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What is a Ketamine Infusion?

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What is a Ketamine Infusion?

Ketamine infusions are a leading-edge new treatment for conditions like depression, anxiety, stress, chronic pain, and more.

Ketamine has been used for many years as an anesthetic, and it’s considered safe and effective for most people. Recently, the medical community has identified more uses for Ketamine as a mental health therapy.

If you’re experiencing the effects of mental illness, anxiety, stress, or pain, Ketamine infusions are an important option to consider. This is especially true if your condition is resistant to traditional treatments.

How are Ketamine Infusions Administered?

Ketamine Infusions are given intravenously. This delivers the medication directly to the bloodstream for maximum effect.

During a Ketamine infusion, you’ll sit in a relaxing and comfortable environment and the medication will be delivered via IV. Typically, the session lasts about 40 minutes to an hour.

A licensed medical provider should monitor your infusion to make sure you respond well and to meet any needs you may have.

It’s important to research the Ketamine Therapy clinic you choose prior to booking your appointment. Provider supervision and a comforting environment are key to a good Ketamine infusion experience.

At Defy Medical, we prepare you beforehand with an eye mask and headphones that play relaxing music, as well as a reclining chair. Our experienced provider will be on hand to monitor your treatment and provide anything you need.

Women smiling while laying in a bed

How are Ketamine Infusions Administered?

Ketamine Infusions are given intravenously. This delivers the medication directly to the bloodstream for maximum effect.

During a Ketamine infusion, you’ll sit in a relaxing and comfortable environment and the medication will be delivered via IV. Typically, the session lasts about 40 minutes to an hour.

A licensed medical provider should monitor your infusion to make sure you respond well and to meet any needs you may have.

It’s important to research the Ketamine Therapy clinic you choose prior to booking your appointment. Provider supervision and a comforting environment are key to a good Ketamine infusion experience.

At Defy Medical, we prepare you beforehand with an eye mask and headphones that play relaxing music, as well as a reclining chair. Our experienced provider will be on hand to monitor your treatment and provide anything you need.

What Does a Ketamine Infusion Feel Like?

Most patients describe their Ketamine infusion as a pleasant, calming experience. You may feel like you are floating, and you might feel less awareness of your surroundings. If you have a hyperactive mind, your racing thoughts will likely settle.

You may experience pleasant visualizations, such as a calming ocean or a lush green garden. It’s helpful to think about what you’d like to visualize beforehand, and to choose music that matches the mood you want to achieve.

Some patients even report feeling euphoria or profound happiness during their Ketamine infusion.

What if you don’t feel these effects?

You may not have euphoric thoughts or visualizations – but that doesn’t mean Ketamine isn’t effective for you. A more grounded experience still triggers the mind-enhancing benefits of Ketamine infusions.

What Does a Ketamine Infusion Do?

Ketamine infusions are effective because Ketamine has been shown to “rewire” the brain.

In the short-term, Ketamine appears to repair damaged circuits. Longer term, Ketamine can trigger synaptogenesis (the creation of new synapses).

Why does this help treat mental disorders?

Mental conditions like depression can affect the structure and function of the brain. Certain areas of the brain may shrink and develop fewer synaptic connections and brain circuits.

This type of damage is common in those who experience ongoing treatment-resistant depression.

Ketamine’s ability to repair damaged circuits and increase synaptic activity is how it can provide nearly instantaneous relief, and treat conditions that traditional antidepressant medication don’t help.

Many patients report feeling their symptoms ease as soon as the first session. They report an increased sense of wellbeing, contentment, and happiness. Patients also report that their problems feel smaller and more manageable.

Ketamine infusion patients who have anxiety report a quieter, calmer mind with fewer moments of panic and reduced responsiveness to triggers.

Note: Each patient responds differently to Ketamine therapy, and results may vary.

How Many Ketamine Infusions Do I Need?

Ketamine infusions often provide fast relief from life-interrupting symptoms. Ongoing Ketamine infusion sessions are typically needed to experience Ketamine’s full benefits.

Treatment should be individualized based on your specific condition and goals. However, research suggests that weekly to monthly Ketamine infusions can have significant positive results.

At Defy Medical, you’ll work with a provider one-on-one to come up with a treatment plan that suits your needs. We offer individual Ketamine sessions and a series of five treatments for a discounted rate (all sessions in the series of five must be completed by the same individual).

Ketamine Infusions at Defy Medical

Defy Medical is a concierge clinic offering integrative health and wellness treatments in-clinic as well as nationally via telemedicine.

We perform Ketamine infusions at our clinic in Tampa, FL. Our experienced providers know how to effectively administer Ketamine infusions, plus support you throughout your session.

If you’re struggling with hard-to-treat mental illness, you aren’t out of options. Ketamine infusions at the Defy Medical Tampa clinic can help you address your symptoms, so you can get back to living a happy and productive life.

Ready to Book Your Appointment? Contact Us Today