IV Ketamine Therapy

We are proud to now offer IV Ketamine Therapy, a breakthrough treatment for mood disorders (Depression, PTSD, Anxiety) and chronic pain syndromes.

Safe and monitored by our medical team, this therapy offers a new path to relief when traditional methods haven't been enough!

IV drip bag prepared for a Ketamine Therapy infusion session.

What is IV Ketamine Therapy?

We are now offering IV Ketamine Therapy, a breakthrough treatment for mood disorders (Depression, PTSD, Anxiety) and chronic pain syndromes.

Safe and monitored by our medical team, this therapy offers a new path to relief when traditional methods haven't been enough.

A Different Approach to Healing

Ketamine is a medication that has been used safely as an anesthetic in hospitals for over 50 years. In recent years, it has emerged as a powerful "off-label" therapy for treating treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, and various chronic pain disorders.

How It Works: Synaptic Healing & The "Reset"

Unlike traditional antidepressants that work on serotonin or dopamine and can take weeks to show effects, Ketamine targets the brain's NMDA receptors. This unique mechanism increases the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that helps your brain's synapses (connections) heal and reset.

For Mood: It helps improve resilience and coping abilities. Many patients describe the effect as "sliding a dimmer switch" to gradually brighten their outlook, rather than flipping a sudden switch. It can reduce the focus and concern on your issues, allowing you to engage more effectively in other treatments.
For Pain: It works to interrupt pain signals and reset the nervous system, offering relief for conditions like Migraines, CRPS, and Fibromyalgia. Patients often report functional improvements—like being able to stand longer or perform daily tasks with greater ease.

Is It Safe?

Yes. While the FDA originally approved Ketamine for anesthesia, its use for mood and pain is a recognized and effective "off-label" treatment—a common practice in medicine. At IV4U Hydration Lounge, your infusion is administered intravenously (IV) for 100% absorption and is closely monitored by a licensed medical provider. We track your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, respirations, and heart rhythm throughout the entire session to ensure your safety.

Realistic Expectations

It is important to remember that ketamine is a tool, not a "cure-all". It will not permanently cure chronic pain or depression on its own, but it serves as a powerful catalyst for healing.

Enhancing Current Meds: Many patients find that ketamine therapy causes their existing antidepressants to work more effectively.
The Experience: During the infusion, you may experience a "dissociative" or dreamlike state. If managed well, this provides a necessary "time out" for your brain, allowing you to disconnect from pain signals or negative thought loops while your body relaxes.

Risks & Side Effects

Transparency About Risks

As with any medical procedure or medication, IV Ketamine Therapy carries potential risks and side effects. At IV4U Hydration Lounge, your safety is our priority, and we monitor you continuously to manage these effects should they occur.

Common Side Effects: Most side effects are mild and temporary, resolving shortly after the infusion. These may include dizziness, headache, nausea, restlessness, increased saliva production, or temporary blurred vision. You may also experience temporary elevations in blood pressure or heart rate during treatment.
During the Infusion: It is normal to experience impaired coordination or "out-of-body" sensations. For this reason, you are strictly prohibited from driving or operating heavy machinery for 24 hours post-treatment.
Rare Risks: While uncommon, more serious risks can include bladder irritation (cystitis), allergic reactions, or irregular heart rhythms. There is also a rare risk of tolerance or abuse, though ketamine does not have a physiological withdrawal syndrome.
Contraindications: You should not receive ketamine therapy if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant, as it may harm the developing fetus.

What to Expect

The Session: You will receive your infusion while relaxing in one of our comfortable reclining chairs. Infusions last approximately 40-60 minutes for mood disorders and up to 4 hours for pain management.

The Feeling: During the infusion, you may experience a "dissociative" or dreamlike state, sometimes feeling like you are "floating" or in a "waking dream". This is a normal part of the therapeutic process.

The Schedule: Treatment typically involves a series of infusions (often 6 sessions over 3 weeks for mood) to build up the medication in your system, followed by maintenance infusions as needed.

Patient Tips & Instructions

Preparing for Your Infusion

Notify Your Care Team: You must notify the medical provider who manages your mental health and/or pain conditions that you are seeking ketamine treatment. It is important to continue seeing them for ongoing therapy and management alongside your infusions.
Food & Drink: Please avoid solid food for 4 hours prior to your appointment. You may drink clear liquids up to 2 hours before.
Medications to Hold: Take your regular medications as normal, EXCEPT for benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan), Lamictal (Lamotrigine), MAOIs, or stimulants that can increase your blood presure and heart rate (like Adderall). These should be skipped on the day of treatment.
Substances: You must abstain from alcohol and marijuana for 24 hours before and after your treatment.
Ride Home: You cannot drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours after your infusion. Please arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home.

Optimizing Your Experience

Set Your Mindset: What goes into your brain before an infusion matters. Avoid stressful news, scary movies, or difficult conversations the day before and the day of your session.
Dress Comfortably: Wear loose, comfy clothing. You are welcome to kick off your shoes and bring a favorite blanket or pillow (though we have them here for you, too!).
Curate Your Sound: Many patients find music helpful. We can provide a playlist of meditative music, or you can bring noise-canceling headphones with your own calming playlist. (Remember to silence your phone calls/texts!).
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water the day before your infusion to ensure you are well-hydrated.

During the Infusion

Communication is Key: If you feel anxious or tense during the session, tell us immediately. We can help redirect your thoughts, slow down the infusion, or provide medication to help you relax.
Use a Mantra: Practice a simple, positive mantra. If your mind wanders to an anxious place, repeating this phrase can help ground you.
Eye Mask: Many patients prefer to keep their eyes closed to focus inward. Feel free to bring an eye mask or sunglasses.

After Care & Recovery

Plan for Rest: You will remain in our clinic for a recovery period (30 minutes to 2 hours) until you are ready to leave.
Take it Easy: Do not make major life or legal decisions for 12 hours after your infusion.
Track Your Progress: We recommend keeping a simple journal of your mood or pain levels. Improvement can be subtle—like noticing you can tie your shoes more easily or feeling slightly less heavy. Writing it down helps you see the progress you might otherwise miss.
Be Patient: Healing is a process. Some patients feel worse before they feel better (a "post-infusion flare"). Trust the process and stick with your treatment plan.

Ready to get started or have more questions?

Call Lori Today!