The use of Ketamine has been unfairly stigmatized in our society. For most people, any reference to Ketamine invokes images of drug abuse and heavy-duty tranquilizers. Like any other medication, yes Ketamine can be misused. The stigma that revolves around Ketamine prevents many from seeing the immense benefits it has produced and can produce. But what is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a drug that was introduced in the medical field in the 1960’s-1970’s. It was initially used as an anesthetic medicine for injured soldiers in the battlefields of the Vietnam War. Operating on soldiers in the field became easier and safer for surgeons, who no longer had to worry about their patients involuntarily thrashing during their procedures. Based on its intended foundational use, scientists and doctors have explored further benefits that can be derived from Ketamine. This research has produced a breakthrough in the way we treat individuals suffering from treatment resistant neuropathic pain and from chronic depression.

Individuals suffering from chronic, painful, and tingling sensations of nerve damage can begin to experience relief with Ketamine. The IV infusions have shown to be successful in the treatment of neuropathic pain, allowing the patient to get out of an opioid cycle. Instead of having to go from opioid prescription to opioid prescription, carefully administered Ketamine infusions can provide more relief and less dependency on these narcotics.

Ketamine works as an anesthetic on the damaged nerves, causing the neuropathic pain. In neuropathic pain syndromes, the pain inhibitors are overstimulated, sending intensified pain signals through the body. Ketamine is thought to give the pain receptor almost a “stop, and reboot.” This reset allows the nerve pathway to begin functioning in a normal capacity, drastically decreasing the production of pain signals through the body. Ketamine also operates as an anti-inflammatory on the central sites of damage.

Individuals suffering from nerve pain can also easily fall into the pit of depression. Depression is debilitating and isolating. Depression can alter brain chemistry so detrimentally that standard medication therapy like SSRI’s are no longer effective. Let alone if they work anymore. Using Ketamine has proved to be the newest and most effective way to provide relief.

Understanding the enormous benefits that Ketamine can bring to those who are suffering from depression, our practice has brought this service to our patients. We understand the importance of maintaining emotional wellness so our patients can lead fulfilling lives. By providing these collaborative services in a single location, we provide ease of access for medical care to our community.