Ketamine Infusions in New Haven, CT
Ketamine infusions have become a popular and effective treatment for therapy-resistant chronic pain syndromes and treatment-resistant depression in New Haven, CT and surrounding areas.
How does Ketamine work?
Ketamine works by blocking certain pain receptors in the brain and spinal cord. Studies have shown that low doses of ketamine interrupt the delivery of pain signals throughout the body, improve brain circuit function, and support the regrowth of synapses. For some people, IV ketamine may also help reduce reliance on opioids or other pain relief medications.
What conditions does Ketamine treat?
Eligibility for ketamine infusion in New Haven is determined after one of our providers has reviewed the patient's medical record and history and conducted an initial consultation to discuss the treatment.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
Studies demonstrate that ketamine infusions provide many—but not all—patients with significant pain relief that may last for months. Rarely is ketamine treatment curative; if successful, periodic retreatment may be needed to maintain its effectiveness. Often, ketamine reduces the regionalization of pain, shrinking the area affected. Initial treatment may consist of one or several IV ketamine infusions on different dates to maximize the effect.
Severe Intractable Depression.
IV ketamine has been shown to provide rapid-acting antidepressant effects in many—but not all—patients. This treatment is rarely curative, and periodic retreatments may be required to maintain effectiveness. Initial therapy may include one or several ketamine infusions to optimize the treatment effect.
Is Ketamine FDA approved to treat pain or depression?
Ketamine is FDA-approved to treat depression, but not Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
The use of ketamine infusion therapy for CRPS and depression is considered “off-label” from its original FDA-approved indication as a general anesthetic.
How do I prepare for the procedure?
You should not consume solid foods for eight hours before the procedure. Clear liquids are allowed up to three hours before the IV ketamine infusion. Coffee or tea is permitted, but no sugar or milk should be added.
You will be given a clonidine tablet before the infusion to decrease sympathetic nervous system activation. This helps minimize elevated blood pressure and a rapid heart rate associated with ketamine administration.
If you take blood pressure medication, you should take it as scheduled with a sip of water. Avoid taking insulin or blood sugar-controlling medications before the infusion.
What to expect during the procedure
You will be taken to the treatment room to receive the ketamine infusion in our New Haven clinic, accompanied by a staff member.
An intravenous (IV) line will be started. Your heart rate and rhythm will be monitored, and a pulse oximeter will check your blood oxygen level.
Under supervision, you will receive ketamine through a vein in your arm over approximately 40–60 minutes. The dosage will be based on your body weight and response to treatment. Most patients receive between 30 and 100 mg of IV ketamine in a session.
Many patients report feelings of peace, relaxation, and mild dissociation. You remain awake during the infusion and are never fully sedated.
Discharge Instructions
Because ketamine is an anesthetic, you should not drive, operate machinery, or use power equipment for 24 hours following the infusion. A responsible adult must stay with you during this period.
You may resume normal activities as tolerated. You will be monitored and released to the care of a family member or friend.
Risks/Discomfort of Ketamine
As with any medical procedure, ketamine infusions may cause some risks or side effects. These vary from person to person. The IV dose used is lower than anesthetic levels and is delivered slowly over 40–60 minutes. Most side effects are temporary and resolve without further treatment. No lingering effects have been reported from short-duration ketamine infusions.
Common Side Effects
(greater than 1% and less than 10%)
Vivid dreams and nightmares
Nausea and vomiting
Increased saliva production
Blurred vision
Dizziness
Out-of-body sensation during infusion
Increased heart rate
Disrupted motor coordination
Elevated blood pressure and heart rate (typically 20% higher than normal)
Increased blood pressure in lungs
Rapid breathing
Double vision
Uncommon Side Effects
(greater than 0.1% and less than 1%)
Jerky arm movements (muscle tension-related), cross-eye
Rash
Injection site pain or redness
Increased eye pressure
Rare Side Effects
(greater than 0.01% and less than 0.1%)
Irregular or slow heart rate
Low blood pressure
Arrhythmias
Allergic reaction
Painful urination and pelvic pain
Other Risks
Prolonged ketamine infusion can result in irreversible neuronal changes. These changes have not been observed with short-duration ketamine treatments provided in our New Haven clinic.
Request More Information
Please submit the following form for more information on Ketamine Infusion Therapy for Chronic Pain or Depression. One of our patient coordinators will reach out to you by phone or email as soon as possible.