Ketamine is an anesthesia developed in the early 1960s. It is one of the most widely used drugs in modern medicine and is listed as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization.

It is used for sedation for surgical procedures and is FDA-approved for use as a general anesthetic medication. Ketamine has an very safe track record in surgical settings and is frequently used in pediatric surgery. It has used to treat the extreme physical pain of CRPS/RSD and more recently headaches, addiction, fibromyalgia, depression and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Ketamine infusions is performed at TPMG Pain Management in Williamsburg, Virginia. The infusion is performed on an outpatient basis and typically lasts between 3 and 4 hours for CRPS/RSD, fibromyalgia and other myofascial pain syndromes. Ketamine infusion for headaches and addiction lasts approximately 2 hours. Ketamine infusion for depression and PTSD typically lasts about an hour.

Before the infusion can begin, an IV will be inserted and other health monitoring instruments will be used throughout the infusion. The ketamine infusion is not painful and is generally well-tolerated. Each patients’ dose will vary due to the individualized response to the infusion.

Most patients remain awake or slightly drowsy throughout the infusion. After the infusion, patients should expect to rest for the remainder of the afternoon and evening but will be able to resume normal activities the following day. Each patient will also need a responsible adult to drive them home following the infusion.

Typically, 4-5 ketamine infusions are provided initially. After the initial series of infusions, patient response will be re-evaluated before continuing the therapy. Just as with other medications, continuing ketamine therapy is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If therapy is continued, future infusions are individualized.

Some patients report nausea as a side effect, so an anti-emetic may be added to the IV to prevent this. Patients with a history of nausea associated with medications or motion sickness should let their physician know.

Depression: $400

Addiction (Alcohol and Drugs): $400

Migraines: $600

Chronic Pain: Starting at $900

The cost of the infusion is not covered by insurance. Payments may be made by cash or check and the payment for each infusion is due in full before the treatment begins.

Self-referrals by patients with chronic pain are accepted with a recent physical and office notes from your physician. Patients inquiring about ketamine therapy to treat depression MUST be currently under treatment by a psychiatrist, psychologist or counselor. The psychiatrist, psychologist or counselor will be intimately involved in the treatment and response of the patient to the ketamine therapy.