Ketamine Infusion Therapy

Used as a treatment for severe depression since around 2009, ketamine treatment is believed to help with depression by acting on the body's Glutamate system and helping rebuild pathways in the brain.

Glutamate is one of the brain's main chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters. It is usually excitatory, which means it stimulates brain cells. Glutamate also helps to regulate signaling in the GABA System. GABA is gamma-aminobutyric acid, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and generally reduces signaling.

Researchers believe that glutamate and GABA work together to regulate much of our brain activity, including mood. Stress and Depression are associated with altered glutamate signaling and also result in a reduction in the number of synapses and other connections in the brain. This is where ketamine comes in.

Ketamine has been shown to quickly stimulate glutamine signaling and restock glutamate receptors, allowing the brain to form new synapses. The boost in glutamine signaling results in a release of many neural growth factors. These molecules, called brain derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), stimulate the growth of new connections, including new synapses. This process is critical for making connections between neurons and is often severely compromised among those suffering from PTSD, depression, and mood disorders.

Thanks to this antidepressant effect, ketamine has been used off-label (now with FDA approval) as a treatment for Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Mood disorders and other Mental Health conditions.

Ketamine has a dissociative effect. This means that it creates a separation of mind and body, also commonly referred to as an out-of-body experience. While ketamine is not a true psychedelic, it does have psychedelic properties and creates an altered state of consciousness, allowing the mind to be outside of its normal waking status. In this state, the mind can access subconscious information.

Ketamine is a powerful disruptor of limiting beliefs around ourselves and our world, allowing one to see themselves truly without all the labels and limitations. It often creates a euphoric feeling for people and many people report having a sense of oneness and connectedness to others and to something bigger than themselves. Ketamine can also allow people to revisit times or memories of trauma and reconsolidate the memories around those events in a less painful, fearful or traumatic way.

At GLOBAL MED, our luxurious and tranquil setting allows for a very calming and peaceful experience. Prior to the infusion, the patient is prepared with a specific intention for each healing session. We typically begin with a starter dose which is based on your body weight and previous experiences and can increase the dose with each session as tolerated. Unlike other treatments, the ketamine session helps get to the root of your condition. Most people find the experience very healing, and afterwards they report feeling less reactive or triggered and "lighter".