FAQs

Here at Columbia Ketamine Center, we offer a new approach to treating depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. We are dedicated to providing the best possible treatments in a safe, comfortable environment, with an emphasis on individualized patient care and real results. The doctor, Dr. Bowen, treats depression in many of his patients and is well aware of the limitations of currently available medications. He is excited to offer this new therapy to those whose depression does not respond adequately to traditional treatments.

Treatment Costs

Infusion for Depression:
Each depression infusion is $400.

Infusion for Pain:
Each 4 hour infusion is $850

Financing

We offer financial assistance through Advanced Care. See website for more information.

What does Ketamine treat?

Ketamine is highly effective in the treatment of a wide range of psychological and phsyical conditions:

Depression
Bipolar Depression
Severe Anxiety
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Fibromyalgia
Neuropathic Pain Syndromes
Acute Pain
Severe Asthma

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a “dissociative anesthetic” first synthesized in 1962, and then used in Vietnam to treat injured soldiers. In the past two decades, it has become a sedation agent of choice in kids having painful procedures performed in the emergency department due to its unique safety profile and effectiveness.

How does it work?

Ketamine has been shown to stimulate neuron growth in the brain in as quickly as one hour. Many scientists studying Ketamine are focusing on the neurotransmitter glutamate, which plays a key role in neural activation. Ketamine has also been found to be a strong anti-inflammatory, which is also being studied for its positive effects. Patients also report that the disassociate state experienced during treatments can bring about personal insights, emotional perspective, and a sense of calmness or “serenity.”

What does an infusion feel like?

Each patient has a slightly different experience with ketamine and even the same patient may experience different feelings during two separate infusions. This is all very normal. There is no singular experience we are seeking in order to have a good effect. Some patients may dwell on people or events from their past, some see colors, some describe interesting feelings in their bodies like tingling or increased size of arms or legs.

How is Ketamine administered?

Intravenous (IV) infusion is by far the most common method of administration. The ketamine travels from the IV directly into your bloodstream, making it the most effective and measured approach.

Other Methods:

Internasal
Sublingual
IM
Orally
Rectally

Is Ketamine safe?

The World Health Organization lists ketamine as an “essential medicine,” and among the safest and most efficacious ones known to science. Unlike all other general anesthetics ketamine will not cause a patient to stop breathing by suppressing the respiratory reflex. For sedation of both children and adults, ketamine is perhaps the most widely used agent in the world.

How long before I see results?

Patients report a shift in depressive symptoms within 1-24 hours of the treatment.

What is the usual treatment schedule?

It is recommended that patients undergo 6 infusions over a two-week period in order to maximize the beneficial effects of the drug. It is not recommended to vary from this treatment protocol but we can make some adjustments to fit your personal schedule. After the initial series of infusions further “booster” treatments are determined on a case-by-case basis but are usually needed anywhere from every 2 weeks to 3 months.

Will this interfere with other medications?

The majority of medications have no interaction with Ketamine, allowing patients to receive an infusion without interfering with other on-going treatments. There are however a few drugs, both legal and illicit, that can reduce effectiveness. Make sure you inform us of all current medications so that we can account for these possible interactions.

What are the next steps?

Visit our contact page to schedule a consultation!

What to Expect

Prior to receiving the IV you will be given an oral medication to minimize any anxiety. A cuff will be placed on your arm to monitor your blood pressure and sensors will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart. Then a small IV will be inserted in your arm through which the medication will be administered.

As the infusion begins the lights will be dimmed and your choice of relaxing ambient music will be played. You are welcome to bring your own music if you wish. Once underway you may choose to be left alone inn the room or you are welcome to have a loved one sit with you. Be assured your doctor and the medical assistant will continually monitor your condition and respond to any needs.

The IV Procedure

Infusion Experience

The infusion itself lasts about one hour. The effects of the ketamine come on in a steady gradual way. Patients say that the experience of each infusion is different but there are some common sensations including:

Numbness and/or tingling
Sensation of “lightness” or floating
Feeling of being “centered” or “grounded”
Positive shift in anxiety/emotional tension
Intellectual detachment
Decreased awareness of your body
Visual and spacial distortions
Inability to perceive time
Talkativeness
Dizziness or nausea in rare cases

Most patients find the experience to be pleasant and relaxing, but the experience can be somewhat unpleasant to some. Interestingly, there does not seem to be much correlation between the patient’s perception of the experience itself and whether it helps their depression. After the infusion is completed, it takes about 30 minutes before patients can walk and talk normally. It may take up to two hours before they feel totally back to normal.