Ketamine Benefits

At Lumus, we offer cutting-edge ketamine therapy and telepsychiatry services to help individuals struggling with mood disorders such as treatment resistant depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. Ketamine therapy, also known as ketamine-assisted psychotherapy or ketamine infusion therapy, is an innovative medical treatment that provides rapid relief from debilitating symptoms. Here’s how it works and what it can do for you:

Rapid Relief from Symptoms

One of the most significant advantages of ketamine therapy is its ability to deliver quick relief. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks or even months to become effective, ketamine often brings noticeable improvements within hours or days after treatment.

Neurotransmitter Regulation

Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, leading to an increase in the levels of key neurotransmitters such as glutamate and dopamine. Glutamate is crucial for synaptic plasticity and mood regulation. By modulating glutamate levels, ketamine helps restore balance in neural circuits associated with mood disorders, contributing to its antidepressant and anxiolytic effects.

Promoting Neuroplasticity

Chronic stress and depression can cause structural and functional changes in the brain, such as neuron atrophy and decreased synaptic connectivity. Ketamine therapy promotes neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new connections and reorganize itself. This ability to enhance neuroplasticity may help reverse these changes, enabling the brain to adapt and heal, which is vital for long-term therapeutic effects.

Increasing BDNF Levels

Ketamine has been shown to boost the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for the growth, survival, and differentiation of neurons. BDNF plays a crucial role in neuroplasticity and synaptic function. By promoting the release of BDNF, ketamine facilitates the repair and regeneration of neural circuits damaged by mood disorders.

Altered Perception and Enhanced Therapy

The dissociative effects of ketamine can induce altered states of consciousness, which some patients find helpful for gaining insights, processing traumatic experiences, and fostering psychological openness and introspection during therapy sessions. Ketamine therapy is often combined with traditional talk therapy or other psychotherapeutic modalities, enhancing the therapeutic process and allowing patients to address underlying emotional issues more effectively.

Who Qualifies for Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine therapy may be suitable for individuals with:

• Treatment-resistant depression
• Severe anxiety
• PTSD
• OCD

Eligibility will be determined by a licensed healthcare professional.

When is Ketamine Contraindicated?

Ketamine therapy is NOT recommended for individuals with:

• Active substance abuse (alcohol, cannabis, non-prescribed medications, etc.)
• History of psychosis
• History of increased intracranial pressure
• Current pregnancy
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Acute, unstable, or serious cardiovascular conditions
• Previous negative or adverse response to ketamine

Please note: We do not administer ketamine infusions for the treatment of chronic pain, as this requires significantly higher doses and longer infusion durations (2-3 hours).

Schedule a Free Ketamine Screening Today!

Take the first step towards healing by scheduling a free ketamine screening with Lumus. Our team of licensed healthcare professionals is here to help you determine if ketamine therapy is the right option for you.