Conventional medicines and therapies aren’t always effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In such instances, ketamine for PTSD can be a true lifesaver in addressing both the symptoms and root causes of this pervasive illness.
PTSD is a complex disorder impacting individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. From military veterans to abuse survivors, patients suffering from any type of extreme trauma are at risk of PTSD. When this occurs, changes in brain chemistry lead to symptoms of fear, anxiety, and emotional detachment, all of which can have a devastating impact on everyday life.
Traditionally, PTSD treatment options have largely been focused on a combination of psychotherapy and oral medications, particularly antidepressants. However, research shows that intravenous ketamine for PTSD can be highly effective and potentially even more so than traditional treatments. According to a recent Mount Sinai study, people can achieve significant relief from PTSD symptoms after a series of six Ketamine Infusions over 2-3 weeks. The benefits typically last at least three months, and much longer in some cases. An additional two infusions known as “boosters” often restores the initial benefit for another 3+ months.
Is Ketamine Right For Me?
Try Ketamine as a PTSD Treatment
Ketamine has been used to treat depression and other mood disorders for more than 20 years. What makes it such a promising alternative PTSD treatment comes down to its ability to rapidly and effectively reduce PTSD symptoms in the 24 hours after an infusion. It does so by directly impacting the brain’s N-methyl-d-aspartate (NDMA) receptor, which is different from the neurotransmitters targeted by antidepressants. In doing so, it can help balance mood and reduce, or in many cases, eliminate, the symptoms of PTSD.
We Offer PTSD Treatment Options
Some of the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of PTSD are SSRIs and SNRIs. The National Center for PTSD documents that Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, and Effexor are examples of effective antidepressants, those that have shown promise in treating PTSD for many people. While these medications may not work for everyone, they have been found to be effective for a lot of individuals.
Ketamine for PTSD is an alternative treatment option for those who don’t benefit from traditional SSRIs. Ketamine has been shown to provide relief from many PTSD symptoms, such as intrusive thoughts, physiological reactions to reminders of traumatic events, and a persistent inability to experience positive emotions, all without many of the side effects commonly associated with antidepressants. Moreover, treating depression with ketamine works quickly, and many patients notice a difference within a few hours.
The Science of Ketamine Treatment for PTSD
Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist and an AMPA receptor stimulator. AMPA stimulation is necessary for increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which, in turn, stimulates the formation of new receptors and synapses. This process is critical for making connections between neurons and is often severely compromised among those with PTSD, depression, and other mood disorders.
Ketamine as an Alternative PTSD Treatment
Ketamine for PTSD can provide relief from many PTSD symptoms, such as anxiety, loneliness, and loss of interest in pleasurable activities. There are no long term side effects and short term are well tolerated. Treatment is safe. At Ketamine Clinics LA, 83% of patients benefit.
Get Relief from PTSD Symptoms
Ketamine has a short half-life, so the medicine leaves the body rather quickly. The positive neurochemical and experiential effects that occur while ketamine is in the body are what produce the lasting benefit. This is a very different model than taking pills everyday for months to build and then daily thereafter to maintain a therapeutic blood level for mood disorder treatment.
How Ketamine Treatment for PTSD Works
At Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles (KCLA), we administer ketamine intravenously, which is the only scientifically proven route of administration. PTSD patients undergo a series of six infusions over 2-3 weeks, with each treatment session lasting 50-55 minutes.
Patients are closely monitored by an entire team of medical staff trained and led by Dr. Mandel. Our medical staff are the most experiencd providers of ketamine infusions in the field and are known for their compassionate approach. All of them are ACLS certified, undergo extensive training in HIPAA and confidentiality, rigorous testing, and must meet the most stringent training criteria before they are permitted to interact with patients. Additionally, KCLA is the first and only ketamine clinic to be QUAD A certified, setting the gold-standard for patient safety and comfort.
Short term side effects are possible but tend to be mild and short-lived. They include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
We can provide medication to help with these short-term side effects if needed. The average time spent recovering is 15-20 minutes, but patients are not discharged until our medical team determines they are ready to leave.
Why Choose Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles
As one of the leading PTSD treatment centers, California-based Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles is proud to offer success rates above industry standards for the use of ketamine for PTSD and other mood disorders. In fact, while many studies and clinics report success rates of 70% or higher, our success rate is 83% among patients with mood disorders, which includes PTSD.
Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles provides ketamine therapy for PTSD in a spa-like, state-of-the-art facility. Our highly knowledgeable, experienced, and compassionate staff work closely with you and your other providers to tailor a treatment plan that best meets your needs. We have administered more ketamine infusions than most facilities in the world. We also understand the unique needs of people living with PTSD, especially military veterans, abuse survivors, and other individuals who have survived a traumatic experience that continues to impact their lives. We are here to help.
We offer a 10% discount to active duty military, veterans, police, and other first responders. Thank you for your service.
Fill out the contact form below or call us at 310-270-0625 for a free phone consultation with one of our Care Coordinators.
OUR LATEST REVIEWS
Lauren – Mother of PTSD and depression patient
I saw my son once again.
Although all the medical treatment Matt has received was valuable in some way, the only time in 16 years I saw the person who is my son once again quietly emerge, was after the ketamine infusions.
Allen – Engineer
My successes have been phenomenal.
I have cut down on my Effexor to 75 Mg per day. I have eliminated lithium from my regiment and haven’t needed ambien for about month now to sleep. My klonopin I’ve reduced to once every other day. The infusions really helped my depression and chronic pain in my neck. My depression has never been better and I am cutting down on my other medications with great success. Thank you, thank you Dr. Mandel!
Katharine – Registered Nurse
When I found Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles,
When I found Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles and began to research the treatment, I felt my spirits lift. I felt hope. From the moment I called their office, I knew I was in good hands. As someone who works in healthcare, I couldn’t believe how kind and attentive Dr. Mandel and his entire staff were. I know they really care about me. The treatment is the only thing in more than 30 years that has produced such rapid and dramatic improvement in my mood.
Keith – Lawyer
My doctor recommended that I try ketamine
My doctor recommended that I try ketamine at this time because he considers that there is now enough clinical information to make an informed decision about its effectiveness and side effects, and specifically recommended Dr. Mandel, who even with a glowing recommendation from someone for whom I have tremendous respect, vastly exceeded all of my expectations.
Alex – Teacher
Dr. Mandel has truly made my unlivable life, livable again.
Dr. Mandel has truly made my unlivable life, livable again. My ability to get out of bed early and or nearly right as I wake up has significantly improved. I’m able to keep up with my incredibly hectic schedule. My overall mood is high and lethargy is low. My social anxiety is at an all time low, and I haven’t had a panic attack since my first infusion.