Anxiety

What happens when I have anxiety?

When you feel anxious, your brain releases biochemicals that energize some body systems and shut down others. This automatic reaction, called the fight-or-flight response, prepares you to deal with the cause of your anxiety.

When the threat is gone, your biochemical levels and body systems go back to normal and your anxiety disappears -- unless you have an anxiety disorder. When you struggle with an anxiety disorder, your body, mind, and emotions stay on high alert even when there’s no perceived threat.

What symptoms develop due to anxiety?

Beyond feeling fear and apprehension, you may experience a wide range of emotional and physical symptoms. There are more than six types of anxiety disorders and each one has its own set of symptoms.

For example, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) makes you feel fearful or worried nearly every day for months. You may feel tense, irritable, and restless. Many patients develop insomnia or find they can’t concentrate.

Panic disorder causes an intense physical response that resembles a heart attack. Another type of anxiety, social anxiety disorder, occurs when you fear being judged or rejected by others during social situations or when you need to perform in front of others.

How does ketamine relieve anxiety?

At a high dose, ketamine is an anesthetic used during surgery. Though it’s a small dose, it is able to balance levels of glutamate, a brain chemical associated with anxiety.

Through its direct effect on your brain, ketamine quickly relieves anxiety — often within hours — even in patients whose anxiety hasn’t improved with psychiatric medications. Ketamine may also promote new nerve growth and improve communication between nerves.

What should I expect during a ketamine infusion?

A board-certified anesthesiologist administers your ketamine through an intravenous (IV) infusion. Ketamine has a proven record of safety, but the team continuously monitors your heart rate and blood pressure using Caretaker®, a wireless device worn on your wrist. Additionally, your ketamine is delivered through a pump that precisely controls your dose.

Your treatment takes about 90 minutes, including recovery time. You may experience an inner reflective experience during your infusion, but your mind should be clear within 15 minutes after your infusion ends.

If your symptoms improve after your first two infusions, the team at Ketamine Center of Connecticut recommends a total of six treatments over 12 days. A series of infusions produces longer-lasting symptom relief. Then most patients only need occasional infusions to maintain their results.

If you suffer from ongoing anxiety, or medications haven’t helped, call Ketamine Center of Connecticut to schedule an appointment.