Services at Elevated Health
Ketamine-Based Mental Health Treatments at Elevated Health
Augusta’s sole IV ketamine infusion clinic specializes in intravenous (IV) ketamine, which has undergone extensive study over the past 30 years. Data published in hundreds of research papers by the National Institute of Mental Health and prestigious medical centers and universities such as Yale and Mount Sinai have affirmed the safety and effectiveness of IV ketamine in treating various mood disorders, including treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and major anxiety.
IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy
When IV Ketamine Is Considered
IV ketamine is used off-label in psychiatry for patients whose depression, PTSD, or severe anxiety have not improved with multiple antidepressant regimens. It has shown rapid symptom relief in many clinical settings.
How IV Ketamine Is Administered
- Standard starting dose: 0.5 mg/kg infused over about 40 minutes
- Dose adjustment: Some clinics cautiously increase up to 100 mg based on response and tolerance
- Typical course: Twice weekly for 3–4 weeks, then transition to maintenance or tapering schedules as needed
Because ketamine for depression is off-label, rigorous screening, informed consent, and close medical supervision are essential.
Safety Checks During Infusion
- Vital signs, ECG, oxygen saturation, ETCO₂, and mental status are monitored before, during, and after infusion
- Common transient effects: dissociation, dizziness, elevated blood pressure, nausea, perceptual changes
- Exclusion criteria: uncontrolled hypertension, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and certain cardiac conditions
Treatment occurs in a setting prepared for airway monitoring and management of complications.
Benefits Patients Can Expect
- Rapid reduction of depressive symptoms (often within 24 hours)
- Potential decrease in suicidal ideation
- For responders, maintenance infusions can prolong benefit and reduce relapse risk
Spravato® (Esketamine Nasal Spray) Therapy
What Makes Spravato® Different
Spravato® (esketamine) is the only FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression in adults. It must be administered in certified clinics under the REMS safety program. In January 2025, the FDA expanded approval to allow standalone use in some cases.
Who Is Eligible and How It’s Given
- For adults whose depressive symptoms haven’t sufficiently responded to at least two antidepressant treatments
- Administered as a 56–84 mg nasal dose under direct supervision
- Patients remain under observation in-clinic for at least two hours to monitor for dissociation, sedation, blood-pressure changes, and other side effects
Safety Profile and Side Effects
- Common side effects: dissociation, dizziness, nausea, sedation, elevated blood pressure, perceptual changes, anxiety
- Rare but serious risks: respiratory depression or severe sedation (recent REMS updates require pulse oximetry on site)
- Use is restricted by the REMS program to ensure patient safety and proper monitoring
Outcomes and Maintenance Schedule
- Some patients see symptom improvement within hours of the first dose
- In longer-term use, esketamine has demonstrated effectiveness in maintaining antidepressant benefit and reducing relapse risk
- After an induction phase (often twice-weekly dosing), frequency is tapered per clinical judgment (weekly or every 1–2 weeks)
Your Experience at Elevated Health
- Private, comfortable treatment rooms
- Direct supervision by a dedicated medical team
- Comprehensive safety checks before, during, and after dosing
- Personalized plans to extend and maintain symptom relief
Why Patients Choose Elevated Health
- Rapid relief options: FDA-approved Spravato® and evidence-based IV ketamine infusions
- Specialized care team: Experienced clinicians focused solely on ketamine therapies
- Safety and monitoring: Strict protocols with ongoing follow-up
- Tailored plans: Schedules designed to extend benefits and maintain long-term relief
Your privacy is guaranteed
100% safe
Insurance & Coverage Information
We currently accept insurance for Spravato® only. Our staff can verify your benefits and guide you through the approval process.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
Ready to explore personalized, evidence-based ketamine therapy?
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