Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about all of our services. Each service section is highlighted in blue. If you don’t see your question, please send us an email or call the clinic. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
FAQs
Ketamine IV Therapy - FAQs
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a well-established medication most commonly used for surgery and pain relief. It was developed in 1962 in an attempt to create a useful drug without any side effects or risk for addiction. It’s impressively safe and versatile and remains one of the most common medications used by physicians for pain treatment and anesthesia. Recently, ketamine has been approved as an incredibly effective treatment option for mental health and pain disorders.
How is Ketamine different from traditional medications?
Because Ketamine is administered using an IV, versus a pill, relief can be felt quicker than with traditional medications. It can take some time to find the right type of medication and dose, and often times you won’t feel relief for 4-6 weeks.
Instead of targeting dopamine and serotonin levels like traditional medications, Ketamine focuses on changing neural passageways and developing healthy neuron connections. Ketamine infusion therapy can often change the way the brain responds to medications, increasing the effectiveness of already prescribed drugs. Many people who haven’t found adequate improvement through traditional treatments are now able to experience life-changing relief.
What can Ketamine Infusion Therapy help treat?
Ketamine infusion therapy can help treat many different disorders. It can help with depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, OCD, BPD, sleep disorders, migraines and pain disorders such as fibromyalgia or complex regional pain syndrome. It is not safe with some known contraindications, which is why a consultation with one of our experienced physicians is required before you are approved for this kind of treatment. Each patient receives their own unique treatment plan, based on their current medications, struggles, body size, etc. Your consultation will assess if you are a good candidate for Ketamine IV Therapy.
Is there a risk of addiction?
There is no evidence that ketamine infusion therapy causes addiction, although there aren’t many widespread studies regarding ketamine. Ketamine infusions use a lower dose than when taken recreationally, and the clinical setting hinders the possibility of addiction. Ketamine should only used under medical supervision.
Are there possible side effects?
Unlike many other medications, ketamine has few side effects. During the infusions, ketamine can cause nausea, dream-like state feelings, and a lack of appetite. These are often very short-lived and mild. Patients commonly feel tired and groggy after an infusion, but this goes away completely after a night of sleep.
Do I need a referral?
We require that you consult with one of our doctors to see if ketamine infusion therapy is right for you, and to make sure you don’t have any contraindications. If you are currently seeing a psychiatrist, counselor or family practice doctor – continue to do so and you can let them know you are seeking adjunct therapy.
We are an adjunct clinic – you should keep seeing any medical professionals you are currently seeing and taking any of your medications as prescribed. Our services are an added benefit to your current care.
A follow-up with one of our doctors will be scheduled in two weeks if you don’t have a previous provider. If you are seeking referrals for a mental health professional, suggestions can be provided.
Are there any medications or health conditions that make Ketamine infusions unsafe?
Our evaluation with the treatment team will review your medical history and current medications to ensure that ketamine infusions are safe for you. Lamictal and Latuda can decrease Ketamine effectiveness. Ketamine is not safe in acute schizophrenia. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, untreated aneurysm and uncontrolled seizure disorders need to be discussed in detail.
Is there an age requirement for treatment?
We do not typically perform infusions on teenagers younger than 14, but every case is different. We would be happy to talk with you about your specific situation to see if ketamine infusion therapy is the optimal path for treatment.
How quickly will I feel relief?
Relief varies per person. Some patients experience relief as quickly as the first treatment; while others it takes 4-5 treatments. If you experience transient relief, this is completely normal, and you should continue treatments for more lasting effects.
What is the recommended course of treatment for maintenance?
Every patient varies and treatment plans are tailored to your specific needs. Most patients get a “booster” (single infusion) every 3-4 months – sometimes 6 months. If you require a more intense regiment, we do offer monthly maintenance – for example, with suicide ideation to ensure optimal results. This maintenance plan is up to you, but it will be something you discuss with your provider. We suggest that you don’t go more than 6 months without a booster; however, if it has been longer than 6 months, you may require a mini-series.
Will I be able to drive home?
No. It is important that you arrange a ride home after your infusions and don’t drive yourself. It is highly recommended that you do not drive or operate any dangerous machinery until the next day. We do allow you to use Uber as your driver, if needed.
Can I eat or drink before my appointment?
We suggest eating a light meal 4-6 hours before your appointment and hydrate with clear liquids up to your appointment time.
What is involved in my after-appointment care?
You will be monitored after your appointment for 30 minutes, every patient’s recovery time varies. You can eat and drink as soon as you are finished and continue taking any medications as prescribed.
Is Ketamine safe?
Yes, ketamine has been used for decades as an anesthetic in surgery. Ketamine infusions are micro-dosed so as not to induce full anesthesia, but an anesthesia provider is present at all times to monitor the patient. To ensure patient safety, we are a fully equipped and trained to handle the situation if an emergency arises.
How can I get started?
If you are interested in talking to someone about whether or not Ketamine IV Infusion Therapy is right for you, we are ready to meet with you. Please call and schedule a consultation with our clinic or send a request on our contact form.
Do I stop any of my medications?
No, take everything as prescribed and on time.
How long does it take?
45 mins to an hour for the infusion, and about 30 mins in recovery – plan on about 2 hours total
Should I bring anything with me?
You are more than welcome to bring anything to make you more comfortable. Some people bring their eyemasks and a blanket they prefer. It is up to you. We will make you as comfortable as possible during your treatment and have designed our clinic to be a safe and comfortable environment for you. We suggest you bring your own music with earbuds – there are excellent Ketamine Infusion playlists on Spotify. We suggest peaceful, instrumental and meditation music. The goal is to let your brain relax.
Can I get my first treatment at the time of the consult?
Yes, we like to complete your consultation and first infusion on the same day to save you time and travel.
What should I expect during the treatment/side effects?
An IV will be placed and ketamine infusion will begin. Vital signs will be monitored frequently by an anesthesia provider. Some patients will have an “out of body” experience most often described as floating and relaxation. All side effects should terminate at the end of the infusion. Due to the nature of what we are treating, every patient has their own experience. Please bring any concerns you may have to the consultation, we are happy to talk through any options we can provide to make the experience comfortable.
How often are treatments?
An IV will be placed and ketamine infusion will begin. Vital signs will be monitored frequently by an anesthesia provider. Some patients will have an “out of body” experience most often described as floating and relaxation. All side effects should terminate at the end of the infusion. Due to the nature of what we are treating, every patient has their own experience. Please bring any concerns you may have to the consultation, we are happy to talk through any options we can provide to make the experience comfortable.
Will insurance cover the costs?
We recommend a series of 6-8 infusions in a 2-3 week time period. Each infusion takes approximately two hours.
Can I receive treatments while pregnant or nursing?
Unfortunately, Ketamine infusions are not covered by insurance currently. It is $475 per treatment. The consultation fee is a one-time fee of $150.
Do I have to have a therapist?
No. We will see you after all nursing is complete.
Can I bring someone to my appointment?
While it is beneficial to have mental health support from all directions, it is not currently required.
Can I receive treatments if I am from out of town?
This is up to you. It is not required; however, if you feel more comfortable you may bring a support person. If you would like to invite your therapist, please let staff know for accommodation purposes. Due to the nature of the treatment and needing a relaxing environment, bringing children is highly discouraged.
What if I need to cancel my consultation appointment?
Yes, we will have a page for out of town visitors and information about the area coming to the website soon. Until then, feel free to contact us for any suggestions on where to stay. When people are coming from out of town, many stay over night and do two infusions back-to-back for travel purposes. If you would like to travel back and forth, that is also fine.
Do you help veterans?
There will be no cancelation fee as long as you reschedule your consultation.
NAD+ Frequently Asked Questions
How are NAD+ infusions different from NAD+ supplements?
Raising your NAD+ levels through supplements isn’t as effective as through an infusion. Digestion is a problem for NAD+, because the substance is hard for the stomach to break down. By bypassing the intestinal tract, the body is able to fully take in and use the NAD+ being administered. Infusions are especially recommended for those trying to have a more comfortable aging process, who are planning to detox, or who suffer from mental illnesses.
How does NAD+ help with aging?
Restorative processes depend on NAD+, and shortages can cause problems such as metabolic decline, cognitive issues, fatigue, and a lowered immune system. An NAD+ infusion helps counteract this, preventing issues before they arise. It may also help protect your neurons against the effects of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease.
How does NAD+ help with mental illnesses?
NAD+ is necessary for optimal mental health and recovery. NAD+ protects your neurons from damage and improves your energy levels, cognitive function and mental clarity. It also combats stress, fatigue, exhaustion, and a lack of motivation.
NAD+ is especially helpful for those with a substance abuse disorder, because it can decrease cravings and discomfort during the detox process.
Is NAD+ Infusion Therapy Safe?
NAD+ infusion therapy is a completely safe treatment option. It’s a natural substance used in the body and is readily incorporated.
Can I eat and or drink prior to my NAD+ infusion?
You can eat and drink before your infusion, although eating junk food is not recommended.
Are there any possible side effects?
During the infusion, NAD+ can cause side effects such as nausea, cramping, muscle fatigue, chest tightness, nasal congestion and/or anxiety. These are all temporary side effects and should be alleviated by the end of the infusion treatment. Also, these can often be relieved through slowing the IV drip.
Can I drive home afterward?
Yes. There aren’t any lasting amnesiac or psychoactive effects of the infusion, so it’s safe to drive home afterward.
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral for this treatment. An evaluation process will be completed before arrival
What if there is an emergency?
We are a fully equipped and trained clinic and staff with everything necessary in case of any emergency.
Vitamin IV Drip Frequently Asked Questions
What is IV Therapy?
It is a method to quickly administer fluids, vitamins and minerals into the bloodstream. By going directly into the bloodstream and bypassing digestion – like oral supplements require – your body can absorb more of the vitamins. Our services are meant to be supplemental, not to replace oral hydration – drinking water is still very important!
How long should I expect the IV Hydration infusion to last?
Depending on which infusion is selected anywhere between 30-90 minutes. Most infusions you can expect to be in and out of the clinic within one hour.
Who will administer the IV?
This clinic has been designed to help you have the best IV drip experience possible. So we hired highly trained Registered Nurses to start your IVs for your IV Hydration sessions.
Will I have to sign a consent form?
Yes, our staff will provide a digital consent form for each patient to sign prior to treatment.
Are there any side effects of IV Hydration?
There are no serious side effects from IV Hydration. Some people complain of discomfort or bruising at IV injection site (where the IV gets injected into your arm).
Does it hurt?
Everyone has a different pain tolerance. But for most people, this is a simple IV insertion, which equates to a prick. We have hired highly trained Registered Nurses, to help make it as seamless of an IV process as possible.
What are the benefits of IV Therapy?
Benefits depend on what drip you choose. Some of our drips help overall health and some are more targeted drips. No matter which IV you choose, the IV fluid, vitamins, and minerals are absorbed directly into the bloodstream at a higher percentage than oral vitamin supplements.
Do you accept insurance for IV Drips?
Unfortunately, no – insurance does not cover these services as of right now.
What are the benefits of MIC Shot?
Increases energy, boosts your metabolism, maintains a healthier liver, reduces stored body fat
What are the benefits of B12?
Treats and prevents anemia, improves brain function, helps you maintain normal energy levels, promotes normal immune functions, promotes metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, and promotes healthy cell growth and repair.
What are the benefits of Glutathione?
Detoxifies the liver, helps control inflammation, can boost athletic performance, slow the aging process and help prevent chronic illness.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Currently you can call our clinic at 479-927-3100 or email us at ivketamineofnwa@gmail.com. We are working on an online self-scheduling option, that will be available on our website soon! This will be the easiest option!
Do you have add on medications for drips?
Absolutely. We have a handful of options for you to add on to help with common symptoms. Currently we offer Zofran, Benadryl, Decadron, Toradol, and Pepcid.
Do you offer Intramuscular Injections (IM)?
Yes! We offer three different IM injections: B12, MIC, and Glutathione.
What is an Intramuscular Injection (IM)?
Intramuscular injection (IM) is a technique used to deliver this important vitamin through a shot, deep into the muscles so it can be absorbed quickly. Some medications and vitamins need to be given into a muscle for it to work more effectively. Essentially, it is a shot.
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