Reno’s Trusted Source for Ketamine Insights
Ketamine Frequently Asked Question
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic first synthesized in 1962, and then used in Vietnam to treat injured soldiers. In the past two decades, it has become a sedation agent of choice in kids having painful procedures performed in the emergency department due to its unique safety profile and effectiveness.
The exact mechanism of action is still unknown, but we do know that ketamine blocks some receptors and activates others to produce its overall effect on the body and mind. Glutamate is the major neurotransmitter of the brain and these types of neurons are especially activated. The specific effects are very dose-dependent.
Most report feelings of euphoria and a “dream-like” state during the course of their infusion, and this feeling subsides quickly after the therapy is over, allowing you to leave with your “buddy” shortly after therapy is over.
Our goal is not to make our patients “high”, but rather to achieve maximum benefit with the fewest side effects. Use of street ketamine WILL NOT achieve good results due to the amount ingested being very unpredictable and well outside known safety levels, and the unwanted side effects almost certain.
This is different for patients depending on the condition treated, as we are all unique in our receptor composition. Those choosing a WellCentric Health Induction Series can expect benefits to last weeks to months. As with most therapies, maintenance dosing is required for ongoing benefit.
Our Reno, NV holistic health center infuses ketamine intravenously (IV) at “sub-dissociative” doses over a 40-minute period for most mood disorders, and occasionally longer infusions are appropriate for neuropathic pain conditions such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Peripheral Neuropathy, and Fibromyalgia.
As with most therapies, ketamine maintenance therapy will require adjustment over time to ensure sustained benefit. For most, this means additional ketamine given every 4-8 weeks.
Veterinary doctors have long used ketamine given its safety profile to sedate animals, especially horses, either in the clinic or in the field for procedures. Its expanded use in humans has been shown to be equally safe in multiple large studies.
Ketamine is FDA-approved for some conditions in hospitalized patients but considered “off-label” for those receiving it in strategically low therapeutic doses at WellCentric Health. Typically, insurance will not cover the cost of therapy, but it is considered a valid HSA expense.
Ketamine should always be administered by a highly trained physician comfortable with management of unforeseen complications that lead to vital sign impairment. These complications are very rare, but this is why your regular physician does not administer ketamine.
The WellCentric Health provider portal allows your doctor to quite easily, and with much attention to privacy, refer you for consultation. Should you receive therapy, we can communicate (with your permission) some or all aspects of your response immediately back to your doctor so they can follow your progress.
Why We Choose Racemic Ketamine
Superior Results, Proven Care
Understanding the differences between ketamine therapy options is crucial for effective treatment. WellCentric Health uses racemic ketamine, which has proven superior to Spravato’s S-ketamine, ensuring the best outcomes for our clients.
