Ketamine Infusion Therapy

If depressive symptoms persist despite undergoing traditional counseling and medication management, rely on the experts at Maryville Psychiatry in Maryville, Tennessee. Highly trained psychiatrist Justin Lapollo, DO, and his team provide ketamine infusion therapy for treatment-resistant depression and other mental health concerns. Schedule an evaluation by emailing the office or request one using the online booking feature today.

What is ketamine infusion therapy?

Ketamine infusion therapy is a treatment that can improve your mood and quality of life. 

Ketamine is FDA-approved for use as an anesthetic, but it’s also shown effectiveness for managing pain and psychiatric disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), after other treatments haven’t worked. 

The skilled team at Maryville Psychiatry utilizes ketamine injections to achieve quick absorption and long-lasting results.

How does ketamine infusion therapy work?

Ketamine is a noncompetitive n-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist traditionally used for anesthesia. 

It’s not entirely clear how ketamine works to reduce depression, but it may target specific receptors in the brain, increase neurotransmitters, activate receptors, and improve neuron communication to enhance thoughts, mood, and cognition. 

Ketamine might also reduce signals associated with inflammation. It most likely works in numerous ways at once to minimize depression symptoms. 

Am I a candidate for ketamine infusion therapy?

If you’ve tried counseling and traditional medications to treat depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder and they haven’t worked, ketamine infusion therapy may be for you. 

To find out, the Maryville Psychiatric team discusses your mood, emotions, medical history, behaviors, thoughts, past treatments, lifestyle, and preferences during a comprehensive evaluation. 

What happens during ketamine infusion therapy?

You relax while your specialist injects ketamine via an intramuscular injection in the deltoid, similar to a flu shot. The Maryville Psychiatry team typically recommends a four-week loading phase, in which you receive treatment twice weekly for four weeks. 

Next, you undergo a four-week stabilization phase in which you undergo treatment once weekly for four weeks. 

Finally, the Maryville Psychiatry team suggests maintenance boosters monthly for 3-5 weeks. 

What should I expect after ketamine infusion therapy?

Many side effects wear off within an hour or two after ketamine infusion therapy. You might experience temporary nausea, elevated blood pressure, or disassociation. Therefore, plan to have a family member or friend drive you home after treatment.

Undergoing counseling alongside ketamine treatments is common.

While insurance doesn’t currently cover ketamine treatments, the practice offers affordable cash-pay rates. 

Schedule a ketamine infusion therapy consultation at Maryville Psychiatry by emailing the office or using the online booking feature today.