Ketamine for PTSD
Ketamine for PTSD Services for San Antonio
Many patients with PTSD find that traditional treatments are ineffective. These include certain medications and psychotherapy. Ketamine for PTSD is a new therapy that can work for those who do not experience relief from other treatments. If you’re in San Antonio, Texas, and considering innovative treatments, consider ketamine therapy. As one of the most promising new treatments for PTSD, ketamine offers a breakthrough approach to mental health care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, fill out the online form or call Andala® at 1-833-426-3252.
Schedule A Free Consult
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via text/email/phone. Reply “stop” to opt-out at any time.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a medication mainly used for anesthesia in surgery. Ketamine is a safe and effective medication used in human and veterinary medicine since 1960. Interestingly, ketamine is now used to help with psychiatric conditions, including treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. Scientists have found that ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants. While conventional treatments take several weeks to take effect, ketamine works much faster. Because of this, it has sparked interest in using ketamine to treat conditions like PTSD, depression and anxiety.
How Does Ketamine Help Treat PTSD?
Enduring life with PTSD can feel overwhelming and scary. Traditional talk therapy and medications aren’t always effective for everyone. Ketamine for PTSD works differently than other meds. It targets the NMDA receptors in the brain. By blocking these receptors, a neurotransmitter called “glutamate” increases. These receptors regulate mood and control emotions. This interference can lessen symptoms of PTSD. In addition, it generates new pathways in the patient’s brain that enables them to process their trauma better. Ketamine gives hope to those who have found no relief in other therapies.
How Much Does Ketamine Cost?
The delivery method determines the cost of Ketamine Therapy in San Antonio, Texas. Andala Health accepts most insurance companies. If insurance does not cover Ketamine Therapy, we offer affordable self-pay rates. The average cost of ketamine is:
*Insurance rates are subject to increase based on your individual copay, deductibles, and coinsurance. For accurate insurance coverage of ketamine, please call us at 1-210-783-0582 or fill out the online form below.
What is PTSD?
PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is a mental health condition that is triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Common causes include combat exposure, natural disasters, accidents, or personal assaults. People with PTSD often relive the traumatic event through flashbacks or nightmares. Additionally, they can experience severe emotional distress and may have intense, unwanted memories of the event. PTSD can develop shortly after the event or even years later, and it significantly affects daily functioning and quality of life. Ketamine for PTSD is a novel treatment that has shown promise in managing symptoms.
According to the National Center for PTSD, around 60% of men and 50% of women will experience at least one trauma in their lives. Some people may recover from trauma quickly while others may take years to heal. In fact, some may even start experiencing symptoms long after the event has happened. Therapy and medication is an effective way to treat PTSD. It is crucial to recognize the impact of trauma and seek proper treatment instead of avoiding it.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD most often develops after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, including war, natural disasters, and deep personal trauma. These incidents affect the brain and cause chronic symptoms, which include:
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Emotional numbness
- Avoidance
- Furious outbursts
- Being easily startled
- Anxiety
The Benefits of Ketamine for PTSD
Many patients undergoing Ketamine Therapy for PTSD report significant improvements in their symptoms. Even though the results vary between patients, ketamine has several potential benefits:
- Rapid Symptom Relief
- Reduce Intrusive Symptoms
- Improve Mood and Regulated Emotion
- Helps in Treatment-Resistant PTSD
- Enhance Therapy
- Potential for Long-Lasting Effects
- Lowered Risk of Addiction Compared to Other Medications
- Support for Co-Occurring Conditions
PTSD Treatment Options at Andala
IV Ketamine | Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Clinicians administer IV ketamine through a ketamine intravenous infusion. Patients usually report feeling deep relaxation and detached from their surroundings. Treatments typically last 40 minutes to an hour. During this treatment, healthcare professionals closely monitor the patients for up to two hours after the initial dosing.
IM Ketamine | Intramuscular Injection
Clinicians administer IM (intramuscular) ketamine by injecting it into the muscle. It is typically injected into the shoulder, but it can also be injected into the thigh or buttocks. IM Ketamine is an alternative to intravenous injection. It can be administered more easily, making it a highly sought-after alternative method.
Spravato | Esketamine Nasal Spray
Spravato is a nasal spray that contains esketamine. The FDA recently approved this intranasal spray, typically used for patients with treatment-resistant depression (TDR). Because of its profound effects on TDR, it is now considered part of the broad management strategy for PTSD.
KET+
KET+ is a patented combination therapy that includes ketamine in addition to a low dose of anti-anxiety medication (benzodiazepine) and an anti-nausea medication (ondansetron). Andala Health developed KET+ to reduce the nausea and anxiety that can sometimes arise during Ketamine Therapy.
What to Expect During Your Ketamine Treatment
Many patients receive ketamine treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder at Andala Health. We ensure that this treatment takes place in a controlled medical environment. Most treatment sessions typically last about 40 minutes to an hour. During this ketamine treatment, the patient will sit comfortably in a chair while a healthcare provider administers the medication. As a result, some patients will experience feeling separated from their surroundings during treatment. This is a dissociative effect of the medication.
The patient’s perception may change, as may the concept of time, color, or shapes. The effects generally begin shortly after administering the medication. Our medical professionals observe the patient for up to two hours before they return home. The patient must not drive or operate heavy machinery for more than 24 hours after treatment.
How Quickly Does Ketamine for PTSD Work?
Ketamine for PSTD in San Antonio, Texas, has the potential for rapid results, making it a very appealing form of therapy for those who have PTSD. Most patients improve only after several sessions, whereas other treatments may take weeks or months. However, results may vary from patient to patient, and some may need several treatments to feel the full impacts of the treatment.
What Other Health Conditions Does Ketamine Treat?
Depression
Ketamine therapy offers rapid relief for severe depression, often within hours, especially when traditional treatments haven’t worked.
Anxiety
Ketamine can reduce anxiety and stress. Additionally, it can boost emotional well-being, offering hope to to those struggling to find results.
PTSD
Ketamine therapy provides hope for PTSD by rewiring the brain to reduce symptoms like intrusive memories and emotional numbing.
Chronic Pain
Ketamine provides relief for chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and migraines by targeting pain pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover ketamine for PTSD?
We are proud to accept most major insurance companies. However, acceptance of this treatment can vary. For more information or to get started, call your insurance company or our office at Andala Health. If your insurance does not cover treatment, we have Texas’s most affordable self-pay rates.
What are the side effects of ketamine?
Patients may experience effects such as nausea, dizziness, and confusion. Most of these tend to be highly short-term and fade shortly after the session. At Andala Health, we provide medication to those prone to nausea.
Who is not a good candidate for ketamine?
Patients with specific health issues are not ideal for Ketamine Therapy, including those with a history of substance abuse and some heart diseases. Therefore, a general assessment by a medical physician is required to decide if Ketamine Therapy is suitable for a particular patient. We do not recommend ketamine for individuals with active mania.
Schedule A
Free Consult
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via text/email/phone. Reply “stop” to opt-out at any time.