution. Since anxiety affects so many people, it’s crucial to find lasting methods of relief. Prescription medications often take time to show results and may come with unwanted side effects or even the risk of addiction. In contrast, ketamine infusions can offer relief in as little as two or three treatments.

Approximately 8% of the population is affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with common symptoms including flashbacks, intrusive memories, memory issues, and mood swings. Traditional treatments have often proven to be ineffective. However, studies show that a single ketamine infusion lasting 40 minutes or more can lead to a quick reduction in PTSD symptoms. After two or three treatments, patients typically know if ketamine therapy is effective for them. For those who respond positively, significant relief can be experienced through a series of six treatments over two to three weeks.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that causes individuals to experience persistent, unwanted thoughts, leading them to engage in repetitive behaviors. These symptoms can significantly impair daily functioning and even be life-threatening. While current treatments, such as antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy, benefit roughly 50 percent of patients, ketamine infusions offer a rapid reduction in OCD symptoms, particularly for those struggling with intrusive thoughts. Following a series of ketamine treatments, exposure therapy can help restore proper brain function and enable individuals to develop healthier coping strategies for managing everyday challenges.

Nearly 38 million people in the United States suffer from migraines, and if you’re among them, you’re likely seeking relief. Migraines can bring intense pain, along with other disruptive symptoms like nausea and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. For those who frequently experience migraines, medication may no longer be effective, making ketamine infusions a promising alternative. Research shows that 75% of patients report a reduction in migraine intensity following a series of ketamine treatments.

If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, it’s important to seek the help you deserve. Suicide rates have risen by more than 30 percent over the past 20 years, prompting many individuals to search for solutions. Recent research indicates that ketamine treatment may reduce suicidal thoughts in 82 percent of patients who undergo multiple ketamine infusions and can even eliminate suicidal ideation in 68 percent of cases.

Fibromyalgia is a complex and chronic condition that is frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Its symptoms can include fatigue, muscle stiffness, headaches, sleep disturbances, and more. Common treatments typically involve medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, narcotics, antidepressants, and muscle relaxants. However, ketamine treatment has emerged as a groundbreaking option for fibromyalgia, demonstrating a notable reduction in pain intensity both during and after the infusion period.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that often arises following an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack, commonly affecting a limb. The pain can vary from mild discomfort to debilitating agony. However, ketamine therapy has proven effective in significantly alleviating CRPS symptoms, such as joint stiffness, muscle spasms, and throbbing or burning pain. Many patients report noticeable relief after just a few treatments.

Postpartum depression, often triggered by hormonal shifts, the psychological adjustments to motherhood, and exhaustion, can be profoundly draining and, at times, debilitating. Ketamine treatments have emerged as a promising option for managing postpartum depression, especially when other treatments have been ineffective.