KETAMINE INFUSION
Pain MD Houston, led by interventional pain specialist Jessen Mukalel, MD, provides specialized ketamine infusion therapy for individuals with treatment-resistant conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, depression, or Lyme disease. Located in The Woodlands, Texas, Dr. Mukalel offers personalized ketamine infusion treatments to alleviate symptoms associated with both physical and mental health conditions. If you’re seeking long-lasting relief, you can explore the benefits of ketamine infusion therapy at Pain MD Houston. Contact the office by phone or request a consultation online for more information
Ketamine Infusion Q & A
What is ketamine?
The N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is found in your brain and spinal cord. This receptor conducts and interprets signals for the brain to help your body function.
Ketamine is a direct inhibitor of the NMDA receptor, and low-dose infusions are effective in treating a number of chronic health conditions. Higher doses of ketamine are most often used for anesthetic purposes, such as during surgery.
Dr. Mukalel offers IV ketamine infusions, as this method is the most stable and offers the most consistent results. The slowly rising serum blood level is necessary for the regulation of NMDA receptors and for preventing serious side effects. Other forms of ketamine, such as oral lozenges and intranasal sprays, may not be as effective as IV infusions.
What conditions can be treated with ketamine?
Low-dose IV ketamine infusions are beneficial for addressing a number of treatment-resistant health conditions, including:
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Lyme disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Treatment plans depend on your condition and generally involve a series of infusions over several weeks. Dr. Mukalel customizes your treatment to your needs to ensure the best outcome.
What can I expect during an infusion?
During an infusion, Dr. Mukalel typically combines ketamine with indirect NMDA inhibitors, neuromodulating peptides, and trace elements like:
- Zinc
- Vitamin C
- Thiamine
- Ketorolac
- Lidocaine
- Midazolam
- Magnesium
- Glutathione
- Alpha-lipoic acid
- N-acetyl cysteine
- Cyanocobalamin
Treatment is effective in both adults and teenagers, with minimal side effects. Ketamine has a short half-life and is also a respiratory stimulant that helps you keep breathing during treatment.
You’ll need to schedule time off from work for your infusion and bring along a loved one to take you home after your treatment.
Does ketamine have side effects?
Like any medication, there’s a possibility of side effects following your ketamine infusion therapy. Common side effects include:
- Sweating
- Salivation or secretions
- Hypertension
- Irregular heartbeat
- Bladder inflammation
- Dissociative anesthesia
Hallucinations are rare with low-dose therapy. In high-dose therapy, there’s a risk for inflammation associated with the IV catheter, as well as bladder irritation.
Dr. Mukalel carefully monitors you both during and after treatment to ensure its effectiveness and your general health.
If you’re interested in learning more about ketamine infusion therapy for depression or another health condition, schedule a consultation by calling the office of Jessen Mukalel, MD, or requesting an appointment online today.