At Priority You MD we’re committed to providing comprehensive treatment options to address various conditions. We’re excited to announce that in addition to our KetaMind™ IV (intravenous) Therapy, we also offer KetaMind™ IM (Intramuscular) injection therapy as well.
KetaMind™ Therapy is a safe and effective treatment to help with several conditions including:
Ketamine is a medication that was developed in the 1960’s and approved by the FDA in 1970 for use as a general anesthetic. Ketamine is recognized as one the safest, most widely used anesthetic in the world has been used on both humans and animals for over 50 years.
Ketamine Therapy is a medical treatment used to manage psychiatric conditions and enhance cognition and memory. Administered through either intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) infusion, ketamine’s low doses offer rapid relief without inducing general anesthesia. While not FDA-approved for these conditions, ketamine therapy has shown promising results in alleviating symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and various neurological disorders.
Unlike traditional antidepressants that target the brain’s serotonin and noradrenaline systems; Research suggests that ketamine’s unique mechanism of action, targeting NMDA receptors, leads to rapid antidepressant effects and the promotion of new synaptic connections in the brain, potentially enhancing cognitive function and memory.
Because ketamine works on receptors and not on shifting hormone balances, the effects are dramatically faster. While traditional antidepressants can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks to start taking effect, ketamine starts to work almost immediately, sometimes within minutes, without the notorious side effects of psychiatric medications
Ketamine Therapy is safe and effective to help in the treatment of several conditions including, several psychiatric conditions, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain and many other neurologic conditions. Ketamine has been helpful for several chronic pain disorders including complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), ischemic limb pain, phantom limb pain, fibromyalgia, and other neuropathic conditions.
Ketamine is very well researched. There have been more than 50 clinical trials in the United States alone studying the use of ketamine for depression. Ketamine has remarkably fast antidepressant effects and has been used for treatment-resistant depression, especially in those patients with active and severe suicidal thoughts. Ketamine has shown reduction in depression and suicidal thoughts in as little as 40 minutes.
As many as 70% of patients with treatment-resistant depression (including bipolar patients) experience rapid relief after a low-dose ketamine infusion. Similar success rates have been seen in returning combat veterans suffering from PTSD. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that the degree of relief can vary among patients. Some sufferers get only partial relief, some do not get relief until a second or third treatment, and some do not respond to ketamine at all. Those patients that get no relief likely have additional medical conditions or medication use that can reduce its effectiveness.
A study published in the journal Science in 2010 suggested that ketamine restores brain function through a process called synaptogenesis. Scientists at Yale University found that ketamine not only improved depression-like behavior in rats but also promoted the growth of new synaptic connections between neurons and synapses in the brain. This means that we can create new connections in the brain and speed up the way the brain sends messages improving both focus and memory while potentially protecting the brain from neurologic disease.
Most of this research has involved adults with depression. Globally, it is estimated that depression affects 350 million people. Yet over the past 50 years, drugs to treat depression have not radically changed. This is despite the fact that for around a third of patients, these drugs do not work. This is what makes the prospect of using Ketamine so ground breaking for medical providers.
One of the more exciting and developing uses of Ketamine is for cognitive enhancement, which includes both memory and focus. Ketamine is being considered a nootropic (brain enhancer) therapy that could directly improve brain function through several mechanisms and is being heavily studied for this role.
As many as 70% of patients with treatment-resistant depression (including bipolar patients) experience rapid relief after a low-dose ketamine treatment. Similar success rates have been seen in returning combat veterans suffering from PTSD. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that the degree of relief and how quickly you feel the benefits can vary among patients. Some sufferers get only partial relief, some do not get relief until a second or third treatment, and a very small percentage do not respond to ketamine at all. Those patients that get no relief likely have additional medical conditions or medication use that can reduce its effectiveness.
Before receiving Ketamine Therapy, we will perform a careful evaluation of your health to make sure that ketamine is a safe and a reasonable option. The doctor may also recommend some changes in the medications you are taking to make sure they do not interfere with Ketamine Therapy or make Ketamine Therapy less safe or effective. At this time you and your family should voice any questions or concerns so you are confident with the decision to receive Ketamine Therapy. Once you fully understand the risk and benefits of Ketamine Therapy and have made a decision, each participant must sign a consent form prior to starting Ketamine Therapy.
Ketamine Therapy is typically given as a series of intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) treatments. The number of treatments is based on individual needs. Once the program and best route of administration for you is determined, a member of our team will insert an intravenous (IV) catheter into the hand or arm to allow for the administration of the ketamine; or administer an injection into a muscle. Depending on your health status, you may give other medications for nausea or other symptoms. Your vital signs, including blood pressure and pulse, will be checked prior to and during the treatment.
Each treatment usually lasts between 40-60 minutes. After the treatment ends, you will be monitored by a member of the treatment team for about 30 minutes to allow most of the medication’s effect to dissipate.
IV Ketamine: Provides relief with precise dosage control, suitable for individuals comfortable receiving IV infusions.
IM Ketamine: For individuals facing challenges with vein access or experiencing nervousness about intravenous insertion, our intramuscular ketamine option provides equally effective relief through a less invasive delivery method. While the experience may differ slightly from an infusion, it remains highly effective and well-tolerated. Our Intramuscular ketamine treatment has demonstrated excellent success rates, ensuring that every patient receives the relief they need in a comfortable manner.
Every patient is different in regards to how many treatments are needed and how often. During your initial consultation with Dr. Agin, he will work with you to determine your anticipated number of treatments based on your symptoms and goals.
For mind and cognitive enhancement, treatments are weekly for 4 weeks and then monthly. All therapy duration may vary depending on the outcome of the initial intake and medical evaluation.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have demonstrated that regular frequent treatments of ketamine (giving weekly to monthly infusions) to patients with treatment-resistant depression (relapsing after initial treatment) can extend the duration of depressive symptom remission.
It is very important to understand the goals of Ketamine Therapy and what to expect when receiving a ketamine treatment. Ketamine can be delivered in different doses and different settings depending on the clinic and physician administering the therapy. These differences can have a large impact on the experience and effectiveness of the treatment.
Dr. Agin brings years of experience in the field of ketamine therapy, having developed a specialized protocol to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes. The dosage of ketamine required for effective treatment induces a sensation of lightness, accompanied by feelings of floating, mild euphoria, and dizziness. During your session, we prioritize your comfort by providing soft recliners in a tranquil, dimly lit room. To enhance relaxation and immersion in the experience, we offer soft eye masks and noise-canceling headphones playing soothing music throughout the entire therapy session.
Each patient is required to have an initial consultation with Dr. Agin. During this consultation, he will discuss your symptoms, your goals, and your expectations. He will also go through your medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for Ketamine Therapy.
To schedule your consultation, please call or text our office at 727-230-1438.
