Ketamine Infusion Therapy

Suburban Behavioral Health Services

Board Certified Psychiatrists & Behavioral Counselors located in Oakbrook Terrace, IL & Wheaton, IL

Ketamine therapy is a treatment approach that uses low doses of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic medication, to manage various mental health conditions, such as treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Ketamine is approved for use at high doses as an anesthetic in the operating room. Although not FDA-approved, lower-dose “sub-anesthetic” ketamine injections are used “off-label” to treat depression, pain, and other mental health and substance use disorders.

In recent times, there have been many factors contributing to increased depression across wide populations. There are several medications available for depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders that involve the daily administration of a medication aimed at the correction of neurochemical imbalances via action at specific brain receptors (e.g., serotonin, dopamine, and mu opioid).

Intravenous Ketamine is delivered in low doses intravenously (IV). Its effects can last from days to weeks. Relief is often achieved after a single treatment. Ketamine has also been found to be effective in reducing suicidal ideation. Its unique mechanism of action targets different neurotransmitters than traditional antidepressants. Ketamine has the potential to offer hope for those who have not responded well to traditional treatment options. Research suggests that ketamine can pr

Treatment Plan

Your treatment will be performed on an outpatient basis at Suburban Behavioral Health Services, located at 1S443 Summit Ave. Suite 201, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. You will be able to return home after a sufficient recovery period. If you have any questions, please call us at 630-613-9800.

Prior to Treatment

To prepare for your treatment, please note the following:

* All patients will undergo a baseline urine toxicology screen at least two days before starting treatment.

* A medical clearance evaluation with your primary care provider is required at least one week prior to your scheduled treatment.

* Female patients will need a pregnancy test, which can be performed in office.

* Male patients aged 60 and older will have their testosterone levels checked.

* To increase the probability of treatment effectiveness, it is recommended to avoid alcohol, marijuana, stimulants (such as caffeine or Adderall), benzodiazepines (e.g., Ativan, Xanax, etc.), and opioid pain medications (e.g., hydrocodone, oxycodone, etc.) before your infusion. Please note that marijuana or THC use can interact with the medication and potentially impact treatment effectiveness.

Day of Treatment

Don’t eat or drink: You shouldn’t eat or drink anything six hours before your treatment session is scheduled to begin. The treatment may cause you to vomit and feel nauseated, which is why you shouldn’t have food and drinks sitting in your stomach during the treatment. You may drink clear liquids such as apple juice, sports drinks, clear broth, decaf/herbal tea, decaf coffee (no milk/cream), etc. up to 2 hours before your infusion. To stay hydrated, please drink a glass of water 2 hours before your scheduled infusion.

Please do not wear jewelry to your appointment and leave all valuable items at home. Suburban Behavioral Health Services will not be held responsible for lost or stolen items.

The length of your appointment plan to be at the clinic for about 1.5 hours.

Side effects of ketamine infusions are minimal but may include mild drowsiness, nausea, and increased blood pressure. We may administer medication for prevention of nausea during your treatment. Less common side effects include vivid dreams or agitation and these can be controlled by adjusting your treatment dosage.

After your Treatment

After the infusion is administered, you will be placed in recovery for approximately 30-45 minutes and will then be cleared to go home. A responsible adult will need to accompany you and care for you after treatment. You cannot drive yourself home. Within a few hours, you should have no lingering side effects aside from mild fatigue.

If you drive yourself home via any motorized or electric vehicle, motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle, you will be doing so against medical advice and you do so at your own risk. By signing below, you assume all risk and cost of injury or death, Suburban Behavioral Health Services shall not be held responsible for any damages or consequences herein.

You will not be authorized to return to work or drive post-procedure of the day of the treatment. Please make appropriate arrangements for work and child care, if applicable. You may resume all normal activities the following day.

Do not adjust, decrease, or stop taking any of your prescribed medications during this treatment period. Only your primary physician or psychiatrist can do this and you should follow up with your doctor after the treatment is finished for any medication changes. Suburban Behavioral Health Services takes no responsibility for any adverse events resulting from a patient’s unauthorized adjustment of medication type, dosage or schedule.

If you are interested in exploring this innovative treatment option, contact us at 630-613-9800 or visit www.suburbanbhs.com for more information.

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