In this video, Dr Wells discusses the ideal schedule for an initial series of ketamine treatments.
Watch the video and see the summary below.
What is the best treatment schedule?
The best treatment schedule for a series of ketamine infusions is what works for you. We want to help you get infusions in the most easy and accessible manner possible.
The original treatment schedule protocol was six infusions over two weeks, on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule. However, this schedule was chosen in part because it was convenient for the ECT clinics working on some of the first studies on ketamine administration in a clinical setting.
Through further study conducted with Wells Medicine and published with the Baylor College of Medicine, we’ve established that the following treatment schedules are effective and work well for our patients:
- Six infusions – 3x per week over two weeks
- Six infusions – 2x per week over three weeks
- Six infusions – 1x per week over six weeks
The important difference between treatment schedules is how long it takes a patient to see sustained results.
We try to build momentum at the beginning of treatment by spacing early appointments closer together, because there is some fade between the first few infusions, when results don’t last as long as they do between later infusions. Seeing progress sooner can also be motivating for patients to continue treatment and work outside of the clinic to make positive lifestyle changes. For these reasons, most people will benefit by a series of closely-spaced treatments.
A treatment schedule of 1x per week over six weeks may be more convenient for some people and may even yield slightly better results – probably because of the increased time for patients to do homework and make lifestyle changes to support the results of the infusions. However, this treatment schedule requires more resilience to endure the ups and downs at the beginning of the treatment series, when the benefits of ketamine fade more between infusions. If your schedule necessitates one visit a week, that should work, but be prepared for more ups and downs in symptom reduction at the beginning.
Regardless of your treatment schedule, we recommend the full six infusions for your initial series of ketamine. Most people can tell after several infusions if treatments are working for them, and by the end of the six-treatment series most people can move to a maintenance schedule of one treatment every 3 to 5 weeks or so.
About Us
Wells Medicine is a Houston-based practice designed to provide meaningful care for mental health. Providing targeted interventional treatments for Depression, Anxiety, OCD, PTSD and other conditions, with Ketamine Treatments, Stellate Ganglion Blocks, TMS, and Nitrous-Oxide Treatments. Focused on comprehensive care and integration with Psychiatry, Psychology, and Support Services. We are evidence-based, patient-focused and mission-driven.
The content here is for informational purposes and should not be relied upon for medical decisions. For the details of your specific medical conditions and treatments consult your doctors or other qualified healthcare professionals.
