IV Ketamine

SeattleNTC, the most experienced and evidence-based practice in Washington for depression treatment, is now offering IV Ketamine treatments.

IV Ketamine is an infusion therapy in which ketamine in delivered intravenously into a patient’s bloodstream. Ketamine is a safe treatment for depression that has been shown to effectively treat depression symptoms.

“I would say that SeattleNTC is an incredible partner for anyone suffering any kind of mental health issue. Again, I can primarily speak for those with depression, but I would tell anyone who’s dealing with mental health issues: SeattleNTC is on the cutting edge. The staff and the doctors are extremely caring and extremely talented people. Compassionate. Very interested in the outcome and the ongoing of all their treatment.” —Karen H.
”I am so happy to say I had very successful results starting four years ago. Depression to me means a lack of energy and a desire to turn inward. I have felt new energy and sociability since starting TMS. TMS worked so well that I am willing to come forward…with the suggestion that those suffering depression try TMS.” —Tom
”The overall result: life changing. Not being depressed anymore. Didn’t expect it would work at all, but mainly because I didn’t want to get my hopes up. It was a great surprise to be healed.” —Brenna
"The physicians at SeattleNTC are wonderful and I felt they really listened to my needs as a patient. I never knew how much I could enjoy the quality of my life as I do now that I’m depression-free." —Kari
"I was skeptical it would work because I’d been on medications and seen so many doctors. Things were so dark, time felt so long. Hours felt like days, days felt like weeks. Life just feels so much better now. The biggest change is just being able to go about my daily life and my relationships are so much better. I would say that SeattleNTC is an incredible partner for anyone suffering from mental health issues. They are on the cutting edge; the staff and the doctors are extremely caring and talented." —Karen M.
”Three biggest changes in my life: I wake up every morning with gratefulness that I am happy, my energy level is off the charts, and my family is no longer suffering due to my depression.” —Jessica
"Even on medication, I experienced depressive episodes and had to drop classes. Grades were inconsistent as a result, and I had to take off long periods of time. In the past year, since starting TMS, I haven’t dropped any classes and am getting good grades again." —Erica
I just kind of sunk into a hole, cut off all my social communities, had no contact with my prior groups, and all I could do was sort of force myself to go to work, then go home. SeattleNTC introduced me to TMS and overnight, it’s like I came back to life. Everything changed. I’ve reconnected with my church groups, my community, my work and my family. My wife is very grateful, and my kids are happy to have me back. —Jim
I was seriously depressed for over a year and medication was not helping. After about three weeks of TMS treatment, I started to feel better and now I feel better than I ever have. I can’t recommend SeattleNTC enough! All of the staff was knowledgeable and kind. —S.R.

What can I expect with IV Ketamine?

IV ketamine for depression is delivered as a treatment course, made up of a series of infusions. The drug is delivered intravenously into the bloodstream and the effects are experienced right away. Research has shown that a treatment course of IV ketamine can be up to 70% effective in alleviating depression symptoms, including the reduction of suicidal ideation. The treatment also works rapidly, with most patients experiencing the benefits after the first few treatments.

What is a treatment course like?

A typical IV ketamine treatment course will be twice per week for six treatments, followed by maintenance treatments if you have a good response. You will be in the clinic for around 60 minutes per treatment. You will also follow up with your provider regularly during your course to monitor your response and progress. Besides your provider, you will have a team of dedicated medical professionals helping coordinate your care, delivering your treatments, and checking in on you during the process.

What does the research say?

There are a large number of well-executed studies supporting the efficacy of IV ketamine treatment for depression. In the paper entitled “Rapid and Longer-Term Antidepressant Effects of Repeated Ketamine Infusions in Treatment-Resistant Major Depression”, Murrough et al. find that response in patients from an IV Ketamine course was 70.8%. Your doctor is here to help if you would like more information.

Other papers we recommend for further reading are:

“The effect of a single dose of intravenous ketamine on suicidal ideation: as systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis” by Samuel T. Wilkinson, MD et al.

“A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of ketamine in the rapid treatment of major depressive episodes” by A. McGirr et al.

“A retrospective analysis of ketamine intravenous therapy for depression in real-word care settings” by L. Alison McInnes et al.

Are there any side effects?

There are some side effects with IV ketamine but they are typically experienced during treatment. Most patients have no side effects during the time between treatments. Side effects may include:

Nausea or vomiting
Dissociation (feeling disconnected from yourself, your thoughts, feeling, space and time)
Sedation
Feeling sluggish or tired, lack of energy
Dizziness
Increased blood pressure
Feeling drunk or euphoric