Bipolar Disorder Q & A

Formerly called manic-depression, bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme shifts in your mood, energy, and ability to function. Symptoms of bipolar disorder occur in distinct states (episodes) that include:

Most people with bipolar disorder experience at least one depressive episode. Symptoms of depression include changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and persistent feelings of hopelessness. Severe episodes of depression may lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts. 

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself, go to the nearest emergency room or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 right away.

If you have a clinical diagnosis of bipolar disorder and continue to experience moderate to severe symptoms despite these treatments, you may be a candidate for ketamine infusion therapy. We do not treat bipolar disorder in the manic phase.

As Eastern Washington’s only ketamine providers, the Ketamine Clinic of Spokane helps many patients find relief from treatment-resistant bipolar disorder. 

Ketamine has been used as an anesthetic medication for decades. Now, ketamine offers rapid relief to people suffering from treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder.

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. 
• For migraines the schedule is much more variable depending upon your exact condition. We’ll work hand in hand together on designing a tailored plan that caters specifically towards your requirements.