The Avesta Blog
New to ketamine care? Read these first
Three guides that answer the questions most patients ask before their first visit.
Guides
What is Ketamine and How Does it Work?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used in surgery and pain management since the 1960s. At clinical doses it is an effective therapy for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety and suicidality, and it can relieve chronic pain.
Guides
Is Ketamine Therapy Safe?
The article says ketamine IV infusions for mood disorders and chronic pain are very safe when given by highly trained, board-certified anesthesia providers, and notes the World Health Organization lists ketamine as an essential medicine. The ideal candidate has usually tried other treatments without success.
Pricing
How to Pay for Ketamine Therapy and Reduce Out-of-Pocket Costs
Most patients lower ketamine costs through insurance-based Spravato treatment or IV ketamine supported by reimbursement and other payment tools. Spravato often provides the lowest out-of-pocket cost for patients who qualify.
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Conditions
How Ketamine Relieved My Depression: A Patient Story
Wade P., a Navy veteran, struggled with deep depression and an attempted suicide, and found the VA overwhelmed and underprepared. His story describes finding hope through ketamine therapy, and his advice is "Don't give up."
Conditions
How Ketamine Relieved My Anxiety: A Patient Story
Josh K battled anxiety, depression and panic attacks for two decades despite medications and therapies before finding ketamine therapy. His story describes how it helped, and his advice is not to give up hope.
Conditions
Ketamine Therapy: New Hope for DC Veterans with PTSD
Ketamine therapy is a fast-acting alternative for veterans with PTSD in Washington, DC when traditional options fall short. Partnerships between the VA and private clinics like Avesta can help veterans access it.
Conditions
Ketamine Therapy for Migraine Relief
Migraines are a complex neurological condition, and traditional treatments can have limits and side effects. The article explains migraine symptoms and how ketamine, originally an anesthetic, is being used for migraine relief.
Conditions
Military Suicides: Why Ketamine Therapy for Veterans Matters
The article notes about 17.5 veterans die by suicide each day, and a report suggests the true number may be higher. Ketamine, a fast-acting medicine, can help conditions linked to suicide risk, including PTSD, and Avesta can assess your eligibility for VA-covered ketamine therapy.
Conditions
Is Ketamine Safe for People with Substance Use Disorders?
Actor Matthew Perry's death, attributed to the acute effects of ketamine, raised questions about ketamine safety for people with substance use disorders. The article explains how Avesta puts safety first and how to find out if you are eligible for in-clinic infusions.
Conditions
Ketamine vs. Opioids: Debunking the Myths
Ketamine and opioids are different drugs. Ketamine blocks NMDA receptors and affects glutamate, while opioids bind opioid receptors to relieve pain and produce euphoria. Opioids carry a serious risk of addiction and overdose. Ketamine given under medical supervision has a lower addiction potential.
Conditions
Can Ketamine Treat Anxiety? Here’s What the Latest Research Says
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that can relieve anxiety and, by increasing neuroplasticity, may help "rewire" the brain. Research suggests around 50% of people in therapy for generalized anxiety disorder are treatment-resistant to standard medications.
Conditions
Trauma and PTSD: An Overlooked Epidemic
Trauma and PTSD can affect anyone at any age, from traumatic injury or emotionally traumatic experiences, and can severely affect daily life. The article explains trauma, PTSD and how treatment can help.
Conditions
How Ketamine Can Help Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia has no curative treatment, so care focuses on reducing pain and improving daily function. Low-dose IV ketamine blocks pain receptors and targets central sensitization, the nervous system overreaction behind fibromyalgia pain, and is used when other treatments have not worked.
Conditions
Can Ketamine Help Women Struggling with Depression?
Mental illnesses like depression and anxiety can affect women differently, and hormone changes at puberty, with PMS and in pregnancy can play a role. The article looks at ketamine treatment and IV vitamin infusions as options for women.
Conditions
Ketamine for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment
PTSD is typically characterized by three symptoms, including hypermnesia (flashbacks and nightmares) and hyperarousal, when the body stays on high alert. The article explains how ketamine infusions are used for PTSD and mood disorders.
The Avesta blog shares general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to a qualified clinician about your own situation.
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