Treatment Protocol

Most patients begin with a 6-infusion induction series over 4 weeks (roughly twice per week). After that, maintenance infusions are scheduled based on your response — typically monthly, quarterly, or as needed. About 50-70% of patients notice meaningful improvement by the 6th infusion.

While a single ketamine infusion can produce rapid relief lasting 24-72 hours, research consistently shows that a series of infusions produces longer-lasting, more durable benefit. Ketamine promotes the growth of new neural connections — a process that requires repeated dosing to sustain neuroplasticity over time.

Depression/anxiety/PTSD protocols typically use a lower dose (0.5 mg/kg) administered over ~45 minutes. Chronic pain conditions like CRPS or neuropathy use higher doses (up to 1.5-2.0 mg/kg) administered over 3-4 hours. Pain protocols require longer sessions and often more frequent initial infusions (3x per week).

There's no fixed rule. We use validated scales (PHQ-9, GAD-7) at each visit to track your response. When your scores stabilize in a healthy range for several months and you feel your quality of life has genuinely improved, we typically begin spacing out infusions. The goal is to get you to the point where you no longer need treatment — not to keep you on indefinitely.

Plan to take the rest of the day off after your first few infusions — you can usually work the morning after your infusion if your appointment is in the afternoon. As your body adjusts to the treatment, many patients return to work the same day with a driver.

We individualize every protocol. Some patients start with 3x/week for 2 weeks (6 infusions), others need 2x/week for 5 weeks. Your provider will recommend the schedule most likely to work based on your condition, prior response to treatment, and clinical judgment.