Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine Therapy uses subanesthetic doses of ketamine to effectively treat various common psychological disorders including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. As a medication with dissociative properties, ketamine can feel disorienting and confusing. At Kadelyx we specialize in providing Guided Ketamine Therapy in which a Guide helps you navigate the experience. In the spirit of modern studies and ancient traditions, Kadelyx Guides help our clients through three different phases of the ketamine therapy experience. During preparation, the Guide will help calm your nerves through breathwork and meditation while allowing you to explore your intention. During the medicine phase when the ketamine is administered, the Guide will help monitor you medically and hold space for you to safely heal. Afterwards during integration, your Guide will provide you with fresh snacks and tea while you detail your experience to the Guide who acts as your Scribe. We write down your experience in a Journal which acts as a record of your ketamine therapy, to be shared with your care team outside Kadelyx at your discretion.
What is ketamine?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used to treat a variety of common psychological conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. First synthesized in 1962 at Wayne State University in Detroit, ketamine is the most widely used anesthetic in the world today. It has been on the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicines list since 1985. In the US, ketamine is a DEA Schedule III medication.
What is ketamine used for?
Ketamine is used for anesthesia at nearly every hospital across the globe. It is also used in outpatient clinics like Kadelyx to provide relief from depression, anxiety, PTSD, Eating Disorders, pain, and other psychological conditions.
What does ketamine do?
Ketamine acts in various ways at different dosing levels. At high doses, it acts as an anesthetic. At very low doses, it acts as a highly effective non-opioid pain reliever. At moderate doses, it acts as a dissociative medication, meaning that many people will feel as if they are having an out-of-body experience. The dissociative experience provides relief from a variety of psychological conditions.
How does ketamine work?
The mechanism of action is primarily through NMDA-receptor antagonism and regulation of glutamate, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Through upregulation of BDNF, it also works to create neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, resulting in the brain’s structural rewiring.
Where does ketamine come from?
The ketamine molecule was initially derived in 1962 by Parke Davis consultant and organic chemist Calvin Stevens who was searching for a short-acting analog of Phencyclidine (PCP). Since then, it has been discovered to be a naturally occurring substance from a fungus named Pochonia Chlamydosporia. Our ketamine is produced locally by a well-respected compound pharmacy that supplies hundreds of hospitals and clinics with high-quality ketamine.
How long does ketamine last?
At our clinic, we set aside 3 hours for our Guided Ketamine Therapy sessions. The medicine itself usually lasts 45-90 minutes. The half-life of ketamine is 45 minutes, meaning that it is typically “out of your system” within 4 hours. Our Semi-Guided sessions last roughly 2 hours. Our IV ketamine infusions last 1 hour, although 2 hours are set aside for the session total.
Can I drive myself to and from the session?
No. Please do not drive yourself to your ketamine therapy session as you will not be permitted to drive home from the session and vehicles cannot be left overnight in our parking lot, which has limited space. You will need to arrange a safe driver to take you home after the session.
What is “Set and Setting”?
“Set and Setting” refers to the essential elements that condition experiences when using psychoactive substances such as ketamine. At our clinic, we take these very seriously. “Set” refers to a mindset, while “Setting” means the location where you experience the medication. We apply science and lessons learned from other psychedelic traditions to optimize the “set and setting” and create the best possible ketamine therapy experience for our clients. Our Guides are expert in optimizing your mindset prior during the initial Preparation phase of the experience, while our clinic’s setting feels warm and inviting unlike most ketamine clinics. The opportunities for healing are greatly augmented in the environment we have created at Kadelyx Health.
What is the difference between Intramuscular (IM) injections and Intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions?
IM ketamine means that the medication is injected directly into the muscle body of the shoulder. IV ketamine infusions are when an IV access line is first established into the vein, then medication is infused into the line over the course of one hour. Patients receive approximately the same amount of medication during either method of administration, with 93% bioavailability during an IM experience compared to 100% during IV infusion. IM ketamine peaks earlier than IV ketamine infusions and has fewer side effects, such as nausea and agitation. Most of our clients prefer IM experiences. Our clinic offers IV ketamine infusions only as a Semi-Guided session.
What is the difference between racemic ketamine and esketamine (Spravato)?
Racemic ketamine is the typical form of ketamine used in hospitals and ketamine clinics such as ours. It is the pure form of ketamine that includes arketamine (R-ketamine) and esketamine (S-ketamine). Studies have shown that esketamine is inferior to racemic ketamine on all outcomes measures. Spravato is intranasal ketamine, and it is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression. To be approved for Spravato in most cases, you must have tried multiple different antidepressants within the previous six-month period and must stay on those antidepressants during treatment. It is dosed more frequently than racemic ketamine and often does not yield a dissociative experience. Kadelyx does not offer Spravato at this time.
What are the benefits of ketamine therapy?
Many patients experience significant improvement in mood and a reduction in symptoms following ketamine therapy. The effects can be rapid, with some feeling relief within hours of the first session. Unlike traditional medications, ketamine appears to work by stimulating the growth of new neural connections.
How many ketamine therapy sessions will I need?
The optimal number of sessions varies by individual. Most of our clients choose a series of 6 treatments spaced closely together. These may be followed by booster sessions as needed. Our ketamine specialists will help you create a personalized treatment plan.
Is ketamine therapy safe?
Ketamine has a long history of safe use in medical settings. When administered under the supervision of experienced professionals at clinics like Kadelyx, ketamine therapy has minimal risks. You will be closely monitored throughout the session. Our Board-certified medical staff are on-site at all times to oversee your sessions.
Who is not a good candidate for ketamine therapy?
Ketamine Therapy is not appropriate for patients who are pregnant, have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, or for a variety of other reasons as well. Our team of ketamine specialists will help determine your eligibility for treatment during a telehealth intake appointment.
We do not treat patients who are acutely suicidal. If you are feeling suicidal then it is important to call 988, 911, or proceed directly to your nearest Emergency Department for further evaluation.
Does insurance cover ketamine therapy?
Currently, insurance does not cover ketamine therapy. Our clinic staff can help you understand the associated costs and discuss payment options.
What are the side effects of ketamine therapy?
The most common side effects are temporary and may include nausea, drowsiness, fogginess, and headaches. Our team will provide medications to minimize side effects. Dissociation (feeling detached from your body) as well as visual or auditory hallucinations consistent with taking medications with psychedelic properties, are commonly achieved during our ketamine sessions and are not considered to be side effects.
Is ketamine addictive?
Ketamine has not been found to be physiologically addictive with infrequent use, and at low to moderate doses, as administered at clinics such as Kadelyx. At frequent dosing, ketamine can become a moderately addictive substance which should be used with caution in people with a history of substance use disorders.
Is ketamine an opioid?
No. Ketamine is not a member of the opioid family.
Is ketamine therapy right for me?
If you struggle with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, PTSD, or chronic pain, ketamine therapy may be a viable option. A consultation with our experienced Phoenix-based ketamine specialists at Kadelyx will determine if you are a suitable candidate.
Ready to learn more?
Contact Kadelyx Health today to schedule a consultation and explore whether ketamine therapy can help you achieve lasting mental wellness. Our team of specialists is dedicated to providing the highest-quality care in a comfortable, state-of-the-art environment.
CLIENT Testimonial
“
My experience was truly
transformative
The sensitivity and skill of my Guide was
exceptional
”
Michael B, Patient
Clients’ Perspective
“
The change was
profound
I found so much love inside of me
I did not know was there
”
Aytan D, Patient
Guests’ Perspective
“
It feels so
comforting
I just love to be here
”
Kathryn A, Patient
Dedicated Caregivers
“
We keep
them safe
We hold space but
they do the work
”
Dr. Hayley Avino, DNP, FNC-C
Nurse Practitioner
Dedicated Caregivers
“
Our client outcomes are
extraordinary
We bring humanity
back into the healing process
”
Alisia Malta, RN
Director of Guiding
