Ketamine IV Therapy in Asheville, NC

Ketamine IV therapy is a medical practitioner-implemented treatment that uses low-dose intravenous ketamine in a monitored clinical setting. Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine is now being studied and used in specialized medical practices for individuals with certain mood disorders—particularly when conventional treatments have not provided adequate results.

At our Asheville clinic, ketamine infusions are administered by a licensed physician with continuous monitoring and individualized care protocols. A referral from a PCP or psychiatrist is required to make an appointment for ketamine infusion.

What Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?

Ketamine infusion therapy involves delivering ketamine through an IV, which allows for controlled dosing and precise administration. This method is commonly used in clinical research and medical settings due to its reliability and bioavailability.

Clinical guidance from the American Psychiatric Association supports the use of ketamine in carefully selected patients under appropriate medical supervision, particularly in cases where standard treatments have not been effective.

How Ketamine IV Therapy Works

Ketamine affects glutamate signaling in the brain, particularly through NMDA receptor modulation. This activity is associated with downstream effects that may support neural communication and adaptive brain signaling.

Research published in Nature Medicine and other peer-reviewed journals suggests that this mechanism differs from traditional antidepressants, which primarily target serotonin pathways. Ongoing studies supported by the National Institute of Mental Health continue to evaluate how these effects relate to mood regulation and cognitive function.

Conditions Evaluated for Ketamine Infusion Therapy

Following medical and psychiatric evaluation, ketamine IV therapy may be considered for:

• Treatment-resistant depression
• Persistent mood disorders
• Symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Certain anxiety-related conditions (in select cases)
• Chronic and difficult-to-treat pain conditions

Treatment decisions are based on clinical assessment, safety screening, and provider judgment.

Ketamine Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression and PTSD

What the Research Shows

Peer-reviewed studies and systematic reviews have examined ketamine’s role in mood disorders, particularly in treatment-resistant populations—meaning symptoms have not improved with standard medications or therapies.

Publications in journals such as American Journal of Psychiatry and The Lancet Psychiatry report that some patients experience a relatively rapid reduction in depressive symptoms compared to traditional medications. American Journal of Psychiatry in the first clinical trials (2014)  found improvements in both PTSD symptoms and comorbid depression. It also found that a single IV ketamine infusion led to rapid reduction in PTSD symptom severity compared to placebo with effects observed within 24 hours in some participants.

Additional findings from clinical literature include:

• In some individuals, symptom improvement may occur within hours to days
• Repeated treatments may extend the duration of response in certain cases
• Some studies have observed reductions in suicidal ideation during acute treatment phases

Research published in The New England Journal of Medicine on related therapies (such as esketamine) further supports the clinical relevance of targeting glutamate pathways in depression treatment.

It is important to note that outcomes vary, and not all patients respond to therapy.

Safety and Medical Supervision

At Invigorate Asheville, Ketamine IV therapy is performed by a licensed and trained pysician in a controlled clinical environment with continuous monitoring.

Temporary side effects may include:

• Perceptual changes during infusion
• Dissociative sensations
• Mild increases in blood pressure

Clinical best practices recommend coordination between infusion providers and mental health professionals to support patient safety and continuity of care.

What to Expect During Ketamine Infusion Therapy

Treatment protocols typically involve a series of infusions over a defined period, followed by reassessment. Each session is conducted in a supervised setting designed for patient comfort and safety.

The number and frequency of treatments vary based on individual response and clinical evaluation. Each session lasts approximately one hour and will be conducted in our quiet, private room where you can fully relax. Feel free to bring your own music or ambient sounds (there is a TV for music access) if it will enhance your comfort. Otherwise, the room is equipped with a reclining chair, and warm blankets, and light refreshments are available. 

Please note: Patients are not permitted to drive themselves to or from the appointment; please plan to have someone drop you off and pick you up.

Ketamine Therapy Consultation in Asheville, NC

A consultation is required to determine whether ketamine IV therapy is appropriate. During this process, Dr. Dula D.O. will review medical history, current symptoms, prior treatments, and goals.

Ketamine therapy may be considered for individuals who:

• Have a confirmed diagnosis from a licensed provider
• Have not responded adequately to standard treatments
• Are medically eligible following screening

Important Considerations About Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine IV therapy is not a cure and is not appropriate for all individuals. It is typically used as part of a broader, medically supervised care plan.

Ongoing evaluation and follow-up are important components of treatment. To learn more about the services offered at Invigorate Asheville, please call 828-237-1511