If you have been diagnosed with severe depression, bi-polar disorder or chronic pain, it may be time to consider ketamine as an effective form of therapy. Administered in low doses to dull pain, many report positive side effects such as clearer thinking and decreased pain after a few infusions. Because many are unfamiliar with this options, the caring anesthesiologist at Ketamine Center of Connecticut in Milford, CT, describes ketamine and how it can relieve your pain.

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is an anesthetic drug that is used to induce loss of consciousness or cause detachment from surroundings. It’s either injected into the muscle or administered through an IV. In low doses, this drug can be used as treatment for pain management.

What Happens During an Infusion?

After arriving at the clinic, you will be placed in a private room for the infusion, where you may first be given nausea medication. An anesthesiologist will locate a vein on the arm or hand, and use a needle to insert an infusion tube. The session may last 45 minutes to a few hours, depending on the condition being treated.

What Types of Conditions Can It Treat?

Ketamine can be used to treat chronic pain conditions, such as spinal injuries, fibromyalgia, and post-stroke pain. It increases the body’s levels of norepinephrine and serotonin, which are natural chemicals that lower pain. Ketamine therapy can also treat depression in patients who don’t respond to traditional antidepressants. It can reverse neural damage and decrease inflammation and cortisol levels.

When you’re ready to seek an alternative treatment for depression or chronic pain, consult a professional about ketamine therapy. If you’re located in Milford, turn to the team at Ketamine Center of CT. They will assess your condition and work with you to create a tailored treatment plan. Call (203) 701-6388 to schedule an appointment or visit their website for more information about their full list of services.