Page Title: IV Ketamine Infusion
Subtitle: Specialist infusion therapy for persistent depression under consultant supervision
Meta Title: IV Ketamine Infusion for Chronic Depression
Meta Description: Consultant led IV ketamine infusion for chronic depression in selected patients with monitored treatment, safety screening, and structured follow up.
URL Slug: iv-ketamine-infusion
IV ketamine infusion is a specialist treatment option that may help some people with persistent depressive symptoms, particularly when standard approaches have not provided adequate relief. It is delivered in a controlled clinical environment with careful screening, monitoring during the infusion, and a clear follow up plan.
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Overview
Ketamine has been used in medicine for many years. In low, carefully controlled doses, IV ketamine may help reduce depressive symptoms by acting on pain and mood pathways in the nervous system. Some people experience a change in mood or reduction in depressive symptoms within hours or days, although response varies and the benefit may be time limited without an ongoing plan.
IV ketamine is not appropriate for everyone. A consultant led assessment is required to confirm suitability, discuss risks, and ensure there is a structured treatment pathway that includes follow up and wider support.
Who This Treatment Helps
IV ketamine infusion may be considered for people with:
• Persistent depression that has not improved with standard treatments
• Significant symptoms affecting daily function, sleep, or motivation
• Difficulty engaging with rehabilitation, therapy, or routine due to symptom severity
• Co existing chronic pain or nerve sensitivity where ketamine may be relevant
• A clear need for a specialist monitored option after careful assessment
Suitability depends on medical history, current medications, physical health, and risk factors. Your consultant will explain whether this option fits your situation.
What Is an IV Ketamine Infusion
An IV ketamine infusion delivers a low dose of ketamine through a drip into a vein over a set period. The aim is to influence nervous system pathways involved in mood regulation and symptom persistence.
Infusions are carried out with clinical monitoring throughout. This usually includes blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen level monitoring. The dose and duration are individualised based on clinical protocol and response.
Ketamine infusion is typically used as part of a broader care plan. It is not a standalone cure and usually works best when combined with ongoing psychological support, medication planning, and lifestyle based recovery strategies.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Your treatment visit typically includes:
• Pre infusion review to confirm you are well and safe to proceed
• Baseline observations and clinical monitoring setup
• Placement of a small cannula into a vein in your arm or hand
• The infusion delivered gradually over the planned time period
• Staff monitoring throughout to ensure safety and comfort
• A short observation period after the infusion before discharge
You may be advised to have someone accompany you home and to avoid driving on the day.
After the Procedure
After an infusion, some people experience:
• Temporary tiredness or drowsiness
• Lightheadedness or nausea
• Changes in perception or feeling detached during the infusion, usually settling afterwards
• Mood changes that may occur within hours or over the next few days
Your consultant may advise:
• Rest for the remainder of the day
• Avoid driving, alcohol, and important decisions for 24 hours
• Keep a symptom record of mood, sleep, and energy
• Attend follow up to review response and plan next steps
If a course of infusions is recommended, the schedule will be explained clearly and adjusted based on response and tolerance.
Benefits
Potential benefits may include:
• Reduction in depressive symptoms in selected patients
• Improvement in motivation, sleep, or daily functioning for some people
• A monitored specialist option when other treatments have been ineffective
• May support engagement in therapy and lifestyle based recovery
• May help some people with co existing neuropathic pain or sensitisation
Benefits vary, and the aim is always to weigh potential improvement against risk and suitability.
Possible Risks and Side Effects
IV ketamine infusions are delivered in a monitored setting to reduce risk, but side effects can occur. These may include:
• Temporary rise in blood pressure or heart rate
• Nausea or dizziness
• Headache
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Transient anxiety or agitation
• Temporary perceptual changes or dissociation during infusion
• Rarely, allergic reaction or more significant cardiovascular effects
Your consultant will discuss individual risks based on your history and ensure appropriate safety checks.
When to Consider Other Options
IV ketamine infusion may not be appropriate if:
• Depression is better addressed through medication adjustment or structured therapy first
• There are certain heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or significant medical risks
• There is active substance misuse or specific psychiatric risks that make ketamine unsuitable
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• There is no support plan for follow up and longer term management
Other options may include medication optimisation, structured psychological therapy such as CBT or ACT, multidisciplinary support, sleep focused interventions, and coordinated psychiatric care where needed.
Safety Note
Please inform your consultant about all medications, allergies, and medical conditions. This includes blood pressure problems, heart conditions, liver issues, pregnancy, glaucoma, seizure history, or any previous adverse reactions to anaesthetics. You should plan transport home, as you may not be fit to drive after treatment.
Arrange a consultation to discuss whether IV ketamine infusion is suitable for chronic depression and how it could fit into your wider care plan.