When used to treat fibromyalgia, ketamine is administered through an IV at a much lower dose than is necessary for anesthesia. The dose of ketamine used in your treatment depends on your body weight: 0.5mg ketamine/kg body weight.

Each ketamine infusion lasts about 40 minutes, after which patients should have someone available to accompany them home safely. During the infusion, patients recline in a treatment chair surrounded by a calm, quiet and experientially safe environment. Ketamine is delivered at a slow and controlled dose and a registered nurse accompanies each patient for the duration of the infusion to monitor blood pressure, pulse and oxygen saturation. Patients do not experience any respiratory effects during or after the treatment.

IV Ketamine Therapy is well-tolerated. During a ketamine infusion, patients remain aware of their surroundings and experience a deep relaxation. Your clinician may lower the lights, offer an eye mask or aromatherapy, or take other measures to make the setting more comfortable. Some patients may experience dissociation, perceptual disturbances or nausea. Generally, any changes in perception or dissociation dissipate very quickly after the infusion.

Typically, patients receive 8-12 ketamine infusions over the course of 3-4 weeks. The combination, frequency, and order of each of your treatment sessions will be discussed with you and will be recommended based on your unique circumstances. Most patients experience positive results from ketamine after their first infusion. Subsequent infusions help prolong the positive effects.

Recent studies on Ketamine therapy for fibromyalgia have shown great results. Researchers concluded that ketamine can provide long-term remission of pain or long-term sustained relief, even for those with treatment-resistant forms of the disorder.

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes musculoskeletal pain throughout the body, fatigue and often comorbid emotional and mental distress. Nearly 2% of adults in the United States has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. A fibromyalgia diagnosis may occur when a patient expresses generalized pain throughout the body, although the exact causes of fibromyalgia are unknown.

Those with fibromyalgia may experience pain symptoms throughout the body, especially at the meeting points of muscles and tendons, fatigue and cognitive difficulties. Other coexisting conditions or symptoms may include:

• headaches
• depression
• stiffness
• IBS

Fibromyalgia is common and it currently affects an estimated 12 million Americans. Women between the ages of 20 to 50 have the highest risk of developing fibromyalgia.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

Although the exact causes of fibromyalgia remain unknown, known risk factors include:

• Genetics – This disease tends to run in families. Parents pass down genes to their children, including ones that determine pain sensitivity and the likelihood of feeling depressed or anxious. If a person’s parents had fibromyalgia, then they may be more likely to get it as well.
• Other disorders – The risk of developing fibromyalgia is increased in those with a history of lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Childhood Abuse – Those who have faced physical or emotional abuse as a child have an increased risk of developing fibromyalgia.
• Mental Health – Those with mental health disorders including PTSD, anxiety, or depression may be more likely to develop fibromyalgia.
• Gender – Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men.
• Sedentary Lifestyle – Lack of physical activity may increase the risk of fibromyalgia, and/or worsen the condition.

Fibromyalgia Statistics

• Fibromyalgia is more likely to be found in women
• It takes on average 2 years for someone with Fibromyalgia to receive a correct diagnosis
• Over 70 percent of people who meet the criteria for a fibromyalgia diagnosis remain undiagnosed
• Complications of the disorder may include:
  • hospitalizations
  • lower quality of life
  • depression
  • risk of suicide
  • higher rates of other rheumatic conditions including arthritis

The symptoms of fibromyalgia can be difficult to manage. At Neuro Wellness Spa, we offer a range of treatment options including ketamine therapy to help clients find relief. Learn more by getting in touch today.