Ketamine is a medication that reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health struggles you might face at some point. You can take ketamine via intravenous (IV) infusions directly into your bloodstream, nasal sprays, or tablets you can take at home.
Ketamine is an anesthetic that works by binding to specific receptors within your brain. The medicine can promote the regrowth of neurons damaged by stress, which reduces your risk of future mental health challenges. Ketamine could also benefit areas of your brain involved in learning and memory.
If you struggle with constant sadness, anxiety, flashbacks, fear, or worry that negatively affects your life, ketamine might be the solution for you. Dr. Phillips discusses your medical history and symptoms with you to find out for sure. She asks about past diagnoses, treatments, and your current medication regimen.
Dr. Phillips also completes a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, which includes cognitive testing if necessary. She asks you a series of questions to complete the assessment and offers genetic testing to determine which treatment is likely the best match.
Dr. Phillips lets you know which type and dosage of ketamine treatment are right for you. During ketamine therapy at home, make sure you’re in a comfortable, relaxing environment. You can use rapidly disintegrating tablets that your body quickly absorbs.
However, you must have an adult friend or family member stay with you during and after each treatment session.
Make sure to use at-home ketamine exactly as directed by Dr. Phillips to ensure utmost safety and efficacy.
Make sure you get plenty of rest after ketamine therapy. The treatment is fast-acting, so you might feel better immediately with continued improvements appearing over time. Follow up with Dr. Phillips about when to take your next dose.
She often combines ketamine therapy with psychotherapy and lifestyle-change counseling. Keep stress levels low, get regular exercise and plenty of sleep, eat nutritious foods, and adopt other healthy habits to maximize the way you feel and reduce the risk of future problems.
To learn more about ketamine therapy and find out if it’s right for you, call the PhillWell office, or book a telehealth appointment online today.