Ketamine is a drug normally used in anesthesiology to create a state of unconsciousness, dissociation or analgosedation. The effects depend on the dose. It has been used throughout the world since the 1960’s.
Recently, it has been used to treat many chronic pain syndromes like CRPS, treatment-resistant fibromyalgia, post-herpetic neuralgia and severe depression among many others. .
There are over 2,000 publications promoting the use of Ketamine for chronic pain and severe depression
Low dose Ketamine infusion for nerve pain:
Benefits include reduced pain in the short term and in the long term as well.
Physiology:
The mechanism is thought to work by inhibiting an N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor. Without inhibition, inflammatory molecules in the spinal cord activate this receptor, which dials up pain intensity inside the central nervous system as it travels to the brain.
Procedure:
A small gauge intravenous catheter is placed. The patient is then connected to monitoring equipment for the continuous monitoring of patient’s heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure and oxygen saturation.
Ketamine will be delivered through a special syringe pump. The rate and dose is dependent on patients weight, needs and the treatment algorithm. Prior to the start of the infusion, the patient may receive Dormicum (Midazolam) and Propofol for mild sedation. In addition the patient is given Magnesium and anti-nausea medication like Ondansetron and Dexamethasone. The entire infusion lasts about 1 hour and it will be performed under the supervision of a doctor and /or nurse. The patient should be fasted for at least 6 hours before the infusion to avoid nausea. No driving is allowed directly after the infusion and the patient should be accompanied by a family member or close friend on their way back home. .
The infusions can be spaced out daily, weekly or monthly depending on individual patient needs.
Side Effects:
At higher doses (for sedation and anesthesia) Ketamine can produce unpleasant side effects like hallucinations and panic attacks, drooling and fast heart rate. To manage unpleasant experiences we supplement our infusions with small dose of Dormicum (Midazolam) to relax the patient and decrease the likelihood of remembering these side effects if they were to occur.
Insurance Coverage and pricing:
Ketamine Infusions are currently not included by the public health insurance plan of Cyprus (GESY) (last official written info from GESY on the 06.09.2024).
The Price is at 150 Euro per infusion depending on individualized treatment plan. A typical treatment plan consists of 5 infusions spaced at least 24 hours apart. Please contact your local private insurance provider for more info regarding reimbursement.
Contact:
Contact the Swiss Pain Clinic at 25-323131 to schedule a consultation.
