IV Ketamine Therapy: Breaking Barriers in Mental Health Treatment
For people living with depression that does not respond to traditional treatments, IV ketamine therapy can offer fast and meaningful relief when other options have failed. Clinics around the world are using carefully supervised low dose ketamine infusions to reduce severe symptoms and create a therapeutic window for longer term recovery.
What is IV Ketamine Therapy
IV ketamine therapy uses a low subanesthetic dose of ketamine delivered through an intravenous infusion in a medical setting. Ketamine itself is an anesthetic that has powerful effects on the brain when given at lower doses. An FDA approved nasal form of ketamine called esketamine exists for certain patients, but most IV ketamine use for mood disorders is still off label and delivered under clinical protocols.
Learn how IV ketamine infusions work and what to expect at RealCare Elevated.
How IV Ketamine Works
Ketamine acts on the brain’s glutamate system by blocking NMDA receptors and triggering a downstream glutamate surge. That cascade promotes rapid synaptic plasticity and the formation of new neural connections, which is thought to underlie ketamine’s unusually fast antidepressant effects. Scientists are still refining the details, but the glutamate driven synaptogenesis model is supported by multiple clinical and preclinical studies.
Who May Benefit
IV ketamine is most often considered for people with moderate to severe major depressive disorder who have not responded to at least two adequate antidepressant trials, commonly called treatment resistant depression. It can also be used in urgent situations to rapidly reduce suicidal ideation while longer term treatments take effect. Individual evaluation is essential because ketamine is not appropriate for everyone.
Explore patient stories and clinical details about ketamine treatment at RealCare Elevated.
What to Expect During Treatment
A common clinical protocol is a subanesthetic dose of about 0.5 mg per kg of body weight given intravenously over approximately 40 minutes. Patients usually have an intake assessment, baseline vitals, and an informed consent discussion. During the infusion you will be monitored continuously and many patients experience transient dissociation or altered perception during the session. Typical courses vary by clinic but often start with a series of infusions across one to two weeks followed by maintenance sessions as needed.
Safety, Side Effects, and Monitoring
Common short term effects include sensations of floating or detachment, dizziness, nausea, increased blood pressure, and mild visual changes. Because ketamine can raise heart rate and blood pressure temporarily, monitoring during and after infusions is standard practice. Clinics will screen for medical issues and observe patients post infusion until vitals and mental state return to baseline.
Learn about safety protocols and medical monitoring for ketamine infusions at our clinic.
Who Should Not Get IV Ketamine
Ketamine is typically avoided in people with uncontrolled hypertension, unstable cardiovascular disease, active psychosis, uncontrolled substance use, or certain neurologic conditions. Pregnancy and severe hepatic impairment are also important considerations. A careful intake and coordination with primary medical providers helps identify risks and rule out contraindications.
Integrating Ketamine Into a Broader Treatment Plan
Ketamine is usually one element of a comprehensive care plan. Combining infusions with psychotherapy, medication management, lifestyle interventions, and social supports improves the chances of sustained benefit. Many clinics now include integration sessions after infusions to help patients translate rapid symptom relief into long term changes in behavior, relationships, and coping.
Find out how we combine ketamine infusions with psychotherapy and follow up care.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Ketamine can produce rapid improvements in mood for some patients, sometimes within hours or days, but responses vary and are not permanent for everyone. Maintenance strategies and follow up care are often necessary. Decisions about continuing treatment should be individualized and guided by clinical results and tolerability.
Discover how ketamine can create a therapeutic window for long term recovery strategies.
Closing Thoughts
If you or a loved one are struggling despite standard treatments, a clinical evaluation can determine whether IV ketamine therapy is a safe and reasonable option. At RealCare Elevated we provide medical screening, monitored infusions, and coordinated follow up to make sure any treatment fits your full health profile. Always consult a licensed clinician before starting new therapies.
Medical Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Speak to a licensed healthcare professional about your personal medical needs.
