Anxiety Q & A

More than 40 million adults in the United States suffer from an anxiety disorder, and many don’t find adequate relief from conventional treatments. Our team at the Ketamine Clinic of Spokane treats various anxiety disorders, including:

Anxiety symptoms vary depending on the specific type of disorder you have. Common symptoms of anxiety include:

• A pounding or racing heartbeat
• Sweating, shaking, or trembling
• Shortness of breath
• Irritability or restlessness
• Headaches, fatigue, and insomnia
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Muscle tension
• Feeling out of control
• Anticipating the worst or watching for signs of danger

It’s normal to experience some of these symptoms from time to time. When you have an anxiety disorder, these symptoms persist even though you’re not in danger.

Ketamine has been safely used as an anesthetic since 1962. Recent research shows that ketamine is a fast-acting and effective treatment for various psychiatric and neurological conditions, including anxiety. 

This innovative treatment works on the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in your brain. Some mental health patients experience significant relief from a single, 40-minute ketamine infusion. Depending on your needs, multiple treatments may be necessary.

INITIALIZING TREATMENT

• We will perform a brief interview and physical assessment to make sure nothing has changed with your physical condition.
• We will ask you to use the restroom and then get comfortable in our quiet, peaceful treatment area.
• An IV line will be started to infuse the medication. You will be connected to all of our monitoring equipment before we begin.
• We will be monitoring your vital signs during the entire infusion.
• The infusion time will be approximately 40 minutes. During this time we will not disturb you. However, we will be observing you to ensure your safety. You may listen to music and relax as it feels best to you.
• When the infusion ends, we will monitor you for any adverse side effects and ensure that you are adequately recovered prior to going home.

DAY OF TREATMENT

• Please wear clothes that are comfortable and also provide full access to your arms.
• Feel free to bring some music to listen to during your infusion.
• Most patients feel it helps or enhances the treatment if they don’t speak and close their eyes during the infusion.
• You will need to have someone accompany you and stay during your treatment. They will also be required to drive you home afterward.
• You may not eat anything 6 hours prior or drink anything for 2 hours prior to your infusion or we may need to reschedule your treatment.

OPTIMIZING YOUR TREATMENT

• Coordinating with your MHP is one of the best ways to optimize your treatment.
• Benzodiazepines can ‘compete’ with Ketamine. To get the best benefit, it is best to discontinue this class of drugs before treatment.
• Be prepared to be in a quiet and comfortable space for at least 1 ½ hours following your infusion.
• We recommend a series of six infusions to be given within 3 weeks. Our team will be with you every step of the way to ensure your treatment has the best chance of success.
• After the initial series of infusions, many patients only require an occasional top-up or ‘booster’ according to their individual needs – ranging from once a month to once a year depending on when and if your symptoms  for some conditions reoccur.