Use of Ketamine

A Consensus Statement on the Use of Ketamine:

Before you settle into a chair and start infusing Ketamine, there are a series of steps that you need to consider:1-Make sure a Board Certified Psychiatrist has actually evaluated you and deemed you appropriate for this modality of treatment.

2-Make sure you have a Board Certified Anesthesiologist or CRNA administering the infusion of Ketamine.

3-The American Psychiatric Association of research Task Force has released a statement on the use of Ketamine in the treatment of mood disorders. The following are some things to ask the treating facility:

a-Did they provide you with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation? If no, were you referred by a psychiatrist. Don’t accept anything other than an M.D. or D.O to help you make that decision. Be careful with treating centers that use scales or brief exams by a psychologist to determine if you are a candidate.

b-Baseline urine toxicology should be done if the physician or CRNA believe the patient may be doing illegal substances.

c-Those administering the Ketamine should be certified in Advance Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

d-The facility should be able to administer Schedule III medications.

e-Baseline blood pressure before the procedure.

f-During the Ketamine Infusion there should be continuous assessment of respiratory, cardiovascular and mental status.

g-Stop treatment if more than two times weekly for two months.

Our center goes beyond what the APA recommends and we consider ourselves to offer intimate, private and supportive care. Call us with any questions surrounding this very important topic.