Frequently Asked Questions
We provide these answers to help you better understand our services and treatments, and to support your journey toward optimal wellness.
Ketamine infusion therapy helps by rapidly targeting and resetting brain pathways involved in mood and pain regulation. It works on the glutamate system, promoting the release of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which helps repair damaged neural connections. This mechanism provides a fast-acting treatment, often showing results within hours or days, compared to traditional antidepressants, which may take weeks to months.
Over time, this process helps restore the brain’s natural balance, leading to mood improvement and symptom relief. This process can lead to relief from conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain, often when traditional treatments have failed.
At our clinic, the ketamine infusion process is personalized and closely monitored to ensure your safety and comfort. It begins with an initial consultation, where you'll undergo a thorough medical and psychological evaluation to determine if ketamine is the right treatment for you.
During the infusion, we closely monitor your vitals, including heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure. After the infusion, you’ll have a recovery period where we monitor your condition before you leave the clinic. Our provider, who is also trained in psychedelic integration, will help you process and integrate your experience.
A typical ketamine infusion treatment at our clinic lasts about 90 minutes. The actual ketamine infusion takes about 40 to 45 minutes. Before the infusion begins, we allocate time to carefully place the IV and help you set your intention for the session. Once the infusion is complete, we encourage you to stay for a short recovery period. This allows you to rest and ensures that you are in a stable condition before heading home with your ride.
During this time, Dr. Imani, our board-certified ER doctor and certified psychedelic integration coach, will spend dedicated time with you to discuss your experience during the session. She will guide you through the integration process, helping you make sense of your feelings and insights gained during the infusion. This post-infusion support is crucial for maximizing the benefits of the therapy and fostering long-term healing.
The dose of ketamine given during your infusion is personalized based on factors like your body weight, medical history, and the condition being treated. Typically, the dose ranges from 0.5 mg/kg to 1.0 mg/kg for mood disorders like depression or anxiety. For chronic pain, higher doses may be required. Before your treatment, our provider will carefully assess your needs and determine the most appropriate dose to ensure both safety and effectiveness.
You also have the option to receive ketamine intramuscularly, administered in 2-3 injections per session. If you'd like more information about intramuscular ketamine, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Ketamine infusion therapy is considered safe when administered under the supervision of qualified medical professionals. Ketamine has a long history of use in medical settings, particularly in emergency rooms, where it has been utilized for decades as an anesthetic and analgesic. Its effectiveness and safety profile have been well established through extensive research and clinical practice.
When used in a controlled environment like our clinic, ketamine infusion therapy involves carefully monitored dosages tailored to each patient's specific needs. Our team, led by Dr. Glareh Imani, a board-certified ER doctor, prioritizes safety by conducting thorough pre-treatment assessments to determine each individual’s suitability for the therapy.
Ketamine IV therapy doesn't work for everyone, but it has shown promising results for many people, especially those with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. Success varies based on individual factors like the severity of the condition, medical history, and how a person responds to the treatment.
Around 15-20% of patients may experience treatment resistance. However, ketamine has proven effective for 70-80% of people, compared to the 30-40% success rate of traditional treatments. During your consultation, we’ll conduct a thorough pre-assessment to ensure ketamine therapy is the right fit for you.
Most patients tolerate ketamine infusions well, but some common side effects may occur. These include nausea and vomiting, which we can mitigate by providing medications like Zofran during your session. Additionally, some individuals may experience dizziness or lightheadedness, increased heart rate, and blood pressure. It's also common for patients to feel dissociation or a "dream-like" state during the infusion, which can be disorienting but typically subsides quickly after the session.
If you find the experience uncomfortable at any point, we can stop the infusion immediately. Due to ketamine's short half-life, the medication will dissipate quickly, and any side effects are generally short-lived, resolving within a few minutes after treatment.
Ketamine can produce a dissociative effect, where you may feel detached from your surroundings or experience an altered sense of reality. However, this is a temporary state and part of how the drug interacts with the brain.
Many patients describe the experience as calming or meditative, though it can feel unusual if you’re not used to it. Our team will ensure that you feel comfortable and safe throughout the process, and we monitor you continuously to manage any feelings of anxiety.
The timeline for seeing results from ketamine infusion therapy can vary among individuals and depends on several factors, including the condition being treated and the specific treatment protocol. Many patients report relief from symptoms within hours after their first infusion, especially those experiencing acute depression or anxiety.
Most plans involve an initial series of six infusions over 2 to 3 weeks, with sessions occurring twice a week. By the end of this series, many individuals experience significant improvements in mood and a reduction in symptoms. After the initial series, patients may continue to notice positive changes for days or weeks. Some may require "booster" infusions every few weeks or months to maintain their progress.
No, ketamine is not currently FDA-approved for IV treatments. At this time, ketamine infusions are considered an off-label use. However, we provide Superbills for clients to submit to their insurance and accept HSA or FSA payments.
We're also actively working on additional options to make this treatment more accessible and affordable. If cost is a concern, please reach out to us—we’re here to help!
At Nameen Infusion & Wellness, your safety is our top priority. As an FDA-approved anesthetic, Ketamine has been a trusted option in operating rooms and emergency care settings since the 1970s. Our board-certified emergency room physician oversees every Ketamine infusion, ensuring the utmost care and precision. With varying dosages tailored to specific conditions, we're equipped to address a range of needs, from depression and anxiety to chronic pain management. Throughout your infusion, you'll be closely monitored with continuous vital checks and emergency protocols in place, providing peace of mind throughout your treatment journey.
At lower dosages, ketamine is non-addictive. Although Ketamine has been misused as a street drug, especially at higher doses, it retains its medical significance when supervised by qualified professionals. Ensuring the right dosage in a secure and monitored setting is crucial for optimizing the therapeutic advantages of ketamine therapy.
Ketamine operates by targeting the NMDA receptor in the brain, consequently elevating Glutamate levels. Additionally, it boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which facilitates the formation of new neuron synapses, a process referred to as neurogenesis or neuroplasticity. This mechanism aids in resetting the brain and fostering a fresh perspective. Moreover, Ketamine acts on pain receptors, making it effective in alleviating chronic pain.
At Nameen Infusion & Wellness, we use ketamine therapy to treat various conditions, including:
1. Treatment Resistant Depression
2. Anxiety
3. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
4. Suicidal ideation
5. Chronic pain
6. CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) / RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)
7. Trigeminal Neuralgia
8. Anti-inflammatory Conditions
9. Lyme Disease
10. Covid 19 Related Stress (or Long Covid)
11. Bipolar Depression
12. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
13. Fibromyalgia
14. Neuropathic pain
15. Alcohol/Opiate Addiction
16. Migraine/Headaches
At our clinic, ketamine dosing typically begins with a sub-dissociative dose of 0.5mg per kilogram of body weight. Depending on the individual's diagnosis and response to treatment, this dosage may be adjusted or increased during subsequent sessions. Additionally, we offer the option of receiving ketamine intramuscularly, which involves 2-3 injections administered in one session. If you're interested in learning more about intramuscular ketamine, please don't hesitate to contact us.
While ketamine has shown promising results for 70-80% of individuals, it's important to note that it may not be suitable for everyone. Treatment resistance affects approximately 15-20% of patients. However, compared to traditional treatments with success rates ranging from 30-40%, ketamine therapy offers a higher likelihood of efficacy for those who are responsive to it.
The most frequently reported side effects of ketamine include nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and mild headaches. It's worth noting that ketamine has a short half-life, typically metabolizing fully within 3-4 hours after administration.
At our clinic, each treatment session typically lasts around 90 minutes. The ketamine infusion itself takes approximately 40 minutes. This duration accounts for the time needed to insert the IV and ensure your safety. After the infusion, we recommend that you remain in our care until you feel fully recovered and ready to leave with your designated driver. Additionally, Dr. Imani, who is also a certified psychedelic integration coach, dedicates time after the infusion to discuss your experience and provide support with integration.
No, we ask that you fast for 3-4 hours prior to your infusion. The most common side effect is nausea and vomiting and its best to be on an empty stomach. Avoid caffeine or any other stimulants. Avoid alcohol the night before your infusion.
No, ketamine's effects can last hours and handling any machinery can be dangerous. For your safety you are required to have a ride home after your infusion.
Most medications are safe to continue during ketamine treatment. However, if you are taking certain medications like benzodiazepines or lamotrigine, Dr. Imani may need to discuss making some adjustments.
Typically, our clients require around 6 to 8 sessions for mood disorders, while chronic pain and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) may necessitate 4 to 5 consecutive sessions. For mood disorders, clients attend 2 sessions a week for 3 weeks initially. Afterward, we offer booster sessions as needed, tailored to the individual's requirements.
No, ketamine is not FDA approved for IV treatments. Ketamine infusions are an OFF label use at this time. We do offer superbills for the client to submit to their individual insurance. We also take HAS or FSA. Intranasal ketamine is FDA approved, but the efficacy and the bioavailability is not as high as IV ketamine infusion. We would love to make this treatment available for more people. We are in the process of working with a therapist who might be able to take your insurance and make this treatment affordable. For more information please contact us.
Yes! We offer payment plans. We have affordable financing options to our patients, available through our partner Advance Care, a medical funding company. For details, please call them directly at 800-432-9470, or visit their website at advancecarecard.com.
Currently, we do not prescribe oral ketamine for at-home use or administer intranasal ketamine treatments.
Dr. Imani is experienced in treating individuals as young as 15 years old after an in-person consultation. We also accommodate patients up to 85 years old on a case-by-case basis.
At Nameen Infusion & Wellness, we are proud supporters of our military and first responders who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting our communities. We deeply appreciate their selfless sacrifices and unwavering commitment to keeping us safe. As a token of our gratitude, we are honored to offer exclusive discounts to military personnel and first responders as a small gesture of appreciation for their invaluable service. It is our privilege to provide them with access to the care they deserve as a thank you for their bravery and dedication.
Through our partnership with the 100 Club, we go a step further by providing scholarships that enable first responders to access essential mental health support. For further details on how we support our heroes, please don't hesitate to contact us.
No, a referral is not necessary to schedule a consultation. However, we do encourage open communication with your healthcare provider or therapist. Dr. Imani conducts a thorough assessment of your medical and psychiatric history, including past treatments, to ensure the best possible care.
When preparing for your infusion at Nameen Infusion & Wellness, it's essential to understand the concept of "set and setting." We focus on providing a comfortable, low-stimulus, and safe environment - that's the setting. However, you play a crucial role in setting your mindset. Clearing your mind and preparing yourself for the experience can enhance the benefits of ketamine therapy. Some find relaxation through yoga, breathwork, music, or meditation, while others prefer connecting with nature through a walk or by the lakeside. By setting the stage for yourself, you can ensure a more profound and peaceful infusion experience.
After your treatment at Nameen Infusion & Wellness, we advise heading home to unwind and engage in activities you find enjoyable or spend time with supportive loved ones. Reflect on your experience, perhaps by jotting down notes or journaling. It's essential to avoid operating heavy machinery, making significant life decisions, or caring for young children immediately after your session. Taking this time for self-care and reflection can contribute to the effectiveness of your treatment.
Patients undergoing ketamine treatment for mood disorders typically experience relief within an hour of their session. Those struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts often notice a significant reduction in these feelings after their treatment. Relief tends to become more pronounced after the third or fourth session, with full benefits often realized after the sixth session. While some patients may require additional sessions for significant relief, many find even subtle changes to be life-changing. For chronic pain, substantial relief is typically experienced after completing a series of 5 infusions. Patients with both chronic pain and mental health concerns may find relief in both areas through treatment for chronic pain.
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