Ketamine, a type of anesthetic, has long been used in medical settings. In recent years, the resurgence in Ketamine’s use has been noticed, especially with its application as a treatment for depression and other conditions. As such, if you need treatment using ketamine in Georgia, consider going to the Complete Ketamine Solutions clinic in Atlanta, a caring provider with an over 80% efficacy rate.
However, questions abound regarding the safety and efficacy of ketamine infusion therapy. Specifically, as a medication with potential abuse, ketamine has attracted controversy and is a topic of concern among healthcare professionals.
Hence, it pays to know the safety and efficacy of ketamine therapy before considering it as a treatment option. With that in mind, let’s delve into the subject and examine various aspects associated with its use.
Medical History is Vital
Before starting ketamine therapy, a doctor should get their patient’s medical history. In so doing, they can assess whether ketamine therapy is an appropriate fit for the patient. Some clinics don’t do this, so it’s advisable to visit a clinic that considers your medical history before administering treatment. In this regard, a medical history might entail:
- Diagnostic assessment of symptoms and their severity.
- Current medications, including dosages and their effects.
- Urine toxicology screening to rule out or confirm issues such as reported substance abuse.
- Review of a patient’s medical records to ascertain conditions that might make them vulnerable to the drug’s side effects.
Promising Studies
Ketamine therapy treats various health conditions, including chronic pain and anxiety. And while research on the efficacy of ketamine therapy is still ongoing, some studies show promising findings.
For instance, a short-term study to establish ketamine’s effectiveness in dealing with hard-to-treat depression revealed clinically and statistically significant decreases in depression scores compared to a placebo. During the study, the participants (the control group and the ketamine group) continued taking antidepressants. Nasal ketamine produced long-term results as it helped patients maintain improved symptoms over the 16 weeks of the trial.
Unlike conventional medication, ketamine produces rapid relief. In other words, patients don’t have to wait for weeks while battling their condition; they can experience relief within a single session, sometimes in less than an hour. Even so, most patients require multiple treatments to get the desired results. Patients may also need maintenance treatment to ensure sustainable relief.
Supervision Is Mandatory to Ensure Efficacy
In 2019, the FDA approved Esketamine – Spravato, a ketamine-derived nasal spray that can treat severe depression. For patients diagnosed with severe or treatment-resistant depression, ketamine can help dramatically improve their mental health. However, medical supervision is necessary when taking the drug to alleviate neuropathic pain or symptoms of depression.
Basically, medical supervision means that a trained professional should monitor the patient’s experience with the drug and assess their vitals and overall health. This includes ensuring the patient takes the correct dosage and dealing with side effects. Without such supervision, patients may misuse the drug, leading to addiction and other health problems.
Safety Levels are Clinic-Dependent
As patients explore treatment options, safety is often on their minds. Mostly, the clinic a patient goes to determines how safe the treatment will be. But how do you find a reputable clinic, given that you’ll probably be inundated with options? Here are some steps you can take to find a dependable ketamine clinic:
- Look for clinics certified by the American Society of Ketamine Physicians (ASKP). The organization ensures all affiliated clinics follow best practices and safety protocols, so you’re assured of quality care.
- Check for reviews from past patients who have visited the clinic or ask for referrals from trusted sources. You can glean valuable information from these reviews as they provide insight into the safety measures a clinic adopts, including the effectiveness of its treatment. If most of their clients report positive outcomes, the clinic might be worth a visit.
- Look for clinics with specialized equipment for monitoring patients undergoing therapy. With such equipment in place, you can expect safe treatment and be assured that medical professionals can act swiftly should an emergency arise.
- Ensure the provider has extensive experience in providing ketamine infusion therapy. Otherwise, you could risk your safety as inexperienced practitioners may not thoroughly understand the drug and its effects.
- Opt for a clinic that adheres to all state and federal regulations governing ketamine therapy. These include licensing requirements and other safety protocols.
Although ketamine therapy can have serious risks, ongoing studies suggest the benefits may outweigh the risks when appropriately administered. And as this post establishes, various aspects can determine the safety and efficacy of treatment. Thus, consider the elements outlined if you plan to take this route.
