By Dr. Cecile LeBron, MD
Chief Medical Officer, Harmony Medical Concierge
You’ve completed your initial ketamine treatment, and you’re feeling better. Now, you might be wondering, “What’s next? Will these feelings last? Should I continue with more infusions? If so, when and how often?” These are common questions that many patients have as they navigate their treatment journey.
What Happens After the Initial Ketamine Treatment?
After you’ve completed your initial "loading dose" of ketamine treatments—typically 6-10 infusions over the course of 3-4 weeks—the goal is for you to experience significant relief from your depressive symptoms. But what happens next is a collaborative decision between you and your doctor.
Understanding Ketamine Maintenance Therapy
Ketamine maintenance therapy is designed to help you maintain the symptom improvement or remission from depression that you achieved with the initial treatment. The approach to maintenance therapy is highly individualized, as each patient’s response to ketamine can vary.
Some patients opt for monthly “booster” infusions, returning every 3-4 weeks for 2 booster sessions. Others may wait until they notice the return of depressive symptoms before scheduling additional treatments, which could range from 2-6 booster infusions. The period of relief from depressive symptoms can last anywhere from 4 weeks to 3-4 months or even longer. The key is that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
The Benefits of Ketamine Maintenance
Research and clinical experience suggest that ketamine maintenance therapy can be more effective in preventing a relapse of depression than repeated series of “loading dose” infusions. By keeping up with regular maintenance sessions, many patients have successfully sustained their remission and continued to enjoy improved mental health.
Ongoing Mental Health Support
It’s important to note that even when you’re taking a break from ketamine infusions—whether between the initial and maintenance phases—you should continue to see your usual mental health provider for therapy and medication management. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of your mental health are addressed and supported.
Your Next Steps
At Harmony Medical Concierge, our team is committed to working with you to create a personalized ketamine maintenance plan that meets your unique needs and preferences. Whether you choose regular boosters or as-needed treatments, our goal is to help you maintain the progress you’ve made and support your ongoing mental well-being.
If you have any questions or are ready to discuss your maintenance plan, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
For more information or to schedule your next appointment, contact us at Harmony Medical Concierge. Your journey to lasting relief continues with us.
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