Ketamine for Depression

Ketamine for Depression

The Botkiss Center for Recovery will have access to the administration of intravenous ketamine as a treatment option for select patients for treatment of severe depression that has been unresponsive to other treatments. This medication is administered under the supervision of a board-certified anesthesiologist in an office setting who works in conjunction with Dr. Botkiss.  This is a highly effective treatment which can have an immediate onset of action unlike any other treatment in the field of psychiatry. The treatment is usually administered in a series of six treatments over a 2 to 3-week period of time. For those who respond to the treatment there may be a need for occasional “booster treatments” to help maintain the benefit. Side effects from the treatment are typically well managed and may include mild sedation, some lightheadedness and a “floating sensation “all of which typically subside within 15 to 30 minutes after each treatment.  Ketamine is also being used for management of other psychiatric conditions including PTSD, OCD, addiction and for medical conditions including chronic pain (which may require a longer course of treatment). There is also a new form of ketamine (Spravato) that is offered in an intranasal preparation which is in the process of being offered as a treatment alternative as well. Patients who are being treated at the Botkiss Center for Recovery will have access to these treatments for an additional charge through the West Coast Ketamine Center (www.westcoastketaminecenter.com), which is housed in the same location as the primary recovery center.