Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Since its inception in 2017, MedSpa SPI has been committed to bringing a variety of life-enhancing products and services to the residents of South Padre Island and the surrounding communities of the Rio Grande Valley. Adding to its service line in February of 2019, R. Joe Ybarra is proud to bring life-changing ketamine infusion therapy to the Tip of Texas. We offer off-label ketamine therapy for treatment of major and/or treatment-resistant depression, severe anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and chronic pain syndromes. Managed by double board-certified physician R. Joe Ybarra, we strive to maintain the 85+% success rate in treating these serious and life-altering conditions.
Ketamine has been around since 1962. The US military used ketamine as a field anesthetic during the Vietnam War. “Ketamine is an anesthetic used in surgical and diagnostic procedures, it is often the only anesthetic agent available in most developing countries and is also used for pain management. In 1985, ketamine was placed on the WHO Essential Medicines List and was recently described as ‘for sedation of both children and adults … perhaps the most widely used agent in the world’. Ketamine has a good safety profile and is easy to use…” (World Health Organization)
Over the last decade, ketamine infusion therapy has gained acceptance as a rapid and highly successful treatment for people who don’t respond to traditional medical management.
The Ketamine Experience
Ketamine infusion therapy normally involves an initial series of 6 infusions that take place every other day for a period of 12-14 days. Research has shown that following this stringent protocol of intensive treatment maximizes ketamine’s therapeutic benefits and optimizes overall results. We feel that any deviation from this protocol is not recommended, however we can customize a treatment plan to accommodate your personal and travel schedule. We believe that the formula to success relies in following our proven treatment plans in order to achieve the best results.
Symptom relief may last up to 6 months. We ask that you monitor your overall symptoms and make a self-determination of relevant symptom recurrence. After the initial infusion course, subsequent single “booster” infusions may be required.
Ketamine and Depression
Although at times depression may feel like one of the loneliest conditions on the planet, you are definitely not alone. Depression is one of the most prevalent health conditions, affecting more than 16 million people in the United States alone. Of those 16 million, 30% are considered “treatment resistant.” If you struggle with treatment-resistant depression, there’s new hope in the form of ketamine infusions available at R. Joe Yabarra – Private Practice. We have followed research closely and have developed treatment protocols that can help wipe away those symptoms. Dr. R. Joe Ybarra and his staff are giving patients a new lease on life. To learn more about ketamine therapy for depression, call to book an appointment or fill out our online intake questionnaire.
“Recent data suggest that ketamine, given intravenously, might be the most important breakthrough in antidepressant treatment in decades.”
Thomas Insel – Director, National Institute of Mental Health
Ketamine and Other Conditions
A lot of focus on the application of ketamine has been on patients with depression. And while that is certainly a primary use of the drug, it is by no means the only one. There are a number of other chronic conditions showing promise with ketamine infusion therapy.
Anxiety
Do you feel as if you are trapped in a personal prison with no escape? That the walls of life are closing in on you? You probably have a condition known as Anxiety. Anxiety is the most common mental disorder in the United States affecting approximately 40 million adults, which equals more than 18% of the adult population. If left untreated, Anxiety can have a life-long effect on your mental and physical health. We are here for those tough-to-treat cases of Anxiety.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects approximately eight million people in the United States at any given time, and 7-8% of the population will experience some form of PTSD during their lives. We strive to help our patients overcome the often debilitating effects of PTSD through ketamine infusion therapy. If you or a loved one suffers from PTSD, call or fill out the online questionnaire to see if ketamine might provide the solution you need. In most cases, those suffering with PTSD see relief within 24 hours after just a single infusion of ketamine. Some patients see relief within an hour of treatment.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects a smaller percentage of the population. People suffering with OCD can’t control their thoughts or the behaviors they exhibit related to their compulsions. These activities can easily develop to the point of interfering with daily life, and often affect their lives at school, work, or in their personal relationships. Like with depression, anxiety, and PTSD most standard treatments take weeks or months to work. In many instances OCD treatment requires determination from the patient, something we know can be difficult. Ketamine acts almost as an instant relief. Some patients describe it as being like a vacation from their compulsions. Like a weight lifted off their shoulders.
Other Conditions
Some of the other chronic conditions that ketamine infusion therapy helps include:
Fibromyalgia
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Chronic pain management
Bipolar disorder
Other treatments can take weeks or months to get even a little bit of relief for patients. Even then it can be hit or miss if the medication works at all. Now we can offer potential relief in a single treatment, to the ones who need it the most.
This is what drives our passion for the use of ketamine to provide a way to help people find relief from their suffering. If you want to find relief from any of these conditions, call to schedule a consultation or fill out our online intake questionnaire.
Ketamine in the News
Much has been published about this new application of ketamine in recent years. Below are a few articles you may want to read if you would like more information. Feel free to do your own search as there are many more. There are also a few websites such as KetamineConnection.com that have a more exhaustive list of resources.
https://psychcentral.com/blog/ketamine-a-miracle-drug-for-depression/
FAQ’s – Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Is ketamine safe?
Ketamine has been used as an anesthetic and pain relief medication in operating rooms for decades. It is a very safe depression treatment in the hands of properly trained healthcare professionals. Its use as a treatment for depression, including treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions, is at sub-anesthetic doses (below those necessary to induce general anesthesia).
Can ketamine help me?
Research over the last 5-10 years has shown that intravenous administration of ketamine in sub-anesthetic doses benefits 70% of people suffering from severe depression. While the benefits can truly be remarkable, they often occur in ways that differ from some patients’ expectations. That is, the changes produced by ketamine can be subtle, and while they occur quickly, they do not always manifest themselves immediately.
Do I need a psychiatrist referral?
No. Our doctor evaluates each patient’s needs individually and will treat those for whom ketamine infusions are medically appropriate.
Isn’t ketamine an addictive party drug?
Ketamine developed a reputation as a drug of abuse and is also known as Vitamin K, Special K, Kit Kat or an animal tranquilizer. Ketamine can be addictive if abused, but the low-dose infusion treatment schedule we use will not cause addiction. Ketamine has been used extensively in the hospital setting as an anesthetic agent since being FDA-approved in the mid-1960’s and has a proven track record of safety and good patient tolerance.
Will ketamine get FDA approval for treatment of depression?
There is a movement to push the FDA for approval for the treatment of depression. However, without adequate backing, it will be difficult to finance the trials and bureaucratic navigation required to gain FDA approval for treatment of depression and chronic pain. Alternative formulations such as nasal sprays or sublingual tabs have been developed but are far costlier and lack the effectiveness of low-dose ketamine infusion therapy.
Will ketamine interact with my current medications?
Chronic use of benzodiazepines (e.g. Ativan and Xanax) and Lamictal (Lamotrigine) may render ketamine therapy less effective, and we may recommend those medications be stopped or dosages significantly reduced at least 5-14 days before treatment. Patients on MAOi’s should not take ketamine. Consult with your prescribing doctor prior to stopping or reducing any medication.
Can I drive to my infusion appointment?
Ketamine produces a physical and mental state that makes it unsafe for you to drive for the remainder of the day after your infusion. It is mandatory that a trusted friend or family member accompany you or transport you home from all your appointments. If a friend or family member is unable to transport you home, we will allow you to take a taxi or ridesharing service home.
Why choose R. Joe Ybarra versus other Ketamine Clinics?
As a Practicing Emergency Room Physician, Dr. R. Joe Ybarra, our medical director, is intimately familiar with the use of ketamine in the ER/OR environment and is passionate about helping people with his gifts, skills and knowledge of medicine. Not to mention, South Padre Island is a beautiful destination location. The island is a perfect environment to really disconnect, relax and enjoy. You will be able to concentrate on making the most of your treatments and benefit as much as possible from them. Visit the island’s CVB website at sopadre.com for more information.
Will there be any long-term side effects from ketamine infusion therapy?
The occasional side effects that we see from low dose ketamine treatments usually resolve shortly after the infusion. We may use supplemental medications to treat nausea, anxiety, hallucinations, and/or blood pressure changes during the treatment.
How will I feel during my treatment?
During the infusion, some patients report changes in their vision, speech, and thought processes. They often describe feelings of dissociation from their body. It can feel like a sedated or dreamlike state. Normally it is a relaxing, peaceful experience for patients.
How will I feel after my treatment?
Patients usually recover from the effects of the infusion within 20-30 minutes. There may be residual cloudiness and mild difficulty walking for a few hours. You may also feel fatigued for the remainder of the day. We recommend the patient have a low impact and relaxing remainder of their day following the infusion.
How soon will I see improvement in my symptoms of depression?
Sometimes the positive effects of treatment can be seen within minutes of completion. Typically after the third infusion for patients being treated for depression, we will know if ketamine is producing the desired results. Patients and their friends or family members may notice significant changes in mood and behavior almost immediately.
How long will my relief from symptoms of depression last?
Following the initial series of six treatments, we expect to see significant improvement that lasts from 3-6 months. Typically a “booster” ketamine infusion treatment is required after that time period to maintain relief of symptoms. We have a system for checking in with you regularly to see how you are feeling and schedule a booster if necessary.
Will my insurance pay for this treatment?
Unfortunately, private and government sponsored insurance plans consider this treatment off-label and, as such, are not currently covering costs associated with the administration of ketamine infusion treatment. We currently only accept cash, credit cards, or our easy credit plan.
How much does ketamine treatment cost?
Please call us at 956-616-5225 to discuss price and options. We do offer discounts to veterans, law enforcement, and first-responders.
What is included in my ketamine package price?
If you purchase a prepaid package, you will receive a 12-14 day package that includes the recommended ketamine infusions (normally 6), two therapeutic massages, two IV vitamin infusions, and two private coaching sessions to prepare you for enhancing and lengthening your relief.
What is your Concierge Service?
For our out of town and international patients, we offer our concierge service. This service can include pickup and transport to and from Valley International Airport in Harlingen, Texas and Miller International Airport in McAllen, Texas as well as accommodations on the island and suggestions for leisure activity and eating. We know how difficult it can be for our travelling patients, so let us make this journey as pleasant and stress-free as possible! Call for details. We will accommodate your budget and preferences.
Are you bilingual?
Yes. We have Spanish-speaking staff available.
Why are your exclusion guidelines so stringent? Why can’t you just treat me?
Your safety and treatment success are of utmost importance to us. We want to ensure that you are the right candidate for ketamine therapy. This ensures that we can optimize our chances of success in treating your conditions. To accept every patient requesting treatment, if we deem them to have a low probability of success, would be unethical.
What if my doctor has never heard of this treatment before or is skeptical in my desire to receive ketamine Infusions?
Feel free to share the links and information provided on our website to others for education on this groundbreaking treatment option. We would be happy to speak to them also. Prior to treatment, we can discuss our participation in your care with them and ensure that your diagnosis will receive the appropriate course of treatment.
What is your Privacy Policy?
All online forms are submitted, collected and stored on a secure server. We utilize your information in order to personalize your experience. We do not sell your information. We do not release any information to outside parties without your personal consent or request. Trusted third party vendors who service our website or assist us with conducting daily business activities operate under an agreement to keep your information strictly confidential.
R. Joe Ybarra
3401 Padre Blvd.
South Padre Island, Texas
(956) 616-5225