Ketamine has been safely used since the 1960’s. It was originally used as an anesthetic, but has been used as an adjunct in antidepressant therapy since the 1970s. In 1985, the World Health Organization (WHO) placed ketamine in the WHO Model List of Essential Medications. It is FDA approved, and with a success rate over 70%, this far exceeds alternative treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy, medications, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Ketamine has numerous mechanisms of action. It increases glutamate and other neurotransmitter levels in the central nervous system. This leads to improved cell communication and increased neuronal activity and new synapses (connections) in the brain. In other words, instead of waiting for new neurons to form with traditional anti-depressant medications, ketamine rapidly increases communication between existing neurons by creating new connections.
Ketamine therapy can provide rapid relief of symptoms. Some people experience rapid relief in as little as 4-6 hours, while others experience relief more gradually over 1-2 sessions. We know that you are unique in your needs. We consult with our patients before every session to determine dosage, infusion time, and the interval between infusions to ensure you meet your goals.
At avIVa Infusions we care about you. Your treatment at avIVa Infusions does not end after your infusion. We will continue to monitor you via a simple self monitoring assessment app. This allows us to track your mood and stay on top of your progress. It also allows you to actively participate in your ongoing care and ensures that you receive your boosters in a timely manner.
avIVa uses ketamine to treat numerous mental health disorders such as:
Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation; it means understanding that something is what it is and that there’s got to be a way through it.”—Michael J. Fox
