IV Ketamine
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Healthy Mind Psychiatry
Board-Certified Psychiatrist located in Valencia, CA
When severe depression, anxiety, or chronic pain disrupts your life, IV ketamine therapy at Healthy Mind Psychiatry may help. Board-certified psychiatrist Ananya Sreepathi, MD, offers this advanced treatment in a comfortable, monitored setting in Santa Clarita, California, to help patients find rapid relief when other treatments fall short. To learn more, call the office or request an appointment online.
What is IV ketamine therapy?
IV ketamine therapy involves administering a low dose of ketamine directly into your bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) infusion. Unlike traditional antidepressants that act on serotonin or norepinephrine, ketamine works on the brain’s NMDA receptors to increase the release of glutamate—a neurotransmitter that helps create and strengthen neural connections.
By restoring healthy brain communication patterns, ketamine can relieve symptoms of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and certain chronic pain conditions more quickly than standard medications.
The speed of ketamine’s effects is one of its most notable benefits. While antidepressants can take weeks to work, IV ketamine can improve mood and reduce symptoms within hours to days. This makes it especially valuable for people who have struggled with prolonged depression or suicidal thoughts.
Why should I consider IV ketamine therapy?
Dr. Sreepathi may recommend IV ketamine if you:
- Have treatment-resistant depression, meaning you’ve tried two or more antidepressants without significant improvement
- Experience severe anxiety or PTSD symptoms that limit your quality of life
- Have chronic pain conditions related to nerve dysfunction, such as fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain
- Need a rapid-response treatment due to the severity of your mental health symptoms
Clinical studies show that ketamine not only provides symptom relief but can also improve emotional resilience, increase energy, and enhance daily functioning.
What can I expect during an infusion?
At Healthy Mind Psychiatry, your comfort and safety come first. You’ll be seated in a private, quiet room with a comfortable chair or recliner. A small IV line will be inserted into your arm, and the ketamine infusion will run for 40–60 minutes. Most patients report feeling relaxed, and some experience mild dissociation, dream-like sensations, or changes in perception. These effects typically fade within an hour after treatment.
Throughout the session, Dr. Sreepathi and her team will monitor your vital signs, comfort level, and emotional state. You’re welcome to bring calming music or a blanket to make the experience even more comfortable.
How often will I need IV ketamine?
A standard treatment plan often begins with six infusions over two to three weeks. After the initial series, you and Dr. Sreepathi will determine a maintenance schedule—ranging from once every few weeks to once every few months—based on how long your benefits last.
Is IV ketamine safe?
When administered by trained professionals in a medical setting, IV ketamine is safe and well-tolerated. Possible side effects include mild nausea, dizziness, or temporary changes in perception, which are typically short-lived. Healthy Mind Psychiatry follows strict dosing and monitoring protocols to ensure every session is as safe and effective as possible.
At Healthy Mind Psychiatry, you’ll receive compassionate care, personalized guidance, and a treatment plan designed to help you reclaim your mental health and overall well-being. Call the office or request an appointment online.
