Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has been shown to rapidly reduce symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts—often within hours to days—especially in patients who have not responded to traditional treatments. It also offers significant relief for individuals living with chronic PTSD by helping to reduce intrusive thoughts, emotional numbness, and hypervigilance.
The clinic serves adults seeking a new path toward mental wellness, using cutting-edge treatments to restore hope and functioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses frequently asked questions to help individuals gain a deeper understanding of ketamine and its role in patient care.
1. What is ketamine and how does it work for mental health conditions?
Ketamine is a medication originally used for anesthesia. At much lower doses, it has been found to rapidly relieve symptoms of severe depression, suicidal thoughts, PTSD, and some anxiety disorders. Ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants by quickly increasing the activity of certain brain pathways involved in mood regulation and neuroplasticity.
2. Who is eligible for ketamine treatment?
Ketamine treatment is recommended for adults with:
· Treatment-resistant depression
· Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
· Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
· Severe anxiety that has not improved with standard treatments
Patients are carefully evaluated by our team of psychiatrists and psychologists before beginning treatment.
3. What happens during a ketamine infusion?
Patients receive a low-dose IV infusion of ketamine over 50-60 minutes in a quiet, private treatment room. The experience is closely monitored by trained medical staff. Most patients remain awake but may experience mild dissociation, floating sensations, or visual imagery. A psychologist sits with the patient during the infusion and has an integration therapy session shortly afterward.
4. How many treatments will I need?
Most patients begin with a series of six infusions over 2–3 weeks (the induction phase). After that, maintenance treatments may be offered based on individual progress and needs.
5. Is ketamine safe?
Yes, ketamine is safe when administered under medical supervision. It is FDA-approved as an anesthetic and used off-label for mental health based on strong clinical evidence. Common side effects—such as dizziness, nausea, or mild disorientation—are usually short-lived and resolve shortly after the infusion.
6. Will I receive psychotherapy with ketamine treatment?
Yes. At King Faisal Hospital’s Ketamine Clinic, all patients receive integration therapy from trained psychologists to help process and build on the emotional and psychological insights that may arise during or after treatment. This improves long-term outcomes.
7. How quickly will I feel better?
Many patients report significant improvement in mood, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety symptoms within 1–3 treatments. However, individual responses vary.
8. Can I drive after treatment?
No. Due to the temporary effects of ketamine, patients should arrange for someone to accompany them and drive them home after each infusion.
9. Is ketamine addictive?
When used in a controlled clinical setting at therapeutic doses, ketamine has a very low risk of addiction. The doses used for mental health are much lower than those associated with recreational misuse.