2 out of 3 patients with treatment resistant depression respond to Ketamine and 3 out of 4 will no longer have suicidal ideations.

There are many ways to administer Ketamine.  We think the safest route is by an intravenous infusion because you are getting 100 % of the Ketamine and we can control the rate that the Ketamine goes into your system, so you are always comfortable.

You are awake during the entire treatment.  Treatments last 40 minutes on average. We follow the protocol developed by the National Institutes of Mental Health that recommends six treatments over two or three weeks to start. Continued treatments are then personalized.

Please call our dedicated phone number – 631-760-8060 – to help you with your Ketamine questions and get you an appointment.

Will Ketamine therapy help my treatment-resistant depression?

Of course, we cannot predict any individual’s results but based on searches of major medical centers over the past 15 years, and in our experience, up to 70% of all patients can expect significant, and fast, relief

Do I need to be referred by a psychiatrist?

No.  However, you need to be evaluated by an appropriate provider to make sure you are a candidate.  It also gives you a chance to ask questions and be heard.

Where is the treatment performed?

Right here in our offices.  No fancy ambulatory care centers or hospitals are needed.  It is a safe and simple procedure.

Who can receive Ketamine?

We have seen supportive data that KEtamine is safe and effective for adolescents, Young Adults, Adults, and Senior Adults.

How many Ketamine infusions will I receive?

We encourage you to receive a series of 6 infusions because there is good data for that protocol being efficacious. We monitor you closely so we can customize your treatment.

Will I require Ketamine infusions for the rest of my life?

This is difficult to answer because you first have to START treatment and see how that goes.  And “the rest of your life” is hopefully a mighty long time.  The frequency of maintenance and relapse prevention treatments vary greatly.  We know many mental illnesses are naturally recurring but many times, the Ketamine will help you do what you need to prevent relapse.

If Ketamine therapy works for me how soon will I begin to feel better?

Some patients will begin to feel better within hours of the first infusion. Patients with thoughts of self-harm often notice those thoughts dissipating first. There can be a dramatic relief of dread and hopelessness. Other patients may not notice any mood improvement until the next day. Some patients will require a second (or even a third) infusion before feeling better.

Are there any long-term side effects with Ketamine therapy?

Traditional medications often produce side effects such as sexual dysfunction and weight gain. However, Ketamine therapy results in no known long-term side effects.

I am bi-polar. Will Ketamine make me hypomanic?

Hypomania has not been reported following Ketamine therapy.

What medical conditions could keep me from receiving Ketamine?

There are very few. Dr. Ferguson will discuss contraindications with you before you receive your first infusion.

Are Ketamine infusions addictive?

No.

Will my current psychiatric medications interfere with Ketamine therapy?

Anti-depressant medications (SSRIs, MAOIs, and tricyclics) do not interfere with Ketamine, and there is no need to stop them. Ketamine infusions can provide relief during the time it takes antidepressant medications to begin working. We prefer that Benzodiazepine medications not be taken during your 6 infusions or taken at the lowest dose possible because we want to wake up your neurons, not dampen them.  Important: You should not decrease or stop taking any prescribed medication without first consulting your prescribing physician.

What should I expect during Ketamine therapy?

Ketamine is administered over a period of 40 minutes by an intravenous infusion. The dose is determined by your weight. The amount of Ketamine administered is not enough to cause a loss of consciousness, so you will remain awake. During the infusion some patients experience odd perceptions—like seeing bright colors. Some report what is referred to as a “dissociative” or “out of body” experience. These are side effects of Ketamine that may be important for Ketamine’s ultimate effectiveness. Most patients tolerate the experiences with no trouble, and many people find them pleasant. Once the infusion is complete, the dissociative effects of the drug rapidly dissipate. There are no delayed “flashbacks,” and patients generally leave the office within 30 minutes following the infusion without issues.

Are there other side effects that I would experience during or after my therapy?

Occasionally patients experience some nausea during or after an infusion. If so, we have medication that will help. More rarely, a patient may experience a transient headache. Patients can expect to be tired following the infusion. Very, very rarely patients already at risk for seizure have reportedly experienced one. If you have a seizure disorder, please be sure to share that information with Dr. Ferguson prior to receiving Ketamine.

What happens after my series of Ketamine infusions? 

Following the initial series of infusions, most patients will work with Dr. Ferguson to begin a maintenance program of returning for single infusions intermittently. The interval between maintenance infusions varies from patient to patient.

Will my insurance company pay for Ketamine therapy? 

Because Ketamine therapy for mood and anxiety disorders is recent and still viewed as experimental, insurance companies do not provide reimbursement.

“Amazing – a little scary – the ketamine psychotherapist help me clarify my experiences, speeded up healing! I feel less psychic pain, clearer on how to confront problems, more peace of mind.”

“My depression was at an all time high. It affected my family tremendously as they worried about me every day.” How has your life changed after ketamine infusions? “It changed so much. I feel so much better. It changed how I feel about myself and gave me new ways of thinking that are so much more positive, especially my self-esteem.”

 

“I was sad, always, sun up to sundown. I could not fake being ok, was totally miserable and withdrawn and mad…  I now feel much better, I’m not crying at the drop of a hat and I look at everything differently… The kindness of the nurse was very important and added to my comfort and relaxing during treatment.”

 

“I do not stay in my room all the time and I want to socialize and be active.”

 

“The setting for the infusions is comfortable and the Infusion nurses are exceptionally nice.”

 

” I am less concerned about the opinions of others (meaning those who seem against me) and more interested in making a genuine connection, even for a brief encounter. Before I was afraid of every human contact, looked down a lot, because all human contact has such great potential to hurt me. People hurt me. The people are still there, but it doesn’t hurt. I am less fragile and more friendly and interested in other people.”

 

“Internet research said Ketamine would cause a person to pursue ‘pleasure-seeking activities.’ I didn’t know what that might mean; would I suddenly start doing things that hadn’t appealed to me before, like gambling? No, I got more satisfaction; felt more productive from the tasks I pursued, and I did more of them.”

 

” I think I am speaking faster than my usual halting, slow pace. Often people would notice that I speak slowly; they look impatient sometimes, like it is a chore to wait for me to get the words out. I remember now that I was trying to line up the words in my mind first before starting to speak – which meant there were often long pauses before I even began speaking. I thought it was a brain injury, maybe. Now I perceive it was likely an overlay of concern about saying the wrong thing or not  being listened to or being misunderstood. The overlay of concern is gone and the speech is more fluid, without second-guessing.”

 

“My voice sounds better to me, more natural. My face looks better to me, more relaxed, less strained, happier.”

 

“Hopeful, safe, enjoying little moments. Finding myself smiling. Better interactions with others. Living instead of just passing time.”

 

“I get up early, don’t sleep 10 hours. Enjoy even mundane things, happy to hear from family and friends.”

 

“Lower anxiety, more ambition, higher levels of being active, much calmer, more responsible.”

 

“I feel like I am able to see more good things in my life.”

 

“I feel better and I have more cautious optimism, as opposed to none.”

 

“My life has definitely changed for the better. My depression is so much better, I am able to function and enjoy the things I used to.”

 

“I feel as if I have a brighter outlook, even during this pandemic. I am more calm and controlled.”