Ketamine was developed in 1962 as a safe derivative of PCP. It is a dissociative anesthetic that creates a feeling of disconnection from one’s self and reality.

It has been used widely as an anesthetic in emergency medicine, in veterinary medicine, and in operating rooms and wound clinics around the world on a daily basis. It is often used for the most vulnerable patients, including children and the elderly, because of its safe profile.

Ketamine has been increasingly used for the treatment of pain conditions and mood disorders since around the year 2000.

The use of ketamine for depression and pain and the use of lidocaine for pain are considered off-label drug uses, which means the drugs have been approved by the FDA but not for the specific conditions which we use these medications to treat. Many drugs are routinely used off-label – it is entirely legal and extremely common.

Ketamine and lidocaine are anesthetic drugs that have been used extensively for anesthesia every day. They have been used safely in millions of patients for many decades.

Ketamine and lidocaine and the adjunct medicines used at Lone Star Infusion PLLC are all considered safe when administered by trained professionals. However, like all medicines, they have the possibility of side effects including, but not limited to: hallucinations, drug reactions, seizures, elevated blood pressures, worsening of schizophrenia symptoms, elevated heart rate, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Ketamine can be an exceptionally effective treatment option for appropriate conditions, especially when other therapies have failed. For depression, including severe and treatment-resistant types, studies show 50–80% of patients experience significant relief, and our own results show about 70% effectiveness. Many patients notice improvement after the first infusion, though we often recommend completing three sessions before deciding whether to continue, as progress can sometimes be subtle at first.

It’s important to research and understand ketamine therapy before starting treatment. Results can vary widely—some patients feel complete relief after one or several infusions, while others may not experience benefits. Each person’s response depends on their individual condition and medical history. This information is not a guarantee of results but is meant to help patients make informed decisions about whether ketamine infusion therapy may be right for them.

Ketamine can be highly effective for neuropathic pain conditions, especially when other treatments have failed. However, it may not be suitable for pain caused by an active injury, such as nerve impingement in the back, where relief might be temporary due to the ongoing cause.

Patients with neuropathic or pelvic pain often respond well to ketamine infusions, though results can vary and are sometimes unpredictable—especially when the exact cause of pain is unclear. Research shows that ketamine works at the neuronal level, helping to restore healthy nerve function and reduce pain rooted in the nerves themselves.

As with any treatment, results differ for each individual. Some patients experience full relief after one or several infusions, while others may not benefit.

A series of infusions followed by maintenance treatments provides greater and longer-lasting relief – with each subsequent infusion in a series building upon the last.

For the treatment of psychiatric symptoms, we typically start with a series of 6 infusions over several weeks followed by maintenance treatments as needed. Maintenance treatments are typically every 3 to 5 weeks at first.

For chronic pain conditions, we often see patients for one or more one-hour high dose infusions. Treatment regimens can vary, but a common course of treatments may be approximately two treatments every six to eight weeks to manage symptoms.

We work with patients to extend the time between treatments when possible.

The number and frequency of treatments are variable from patient to patient.

A typical ketamine infusion for psychiatric or pain conditions takes about 1.5 hours total, including check-in, the infusion, and recovery. For higher doses, expect around 2 hours in the office. Most regular medications can be continued, but you should avoid eating or drinking for 6 hours before arrival. You may stay in comfortable clothes throughout the visit, and our experienced staff ensure a smooth, gentle IV start, offering light sedation if needed.

During the infusion, you’ll be closely monitored in a quiet, restful room. A friend may accompany you but should remain calm and quiet during the session. Afterward, you’ll stay for observation for at least 30 minutes before going home. You must arrange for someone to drive you and stay with you for 24 hours, as you should not drive, make decisions, or care for others during that time.

Infusion therapy means that the medications are administered through an IV directly into a patient’s bloodstream.

Patients with neuropathic or pelvic pain often respond well to ketamine infusions, though results can vary and are sometimes unpredictable—especially when the exact cause of pain is unclear. Research shows that ketamine works at the neuronal level, helping to restore healthy nerve function and reduce pain rooted in the nerves themselves.

IV Infusion is the most effective administration method for ketamine treatments.

Our treatments are administered by our Anesthesiologist/Anesthetist who meets with the patient, places the IV, administers the infusion including reviewing the continuous monitoring, and releases the patient to leave at the end of the appointment.

The price of treatments is dose and time-dependent.

The details of pricing are here:

Treatments: Price

We recognize that moving forward with these treatments represents a significant commitment of time and money. And for many people, the decision to pursue yet another treatment requires a significant commitment.

We work hard to keep prices low for our patients, including working with our patients to balance the competing interests of good results against the time and commitment of the treatments. Meanwhile, we work to practice the best evidence-based medicine as an office-based anesthesia practice.

We believe we offer the best-value treatment option for most patients.

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