In addition to more “typical” psychiatric medicines to treat mood disorders, we now use Ketamine RDT (rapidly dissolving tablets) in the context of an excellent treatment protocol, using the most currently available evidence-base to inform this approach. Ketamine has an approximately 50 years’ use in medicine as an anesthetic, typically involving intravenous infusions or injections. At the same time, it was notable that this medicine had the unique ability to help a person remit their major depressive illness or suicidality, although this “effect” was short-lived. Over time, with the help of a changing society’s appreciation of these “alternative” approaches, the use of ketamine to treat and provide rapid relief of symptoms to a variety of psychiatric illnesses (including depression, anxiety and PTSD) has been extraordinarily effective, especially for those who are unable to tolerate the more “classic” serotonin-based antidepressants.

The typical protocol includes 6 sessions ($525 per session) including approximately 1 hour for the ketamine treatment and an additional hour to relax prior to departing the office. The person must have a ride from the office (as they will have sedation during the visit) and they are advised not to drive or use any heavy machinery for the remainder of that day. A person should plan to spend at least two hours in the office. Treatments are done 2-3 times per week, depending upon a number of factors. The total treatment should take approximately 3 weeks.

There is nothing to bring as everything will be provided. The whole process requires about 1.5-2 weeks of preparation from the moment a person makes their appointment. Most people feel much better at the conclusion. If there is any need to change this protocol to better assist a specific patient, we are happy to make accommodations.

DR. LEVINE PROVIDES TRUSTED TREATMENTS FOR CHILDREN, TEENS AND ADULTS.