How is ketamine infusion done?

Ketamine infusion can be done in the doctor's office with basic monitoring equipment.  An IV is started and ketamine is infused over a period of about 40 minutes in a quiet environment.  The patient remains conscious and able to converse.  Blood pressure, heart rate, ECG, and oxygen saturation are monitored.  The patient is observed for a short time following the infusion and is driven home by a campanion.  Patients generally find the experience very pleasant and there is usually dramatic improvement of depression symptons the same afternoon.  It has been found that the antidepressant effect wear off in about a week for most people and for that reason the infusion is repeated after one week's time, usually for six (6) weeks.  After that in many cases patients achieve long-term relief.