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Treatment Info By Dr. Henry Liang

Why Ketamine Therapy Should Be Administered by an Anesthesiologist

Why Ketamine Therapy Should Be Administered by an Anesthesiologist

Ketamine is increasingly becoming a lifeline for people with treatment-resistant depression who aren’t responding well to traditional antidepressant medications.

If you’re considering ketamine therapy as part of your care plan, be sure to reach out to a qualified anesthesiologist like those at Klarity Clinic to ensure your treatment is both effective and safe.

We offer in-office ketamine infusions to address treatment-resistant depression and a range of mental and emotional disorders. Our skilled team can also infuse NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) into your treatment to help your brain heal itself from the inside out.

How Ketamine Infusion Therapy Works

For more than six decades, ketamine has been utilized as a surgical anesthetic to keep patients calm and relaxed during invasive procedures. In more recent years, ketamine is gaining popularity as a treatment for depression and other mental and emotional health disorders.

The Difference in Dosing

With in-office treatment, we use lower doses than typically used for surgery. Ketamine rapidly increases levels of glutamate, the largest neurotransmitter that plays a role in healthy brain function, so it works directly on the brain.

How Ketamine Heals the Brain

Additionally, ketamine has been shown to:

  • Repair damaged neural connections
  • Trigger the growth of new connections
  • Support brain healing at the cellular level
  • Enhance neuroplasticity
  • Reduce inflammation in the brain

Individuals who aren’t able to control their condition with traditional medications may find fast and lasting symptom relief with ketamine infusion therapy. We can also add NAD+ to your infusion to enhance the effects of ketamine, boost your energy levels, and optimize your body’s natural stress response.

Why You Need an Anesthesiologist for Ketamine Therapy

1. IV Administration Expertise

Infusion therapy involves the delivery of ketamine and NAD+ directly into your bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line. For this reason alone, you should only undergo IV infusion treatments under the careful supervision of a qualified anesthesiologist to minimize your risk for IV-related complications.

Proper IV administration requires:

  • Expertise in vascular access
  • Knowledge of infusion rates and dosing
  • Ability to manage IV complications
  • Understanding of drug interactions
  • Sterile technique and infection control

2. Vital Sign Monitoring

Ketamine infusions require constant monitoring of your vital signs because there is a risk for side effects – some of which require immediate medical intervention.

Ketamine can induce:

  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Elevations in heart rate during treatment
  • Changes in respiratory rate
  • Alterations in oxygen saturation

Having our skilled team by your side ensures your safety throughout the entire treatment process.

3. Emergency Response Capability

Our infusion specialists are prepared to address any cardiac events or other health issues that occur during and after your ketamine treatment. We continually monitor your overall health and can take immediate action in the event you experience any side effects.

Anesthesiologists are trained to:

  • Manage airway emergencies
  • Respond to cardiovascular complications
  • Treat allergic reactions
  • Handle medication interactions
  • Provide advanced life support if needed

4. Managing Psychological Side Effects

Klarity Clinic staff are also trained to manage behavioral changes that may arise during ketamine therapy. Depending on your health history and reason for treatment, you may experience:

  • Hallucinations
  • Feelings of dissociation
  • Sedation
  • Altered perception of reality
  • Emotional responses

Our team offers the support you need to feel safe and comfortable throughout these temporary experiences. We understand what’s normal and what requires intervention.

5. Dose Optimization

Anesthesiologists have extensive training in pharmacology and can:

  • Determine the optimal dose for your specific needs
  • Adjust dosing based on your response
  • Account for your medical history and medications
  • Minimize side effects while maximizing benefits
  • Create personalized treatment protocols

When to Consider Ketamine Therapy

Klarity Clinic specializes in ketamine and NAD+ infusion therapy to manage a variety of conditions that don’t respond to medications. Our providers can determine if you’re a candidate for infusion therapy to treat depression and conditions like:

  • Anxiety disorders - Generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety
  • Drug addiction - Substance use disorders and cravings
  • Alcohol addiction - Alcohol use disorder and withdrawal support
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - Trauma-related symptoms
  • Chronic pain conditions - Fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, CRPS
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) - Intrusive thoughts and compulsions

Medical Evaluation

Our team completes a comprehensive health evaluation to determine if you’re a candidate for ketamine infusion therapy.

You may not qualify for this treatment if you’re pregnant or have existing health issues, including:

  • Psychosis or schizophrenia
  • Unstable cardiovascular disease
  • Unmanaged hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Active substance abuse
  • Severe liver disease
  • History of increased intracranial pressure

The Klarity Clinic Difference

At Klarity Clinic, all ketamine infusions are administered by board-certified physicians with extensive anesthesiology experience. We prioritize:

  • Patient safety above all else
  • Personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs
  • Comfortable, private treatment rooms for your sessions
  • Ongoing monitoring and support throughout your care
  • Evidence-based protocols backed by research

Get Started Safely

Schedule a ketamine infusion therapy consultation at Klarity Clinic today by calling our office or using our online booking feature.

Don’t trust your mental health treatment to just anyone. Choose the safety and expertise of board-certified anesthesiologists for your ketamine therapy.

Medical Review

Reviewed by Dr. Henry Liang, Medical Director at Klarity Clinic

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