rendering of a PTSD brain

Ketamine Infusion Therapy: A New Frontier for Treatment – Resistant PTSD

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Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine is now gaining recognition in the field of mental health for its rapid and profound antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects. Administered in sub-anesthetic doses via intravenous (IV) infusion, ketamine offers a different path to healing for individuals suffering from treatment-resistant PTSD.

But how does it work?

1. Neuroplasticity and Brain Rewiring

Ketamine has a remarkable effect on the brain’s glutamate system, which plays a key role in learning, memory, and mood regulation. By enhancing glutamate activity, ketamine stimulates the growth of new synapses (connections between neurons), a process known as neuroplasticity. This allows the brain to form new, healthier neural pathways that can support emotional regulation and trauma processing.

In essence, ketamine “opens a window” for the brain to heal. It helps break up the rigid, fear-based patterns created by trauma and replaces them with new, flexible ones that support resilience and calm.

2. Reduced Activity in the Default Mode Network (DMN)

The Default Mode Network is a brain network involved in self-referential thinking and rumination; essentially, the “mental chatter” that many people with PTSD struggle with. During a ketamine infusion, activity in the DMN is temporarily reduced, which helps patients detach from the constant replay of traumatic memories and negative self-perceptions. This pause can allow them to experience a sense of peace, clarity, and emotional distance from their trauma.

3. Immediate Symptom Relief

Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to build up in the system, ketamine often produces rapid improvements in mood, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts,  sometimes within hours of the first infusion. For individuals with PTSD who have struggled for years without relief, this speed of action can be life-changing.

A Holistic Approach: Ketamine + Integration Support

At our clinic, we believe that ketamine is not a standalone solution, but a tool that opens the door to deeper healing. That’s why we encourage patients to combine their infusion treatments with integration therapy; working with a trained therapist to process the insights and emotional shifts that arise during and after infusions.

Many patients find that ketamine gives them the clarity and emotional safety to re-engage with therapeutic practices that were previously too difficult or painful. It becomes easier to talk about trauma, to revisit memories with less fear, and to adopt new coping strategies with a more open mind.

Is Ketamine Right for You?

If you’ve tried multiple therapies and medications for PTSD without meaningful improvement, ketamine infusion therapy may be worth exploring. It is especially helpful for those experiencing:

  • Chronic emotional numbness or dissociation

  • Frequent intrusive thoughts or flashbacks

  • Severe anxiety or panic attacks

  • Depression or suicidal ideation alongside PTSD

Our medical team performs a thorough intake assessment to determine whether you’re a candidate for treatment, and we guide you through every step of the process to ensure your comfort and safety.

Final Thoughts

Living with PTSD can feel like being stuck in a loop that never ends, where healing seems out of reach and hope is hard to come by. But we are witnessing a paradigm shift. Ketamine infusion therapy is not just about symptom management,  it’s about healing at the root level, giving your brain the chance to reset, repair, and rebuild.

If you’re ready to explore a new path forward, we invite you to reach out. Relief from PTSD is possible, and you don’t have to face the journey alone.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how ketamine therapy could help you reclaim your life from trauma.

PTSD Brain image of head with stars

Finding Tranquility: Ketamine Infusion Therapy and PTSD

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What can we learn about Ketamine Infusion Therapy and PTSD? As the summer months roll in, many of us eagerly anticipate the festivities that come with warm weather—barbecues, beach outings, and, of course, fireworks displays. However, for a significant portion of the population, particularly those who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), these celebrations can trigger intense anxiety, flashbacks, and distressing memories.  PTSD can have a profound impact on individuals and their families, especially during times when unexpected triggers like fireworks bring back traumatic memories.

Understanding PTSD and Firework Triggers

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event such as combat, assault, natural disasters, or accidents. Symptoms of PTSD can vary widely but often include intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, heightened anxiety, and mood swings. Fireworks, with their sudden loud noises and bright flashes, can mimic the sensory experience of combat or other traumatic events, making them a potent trigger for those with PTSD.

For many individuals with PTSD, the weeks leading up to Independence Day or New Year’s Eve can be filled with dread rather than excitement. The anticipation of fireworks can lead to heightened anxiety, hypervigilance, and a sense of isolation as they try to avoid situations that might expose them to triggers.

The Role of Ketamine Infusion Therapy

Ketamine Infusions offer a groundbreaking treatment option for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant PTSD. Ketamine, traditionally known as an anesthetic, has shown remarkable potential in recent years as a rapid and effective treatment for various mental health conditions, including PTSD.

The mechanism of action of ketamine involves targeting the brain’s glutamate system, which is believed to play a crucial role in mood regulation and the formation of traumatic memories. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to months to show effects, ketamine infusion therapy often provides rapid relief, sometimes within hours to days after treatment.

The Benefits of Ketamine Infusion Therapy for PTSD

  1. Rapid Relief: One of the most significant advantages of ketamine infusion therapy is its ability to provide fast relief from symptoms of PTSD. Many patients report feeling a reduction in anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and overall distress shortly after beginning treatment.
  2. Long-lasting Effects: While individual responses vary, ketamine infusion therapy has been shown to provide relief that can last beyond the immediate treatment period. This can particularly benefit individuals who have not responded to traditional therapies or medications.
  3. Improved Quality of Life: By reducing the severity of PTSD symptoms, ketamine infusion therapy can help patients regain a sense of normalcy in their daily lives. This may include improved sleep, better emotional regulation, and engaging in activities they once enjoyed without constant fear of triggers.
  4. Complementary to Other Therapies: Ketamine infusion therapy is often used in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities such as psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The combination of treatments can provide a comprehensive approach to managing PTSD and promoting long-term recovery.
  5. Safe and Well-tolerated: Under the supervision of our experienced medical team, ketamine infusion therapy at Tranquility Ketamine is administered in a controlled environment to ensure safety and comfort. Potential side effects are typically mild and temporary, such as dissociation or dizziness during the infusion.

A Personalized Approach to Healing

At Tranquility Ketamine, we recognize that each individual’s experience with PTSD is unique, and our treatment approach reflects this understanding. Before beginning ketamine infusion therapy, patients undergo a thorough evaluation to assess their specific symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. This personalized approach allows us to tailor the treatment to meet the needs of each patient effectively.

During the infusion sessions, patients relax in a peaceful environment while the ketamine is administered intravenously. Throughout the treatment process, our compassionate medical team monitors each patient closely to ensure their safety and comfort. After the infusion, patients may experience a period of calm and clarity, with many reporting a noticeable reduction in PTSD symptoms.

Looking Towards a Brighter Future

As we continue to expand our understanding of PTSD and its treatment options, ketamine infusion therapy stands out as a beacon of hope for individuals who have struggled to find relief. We are committed to supporting our patients on their journey towards healing and recovery from PTSD, especially during challenging times such as fireworks displays and other triggering events.

If you or someone you know is living with PTSD and seeking effective treatment options, we encourage you to reach out by calling  (505) 639-4973 or filling out our form here. Our dedicated team is here to provide information, support, and compassionate care to help you find tranquility and reclaim your life from the grip of PTSD.

graphic of PTSD brain concept

Finding Relief and Hope: The Transformative Benefits of Ketamine Infusion Therapy for PTSD

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Next month (June) is PTSD Awareness Month. As a clinic specializing in depressive mood disorders, PTSD being one of them, we thought it was essential to look at how Ketamine Infusion Therapy can help. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can profoundly impact an individual’s mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, advancements in medical science have led to innovative treatments that offer renewed hope for individuals struggling with PTSD. One such groundbreaking therapy is Ketamine Infusion Therapy, which has shown remarkable benefits in alleviating the symptoms of PTSD. 

Understanding PTSD:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The symptoms may include vivid flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, insomnia, and emotional distress. Conventional treatments, such as therapy and medication, have proven effective for many, but some individuals continue to experience distressing symptoms despite these interventions. This is where Ketamine Infusion Therapy comes into play.

The Promise of Ketamine Infusion Therapy:

Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic initially developed for use in surgery, has gained recognition in recent years for its potential to treat various mental health conditions, including PTSD. 

Scientific Evidence:

Recent studies have supported the efficacy of Ketamine Infusion Therapy in reducing the symptoms of PTSD. For example, published on January 5, 2021, in the American Journal of Psychiatry, it was the first randomized, controlled trial of repeated ketamine administration for chronic PTSD. It suggests ketamine may be a promising treatment for PTSD patients. 

“Our findings provide insight into the treatment efficacy of repeated ketamine administration for PTSD, an important next step in our quest to develop novel pharmacologic interventions for this chronic and disabling disorder, as a large number of individuals are not sufficiently helped by currently available treatments,” says Adriana Feder, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and lead author of the study. “The data suggests repeated IV ketamine is a promising treatment for people who suffer from PTSD and provides evidentiary support to warrant future studies to determine how we can maintain this rapid and robust response over time.”

Imaging analysis was conducted on the participants in a follow-up to the above study. The team analyzed detailed brain imaging data of individuals with chronic PTSD treated in the clinical trial with ketamine. Results suggest that improvements in PTSD symptoms observed in the trial were related to specific ketamine-induced changes in connectivity between several brain regions.

How Ketamine Works:

Ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants by targeting the brain’s glutamate system, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. It enhances the growth of new connections between brain cells, leading to improved neural pathways and enhanced emotional resilience. This unique mechanism of action allows for rapid relief from symptoms, often within hours or days, compared to the weeks or months required for traditional treatments to take effect.

Minimal Side Effects:

Ketamine Infusion Therapy is generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects reported. Patients may experience mild dissociation during the infusion, which is typically temporary and subsides shortly after the treatment. 

Long-Term Relief and Enhanced Well-being:

One of the most promising aspects of Ketamine Infusion Therapy is its potential to provide lasting relief. While the number of treatments required may vary from person to person, many patients report a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms that begin immediately after treatment and can last weeks. With ongoing treatment, relief enables individuals to regain control of their lives, rebuild relationships, and experience an improved overall sense of well-being.

For individuals grappling with the distressing symptoms of PTSD, Ketamine Infusion Therapy can offer a beacon of hope. Backed by scientific research, this innovative therapy can bring transformative relief, allowing individuals to reclaim their lives from the grip of PTSD. If you are seeking a path toward healing and renewed well-being, consider exploring the possibilities of Ketamine Infusion Therapy as a powerful tool in your journey toward recovery.

For more information on treatment and costs, contact Tranquility Ketamine at (505) 639-4973 or visit tranquilityketamine.com

 

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PTSD, Military Veterans and Ketamine Infusion Therapy

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November 11th is Veteran’s Day, a day we honor those who have served in the military for our country. Unfortunately, many veterans who have served in combat come back home suffering from PTSD. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition affecting up to 8% of the population at some point in their lives. 

The statistics among veterans, however, are staggering in comparison. According to a 2020 survey, 83% of all US veterans and active duty service men and women have experienced PTSD since the 9/11 attack due to their military service. PTSD was the second-most reported severe mental injury sustained during service, after sleep issues, in the veterans and active duty service men and women participating in the survey. 

PTSD is a condition that can result from experiencing or witnessing any traumatic (physical or emotional) event. Up to 20% of individuals who have survived episodes of sexual assault, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, accidents, natural disasters, or military combat can develop this illness.

PTSD may affect some individuals for the rest of their lives, with or without therapy. PTSD is a condition where certain situations trigger the sudden onset of irrational and intrusive thoughts, memories, and fears related to the original stressor. This condition can bring about panic attacks, nightmares, flashbacks, and various phobias, leading to social avoidance, headaches, anxiety, depression, pervasive guilt, and withdrawal from friends and loved ones. PTSD can result in problems at work and with relationships, as well as difficulty with personal advancement and growth, and can increase the risk of drug and alcohol abuse and suicide.

Medical treatment for PTSD traditionally involves SSRI antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and other medications, all with variable success rates, high incidence of untoward side effects, and slow onset of benefits. Psychotherapeutic treatment modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization reprocessing. These therapies have a significant role in treating PTSD but can take an extended period to have a lasting effect on the patient’s functioning. They also tend to provide variable and incomplete relief for many patients.

Ketamine infusions are a new tool in the treatment of PTSD. They lead to rapid improvement in PTSD symptoms, in many cases, after the first treatment. The efficacy of ketamine in the treatment of PTSD was noted in the 1990s when injured soldiers who were treated with ketamine, either as an analgesic or surgical anesthetic, rarely went on to develop PTSD, compared to 30% of soldiers developing PTSD if treated with opiates and other anesthetics during surgery.

It is surmised that ketamine blocks the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors increasing glutamate in the regions of the brain involved in emotion and long-term memory formation. This causes the suppression of maladaptive emotions and memories, allowing access to more adaptive neural circuitry and leading to more positive emotions and fewer negative memories. However, ketamine infusions are not a cure for PTSD and should be considered an adjunctive therapy that may provide rapid and lasting symptomatic relief from this condition. Therefore, patients who have PTSD are advised to continue with other therapies with the guidance of a mental health professional.

If you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD and would like to learn more about Ketamine infusion therapy, click here or call (505) 639-4973

Brain image of ketamine infusion

The Ketamine Infusion Experience

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Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic with various mechanisms of action and binds to multiple receptors in the brain. Consequently, it is difficult to pin down the precise mode of action, and it appears that there are various mechanisms through which Ketamine exerts its action on the brain. Ketamine Infusion Therapy is used to treat depression, PTSD, OCD, chronic anxiety, and chronic pain. One question that gets asked often is what does it feel like during and after the treatment?

 

Just like any drug therapy, ketamine infusion therapy can be different for everyone, and experiences may be different from one infusion to the other  In our clinic, the infusion itself is done intravenously, typically over 45 minutes, followed by a 45-60-minute period of rest while the effect of the medication wears off. The dosage and time vary depending on the individual and the disorder being treated.

 

How Will I feel During treatment?

The initial sensations begin about 5 minutes into the treatment and can last about 90 minutes. These effects wear off quickly after the infusion is stopped. Some describe the sensation of being in a dream or of being deeply relaxed. Others report an altering of perception and feeling a bit “out of their body.”  Avid meditators find their ability to achieve a prolonged sense of stillness and peace is heightened beyond anything they have experienced during a regular mediation session. Overall, patients find the experience to be intense yet pleasurable. Although the benefit from Ketamine does not require dissociation, many providers, including ourselves, believe the dissociative state is an essential and desirable state for profound psychological and spiritual growth and feel it to be a critical factor in our patient’s healing journey.

 

Will I Feel Sleepy or Sedated?

Low-dose Ketamine does not typically cause a sense of sedation, and many patients report they are pretty sharp mentally and can work through their thoughts and feelings clearly and calmly for the first time in their life. While the intensity of the effects wears off quickly, we always caution there may be some feeling of imbalance and delayed reaction time for a few hours, and we advise you not to drive or operate heavy machinery following your treatment. We require that you have someone to drive you home before we begin the infusion and ask that you abstain from alcohol or recreational drugs for at least 24 hours before and after treatment.

 

How Quickly Does It Take Effect?

For some patients, temporary relief of symptoms can occur within hours of the first infusion. However, it is important to note; this relief is typically short-lived. After several infusions over two-to-three weeks, this lifting of the depressive or anxious symptoms can be complete or markedly improved. However, it may last several weeks or months before beginning to fade. In addition, single-dose “booster” treatments at a period of two weeks to a few months after the initial induction infusions have been shown to prolong the antidepressant effect of the medication in many patients.

 

If you or someone you know suffers from Major Depressive Disorder, PTSD, OCD, anxiety, or chronic pain and you would like to learn more, call us at 505-639-4973 or click here to schedule an appointment.

healthcare workers

Healthcare Workers and Mental Health During a Pandemic

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It’s been nearly two years since the COVID-19 outbreak was categorized officially as a pandemic. Hospitals were overwhelmed in many parts of the US by COVID cases due to lack of space, not enough ventilators, and not enough PPE for hospital workers or anyone else in the healthcare field that might be exposed to patients suffering from the virus. In addition, protocols for those in the health field changed almost daily to keep everyone safe while the nation’s leaders figured out the next steps in real-time. The toll this has taken on our healthcare workers, and mental health has yet to be fully realized.

Healthcare Workers and Mental Health Before the Pandemic

The mental health needs of our frontline healthcare workers have been gaining attention in recent years. Being exposed to multiple stress factors within their work naturally takes a toll. According to Frontiers in Public Health, heavy workloads, long shifts, a fast-paced environment, lack of physical safety, and more contribute to the problem. Healthcare workers will often push through long, stressful shifts for long periods with little to no recovery time. These factors are putting them at risk for burnout. What is burnout? Defined as an occupational phenomenon in ICD-11: “Burnout is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by three dimensions: (1) feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; (2) increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and (3) reduced professional efficacy. Burnout refers specifically to phenomena in the occupational context and should not be applied to describe experiences in other areas of life” According to Mental Health America, 76% of healthcare workers have burnout due to the pandemic.

Burnout Isn’t the Only Problem

Healthcare workers are also reporting symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and even suicidal ideation. The KFF and Washington Post surveyed 1327 healthcare workers regarding pandemic-related stress, and nearly half of the respondents reported problems sleeping; 31% reported frequent headaches or stomach aches. In addition, 16% said they had increased their drug or alcohol use, and about half say they have experienced at least one of these issues.

What can be done?

When experiencing burnout, anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issue, the key is to reach out for help. In addition to modifying behaviors, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, practicing mindfulness techniques such as breathing exercises and meditation, accessing mental health resources should be at the top of the list. As a Ketamine Infusion Clinic, we treat a large number of healthcare workers with our groundbreaking treatments. These infusions can provide almost immediate relief for the conditions listed above.

How Does Ketamine Work?

Regarding depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and chronic anxiety; these mental health disorders are all thought to be due to the destructive effect of continual stress on the brain, leading to neuronal damage and the creation of maladaptive neural activity and abnormal thought patterns indicative of these disorders.

Research suggests that one of ketamine’s significant actions is as an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist; that is, it blocks activation of the NMDA receptor. This action leads to increased glutamate release, which is involved in neuronal plasticity and synaptic growth and repair. Through complex pathways, these effects lead to the release of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a substance responsible for the maintenance of healthy neurons and their connections, known as synapses.

Increased BDNF has been shown to repair and regrowth of damaged synapses and their neuronal connections caused by chronic stress in animal models. Likewise, in humans, ketamine is thought to create new neuronal circuits and repair the healthy neuronal connections that existed in the brain before the patient suffered from depression, PTSD, OCD, or chronic anxiety.

We offer 10% off our services for all healthcare workers. If you are interested in exploring Ketamine Infusion Therapy to treat Burnout, anxiety, depression, or suicidal ideation, call our clinic at 505-639-4973 or click here.

 

Latina Woman with PTSD

PTSD and Ketamine Infusion Therapy; Understanding How it Works

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Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in those who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. A natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, or assault or the threat of death, sexual violence, or serious injury are all types of events that can lead to PTSD. While PTSD can occur in all people, according to the American Psychiatric Association, PTSD affects approximately 3.5 percent of U.S. adults every year, and an estimated one in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime. Women are twice as likely as men to have PTSD. Three ethnic groups – U.S. Latinos, African Americans, and American Indians – are disproportionately affected and have higher rates of PTSD than non-Latino whites.

Traditionally, PTSD patients receive treatment such as psychotherapy and medication such as anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication. While psychotherapy plays an integral role in recovery, most medicines prescribed have variable success rates, have a high incidence of unfavorable side-effects, and slow onset of benefit.

PTSD and Ketamine; An Accidental Discovery

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic medication first synthesized by a chemist in 1962, looking for an efficient yet safer option. Thanks to ketamine’s favorable safety profile, it rapidly replaced morphine as the “buddy drug” given by soldiers to their wounded comrades in pain on the battlefield during the Vietnam War and is still being used on battlefields today. 

During Operation Iraqi Freedom in the 1990s, doctors made a discovery. Those injured soldiers who received ketamine during their operations had a lower prevalence of PTSD than soldiers receiving no ketamine during their surgeries, despite having more severe injuries, undergoing more surgeries, and spending more time in the ICU. (National Library of Medicine).

How Ketamine Works

Research suggests that one of ketamine’s significant actions is as an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist; that is, it blocks activation of the NMDA receptor. This action leads to increased glutamate release, which is known to be involved in neuronal plasticity and synaptic growth and repair. Through complex pathways, these effects lead to the release of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a substance responsible for the maintenance of healthy neurons and their connections, known as synapses. It is thought that ketamine leads to creating new neuronal circuits and repairing the healthy neuronal connections that existed in the brain before the patient suffered PTSD.

It is surmised that ketamine blocks the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors increasing glutamate in the regions of the brain involved in emotion and long-term memory formation. This causes the suppression of maladaptive emotions and memories, allowing more adaptive neural circuitry and more positive emotions, and fewer negative memories.

Fast Relief

Ketamine Infusions are particularly valuable for those patients who have not responded favorably to other treatments and medications. Patients often report an improvement in PTSD symptoms within a few hours or days, in comparison to weeks or months, it takes for other therapies to begin working.

However, ketamine infusions are not a cure for PTSD and should be thought of as an adjunctive therapy that may provide rapid and lasting symptomatic relief from this condition. Patients suffering from PTSD are advised to continue with other treatments with the guidance of mental health professionals.

Ketamine Infusions Available Locally in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The use of ketamine continues to be studied and used as an effective treatment for various mood disorders. As part of the medical and psychotherapy community, we are committed to developing ways to collaborate when offering patients faster, safer, and more effective solutions to improve their quality of life.

To learn more about Ketamine Infusion Therapy, click here or call 505-639-4973 to schedule a private consultation.

Tranquility Ketamine Clinic is a leading provider of ketamine infusion therapy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Founded by two experienced emergency room physicians with over 50 years combined practice administering ketamine in the emergency department, the clinic provides effective treatments for depression, PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder), chronic pain, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), anxiety, stress, and burnout in comfortable private rooms at its Northeast Albuquerque location.