Ketamine is a medication that has been used since 1970 as an anesthetic and is a rapid-acting, extremely effective intervention to address treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation. 

Ketamine works by modulating the glutamate system in the brain. It increases synaptic plasticity and connectivity, which are believed to play a key role in its rapid antidepressant effects. 

At AwakeningsKC, we administer ketamine intranasally through a nasal spray device. The treatment is administered at our office under the supervision of a medical professional. The dosage and frequency vary based on patient needs and response to treatment.  

When ketamine is administered intranasally, it can provide rapid relief within hours, unlike traditional medications, which can take weeks. Intranasal administration is also considered more convenient since patients do not have to receive an IV.   

Ketamine – Treatments are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10 AM, 12 PM, and 2 PM. Patients will do treatments 1-2x per week; the frequency will be determined by your treatment team.

SPRAVATO® – Treatments are offered Monday – Friday. Mondays are 12 PM and 2 PM only, and Fridays are 10 AM and 2 PM only. Treatments are offered at 10 AM, 12 PM and 2 PM Tuesday and Thursday.

The typical schedule is 8 weeks of treatment. Weeks 1-4, patient complete two treatments per week. Weeks 5-8, patients complete one treatment per week. 

Ketamine – Depending on your dosage, patients will complete 6-8 treatments. Once complete, you will meet with your provider to evaluate your progress and discuss the next steps.

SPRAVATO – Patients typically complete 12 treatments over the course of eight weeks. Once complete, you will meet with your provider to evaluate your progress and discuss the next steps.

Ketamine – Not FDA-approved for mental health and is considered an “off-label” treatment.

SPRAVATO – Covered by most insurances for treatment resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation.

Ketamine – We believe in making ketamine therapy available to anyone who needs it. Our admissions team will gladly discuss any and all payment options you have.

SPRAVATO – It’s subject to insurance benefits and varies depending on the plan. Patients are typically responsible for their deductible, coinsurance or copay.

Ketamine and SPRAVATO – Patients are required to be at the office for a total of 2 hours from administration. During this time, our team will monitor your blood pressure and response to the medication. 

Ketamine and SPRAVATO – Both are generally well-tolerated. Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, dissociation and increased blood pressure. 

Patients with the following may not be able to receive ketamine: uncontrolled blood pressure, active mania, active psychosis, schizophrenia, significant cardiac history, clinically significant substance abuse, current pregnancy, recent ocular surgery, intracranial pathology, and history of aneurysm, epilepsy or stroke. 

Ketamine – The medication is sent to a local pharmacy, and the patient is responsible for picking it up or coordinating shipment to their home. The patient is responsible for bringing the medication to the clinic, where it will be stored for the duration of the treatment. The medication seal must be intact/untampered with for the patient to receive treatment.

SPRAVATO – Our clinic coordinates the ordering and shipment of SPRAVATO directly to our office.

• Fasting Protocol: Patients should not eat solid food for 4 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. Patients may have clear liquids such as water, clear broth, apple juice, tea, or black decaf coffee up to 2 hours before their appointment. 
• Transportation: Due to the dissociative nature of esketamine/ketamine, patients are prohibited from driving, operating machinery, or doing anything which requires them to be fully alert following the esketamine/ketamine treatment. Patients should not participate in these activities until after a full night’s rest. All esketamine/ketamine patients are required to have a driver, so patients should arrange transportation before their treatment.
• Medication: Very few medications have interactions with esketamine/ketamine. Some medications may need to be held prior to your ketamine treatment and resumed after. These may include benzodiazepines (i.e., Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin), stimulants (Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin), and lamotrigine (Lamictal). All patients should consult with their doctor before starting esketamine/ketamine to see if they need to alter their medication regimen on the day of the treatment.