At ZegoHealth, we’re a trusted provider of IM, intranasal, and oral forms of Ketamine (called troches). Patients can choose the treatment approach that best suits them, according to their individual needs and budget.
Affordability is important, and we have partnered with Care Credit for those who may need help with financing IM Ketamine. Results of Ketamine treatment have been shown to be long-lasting, and can help some people safely get off or reduce their other psychiatric medications.
Intramuscular (IM) ketamine involves injecting ketamine directly into a muscle, typically in the shoulder, for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. IM ketamine is commonly as a treatment for psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, but can also be helpful for anxiety, PTSD, and other mood disorders.
While most research on ketamine for mental health has focused on intranasal and intravenous (IV) administration, studies have shown that IM ketamine can effectively alleviate psychiatric symptoms with rapid-acting and sustained results. IM ketamine is less invasive than an IV infusion with less risk of infection, error, or complications.
Ketamine boosts signaling to the pre-frontal cortex which is the brain area that regulates mood and cognition. It increases neuroplasticity and the creation of new connections between nerve cells, which helps to repair damaged pathways often seen in mood disorders. Many mood disorder responses in the brain are due to the brain’s response to situations and stressors being “stuck”, and Ketamine can get the response “un-stuck”.
Ketamine also enhances functional connectivity, which can help different brain regions communicate more effectively. This may help break patterns of negative thinking that are common in conditions like depression.
Before starting any kind of Ketamine treatment, you’ll have a pre-screening call with a team member to discuss eligibility.
If eligible, we’ll schedule an evaluation with our psychiatric provider, who will go over treatment details, answer questions, and review your symptom history to complete a full assessment to ensure Ketamine treatment is right and safe for you.
Depending on the type of Ketamine treatment decided on by you and the provider, the treatment may be done in-office or in the convenience of your home.
IM Ketamine must be done in-office at our Largo location where you will be monitored by medical staff for the entire 60-90 minute treatment. Nasal spray is also done in-office, but can be done at home after two initial in-office treatments (for most people). Oral Ketamine troches can be taken at home with very specific instructions, and some people opt for an in-office experience for their first dose.
At each IM Ketamine appointment, you will be required to stay for at least one hour of post-administration monitoring. After this time, our staff will assess whether the effects of the treatment have subsided enough for you to leave safely. You will need a designated driver and our staff will provide you with advice about the best aftercare.
To ensure the best chances for clinical improvement, all Ketamine treatments usually start with two treatments per week for the first 2-4 weeks, then one treatment per week for the following 2-6 weeks, then one treatment every other week or as needed and discussed with your provider.
Each in‑office session takes place in The Mind Garden, a private room designed to feel safe, quiet, and deeply restorative while you receive treatment.
Common Side Effects of Ketamine can include:
Studies show these side effects tend to be tolerable, mostly wearing off after the drug effects have worn off. Everyone undergoing Ketamine treatment at ZegoHealth will be closely monitored throughout the course of their treatment, and regular follow-up sessions will be held with your provider to evaluate safety and outcomes.
