www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 75 they are feeling afraid. People occasionally get frightened because it is difficult to separate the effects from reality, but the control of an intravenous route and the drug’s short half-life mean the feeling of fear can be alleviated in one or two minutes after pausing the infusion. There are no words to describe what patients experience during the dissociation period, Dr. Bowen said, calling it “ineffable.” People are not aware of their body and surroundings and yet they are conscious; they may experience visual hallucinations like shapes, textures and colors. “The number one adjective people use to describe the experience is weird. It’s really weird,” said Dr. Bowen. Most patients who respond notice some improvement within a day after the second infusion, and they continue to improve until they reach their new baseline, usually within the first six infusions. Of course, some patients improve faster and some slower. To maintain the benefit, monthly boosters are typically needed for the first nine months to a year. After this initial treatment period, the frequency of booster infusions varies widely. Some may need to continue monthly infusions while others may remain in remission for several years. Patients’ treatment plans are adjusted by their response. Dr. Bowen has observed an 80% response rate among patients, meaning they experienced a 30% or more improvement from their initial score on the Beck Depression Inventory. Out of the 80% that respond, half have improvements similar to those who react well to oral antidepressants, meaning that although symptoms may persist, they are improved, as is their ability to function. As for the other half, Dr. Bowen said, “It’s like they’ve been touched by Jesus.” Dr. Bowen himself has experienced the treatment, having found a need for it after his second divorce. “It allowed me to step back from that and see that in the future there was a good possibility that things were going to be much better,” he said. Although it’s a treatment, not a cure, Dr. Bowen has found ketamine infusions incredibly effective for depressed brain functioning. “Patients tell me all the time: You have saved my life – this has saved my life,” said Dr. Bowen. “It doesn’t get much more profound than that.” A Stand-Alone Memory Care Community. Come see what makes us different! Serving those with Alzheimer’s and other related conditions. We are a member of the JEA Senior Living family of assisted living communities. JEA is committed to being the leader in providing quality personal services for our Residents while honoring the experience of aging. Call for a tour 843.216.1001 1025 Hungryneck Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 jeaseniorliving.com A Stand-Alone Memory Care Community. Come see what makes us different! Serving those with Alzheimer’s and other related conditions. We are a member of the JEA Senior Living family of assisted living communities. JEA is committed to being the leader in providing quality personal services for our Residents while honoring the experience of aging. Call for a tour 843.216.1001 1025 Hungryneck Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 jeaseniorliving.com
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