Patients Seek Ketamine for Chronic Pain and Depression

Patients grappling with long-term, severe, depression and chronic pain are becoming more empowered than ever before and are demanding alternatives to risky opioids and benzodiazepine drugs. Ketamine, a drug that has been used as an anesthetic since the 1960s, is among the alternatives on the rise and in demand. Numerous research studies have shown Ketamine to be effective for off-label use to treat depression, as well as conditions that cause chronic pain such as fibromyalgia. Through a series of weekly infusions, an estimated 70 percent of patients who try Ketamine are able to achieve symptom relief. Innovative Express Care, a primary care clinic in Lincoln Park, recently added Ketamine infusions to its growing list of patient-drive treatment options that are gaining in popularity, but can be difficult for patients to find.

“Ketamine use for depression and chronic pain shows great promise,” says Rahul Khare, MD, president and founder of Innovative Express Care. “It's important to look past the pharmaceuticals that we as physicians have become accustomed to prescribing, and to seek alternatives that can achieve results with fewer side-effects or long term concerns.”

Khare offers Ketamine infusions to patients suffering from a variety of conditions including PTSD, severe depression, anxiety and chronic pain. Khare views Ketamine as an additional tool in their arsenal to help patients achieve long-term symptom relief. Innovative Express Care is also cannabis friendly, and assists patients seeking their medical marijuana card through counseling and education.

“Our goal is to provide alternatives to standard pharmaceutical drugs that have been widely prescribed, and in some cases, overused,” said Khare. “Patients are demanding options that address problems like depression, anxiety and pain, with a low risk of side effects.”

Ketamine infusions have been shown to provide fast relief for patients, unlike pharmaceuticals that must build in the system for weeks to months before they become fully effective. Many patients experience some relief after just one treatment, but a series of six is the standard protocol for depression. Additional treatments may be necessary for chronic pain patients. Ketamine is only FDA approved as an anesthetic, so its use for depression and pain is currently off-label and most insurance companies do not yet pay for the infusions.

Patients interested in Ketamine injections must first be evaluated by a physician. Insurance is accepted for this appointment. During infusion appointments, which may take up to a few hours, patients are closely monitored by clinicians who can address any rare, but possible side effects such as visual disturbances or elevated blood pressure. Following the infusion series, most patients will feel well for one to two months, but some may experience relief for up to six months. Single booster injections are offered to achieve symptom relief once the series has worn off.

In the future, Ketamine-like drugs may be available for oral or nasal use. Until that time, Khare believes Ketamine can provide significant relief to some patients.

“Numerous patients may benefit from Ketamine infusions, but those suffering from debilitating depression that sparks thoughts of self-harm can’t afford to wait for drugs to be developed. Also, the success stories with our patients given Ketamine for chronic pain, depression, anxiety and PTSD have exceeded my expectations. We are excited to open this treatment option to those who need it,” adds Khare.

For more information on Ketamine infusions and other services offered at Innovative Express, visit https://innovativeexpresscare.com/services/innovative-ketamine-clinic/