Ketamine Infusion Therapy
What Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
Ketamine infusion therapy involves the slow intravenous delivery of sub-anesthetic doses of ketamine — a medication that acts on NMDA receptors in the brain and spinal cord to modulate pain and mood pathways. Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine has emerged as a compelling option for patients with complex chronic pain or treatment-resistant depression who have not responded adequately to conventional therapies. At Echo PMR, infusions are administered in a controlled clinical environment under continuous monitoring.
How It Works
Ketamine works differently from opioids and most conventional pain medications. By blocking NMDA receptors, it reduces central sensitization — the process by which the nervous system becomes "wind-up" hypersensitive to pain signals. It also promotes the growth of new neural connections, which may help reset abnormal pain pathways. This dual mechanism makes it particularly valuable for neuropathic, centrally mediated, and refractory pain conditions.
What to Expect During the Procedure
•Preparation: Fasting for several hours before the infusion is typically required; a complete medication review will be conducted beforehand.
•Duration: Infusions for chronic pain generally last 40 minutes to 4 hours depending on the protocol; a series of infusions is usually recommended.
•Monitoring: Vital signs, oxygen levels, and your level of comfort are continuously monitored throughout by clinical staff.
•Sedation: You will remain conscious but deeply relaxed; some patients experience mild perceptual changes that resolve quickly after the infusion ends.
•Same-day recovery: Plan for a recovery period of 30–60 minutes; you must have a driver to take you home.
Conditions Treated
•Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
•Fibromyalgia
•Neuropathic pain and peripheral neuropathy
•Chronic low back pain with central sensitization
•Treatment-resistant depression (adjunctive)
•Post-traumatic pain syndromes
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Patients with chronic pain conditions that have not responded to standard medications, injections, or physical therapies — particularly those with evidence of central sensitization — may be good candidates. A comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Mahmood is required to confirm appropriateness and review medical history.
Recovery & Results
Most patients tolerate infusions well and can resume light activity the following day. Pain relief, when it occurs, may begin within hours to days after a series of infusions and can last weeks to months. Many patients undergo periodic maintenance infusions to sustain benefit. Response rates and duration vary; your provider will discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many infusions will I need?
A standard initial series for chronic pain typically consists of 3–6 infusions over 1–2 weeks. Maintenance infusions are then scheduled based on your response.
Is ketamine addictive?
At the sub-anesthetic doses used in a supervised clinical setting, the risk of dependence is considered low. Your provider will screen carefully for any history that might affect candidacy.
Does insurance cover ketamine infusion therapy?
Coverage varies widely. While some plans cover ketamine for specific diagnoses, many do not. Our team will review your benefits and discuss self-pay options transparently before you begin treatment.