How to Prepare for Your At-Home Ketamine Treatment Appointment

Emerge Ketamine is proud to offer safe and effective in-person and at-home ketamine treatments. Our team is lead by two board certified emergency physicians who strive for excellence when it comes to patient care and caretaker wellness. Emerge Ketamine offers in-office and at-home treatment options for the convenience of patients who may not be able to make it into the practice in-person for every treatment session. Rest assured that each patient, whether seen in-person or virtually, will receive focused, personalized and compassionate care from our exemplary team of certified medical professionals.

But First, What Does the Research Say About At Home Ketamine Treatment?

A clinical trial done in October 2022 concluded that at-home “Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy response and remission rates indicated rapid and significant antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. Rates were consistent with laboratory- and clinic-administered ketamine treatment. Patient screening and remote monitoring maintained low levels of adverse events. Future research should assess durability of effects. (Hull)”

Intravenous and intranasal ketamine have been shown to be effective therapeutic options in patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The use of sublingual (SL), rapid dissolve ketamine tablets (RDT) offers a novel approach for delivery for mental health indications. This study assessed the effectiveness and safety of self-administration of off-label, SL, rapid dissolve ketamine tablets (RDT) at-home for depression and anxiety (Hassan).

This study demonstrates that SL ketamine is a novel, safe, and effective treatment for TRD and treatment-resistant anxiety. SL ketamine offers an alternative therapeutic approach to IV ketamine when treating those with TRD (Hassan).

Here’s How to Prepare for Your At-Home Ketamine Treatment Experience

1. Medical Evaluation: Your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough medical evaluation to determine if ketamine treatment is appropriate for your condition. They will review your medical history, current medications, and any potential contraindications.
2. Discussion of Benefits and Risks: Your healthcare provider should explain the potential benefits of ketamine treatment, as well as the associated risks and side effects. This will help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
3. Dosage and Administration Instructions: If ketamine treatment is deemed suitable, your healthcare provider will provide detailed instructions on how to administer the medication. This may involve providing guidance on the dosage, route of administration (intravenous, intramuscular, oral, etc.), and frequency of treatment.
4. Setting and Environment: If you’re receiving at-home ketamine treatment, your healthcare provider will likely discuss the importance of creating a safe and comfortable environment for the treatment sessions. This may involve having a quiet and relaxing space, ensuring privacy, and minimizing potential distractions.
5. Safety Measures: Your healthcare provider will explain what to do in case of any adverse reactions or emergencies during the treatment. They may provide you with contact information for medical professionals who can assist you if needed.
6. Support Person: It’s advisable to have a trusted friend or family member present during your at-home ketamine treatment sessions, especially for the first few sessions. They can provide assistance and support in case you experience any unexpected reactions.
7. Follow-Up: Your healthcare provider will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, discuss any concerns, and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.

At home ketamine treatment has been used as an alternative treatment for patients with depression, particularly for those who have not responded well to traditional antidepressant medications. Ketamine is an anesthetic medication that has been found to have rapid-acting antidepressant effects in some individuals.

Sources

Hull TD, Malgaroli M, Gazzaley A, Akiki TJ, Madan A, Vando L, Arden K, Swain J, Klotz M, Paleos C. At-home, sublingual ketamine telehealth is a safe and effective treatment for moderate to severe anxiety and depression: Findings from a large, prospective, open-label effectiveness trial. J Affect Disord. 2022 Oct 1;314:59-67. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.07.004. Epub 2022 Jul 6. PMID: 35809678.
Hassan K, Struthers WM, Sankarabhotla A, Davis P. Safety, effectiveness and tolerability of sublingual ketamine in depression and anxiety: A retrospective study of off-label, at-home use. Front Psychiatry. 2022 Sep 28;13:992624. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.992624. PMID: 36245861; PMCID: PMC9554222.

Here’s What Patients Have to Say About Our Ketamine Treatment Services