Personalized Ketamine Therapy

IV ketamine may be considered for adults with depression, treatment-resistant depression, bipolar depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, OCD, or acute suicidal thoughts, particularly when symptoms have not improved enough with standard treatments. Before treatment, Fountain completes a comprehensive medical and psychiatric evaluation to determine whether ketamine is appropriate and safe. We review your symptoms, diagnosis, treatment history, medications, medical conditions, substance use, and other relevant risk factors to understand whether ketamine fits your specific clinical picture.

We do not use a one-size-fits-all ketamine dose. Before treatment begins, patients undergo a detailed medical and psychiatric workup that reviews symptoms, diagnosis, prior treatment response, medications, medical history, substance use, vital signs, and other factors that may affect safety or response. Fountain then uses its proprietary dosing protocol to individualize treatment based in part on the presenting condition and clinical picture, recognizing that a patient with depression, PTSD, OCD, anxiety, or another indication may require a different dosing strategy and treatment approach. Dosing is then adjusted over the course of treatment based on response, tolerability, safety, and clinical progress rather than relying on a standard weight-based formula alone.

A typical visit at Fountain lasts approximately 90 minutes. Before the infusion begins, your clinical team reviews how you are feeling, checks your vital signs, confirms the treatment plan, and discusses your dose for that session. The IV infusion itself generally lasts about 40 minutes. The experience varies from person to person. You may feel deeply relaxed, dream-like, detached from your usual surroundings, or temporarily experience changes in your perception of your body, time, or environment. A clinician remains with you throughout treatment, and you are given time afterward to recover before leaving the clinic.

Treatment is individualized. Fountain's current protocol commonly begins with an induction series followed by maintenance treatment when clinically appropriate.

Response to ketamine varies. Some patients notice meaningful changes relatively early in treatment, while others improve more gradually across the initial series or in the weeks that follow. We do not judge success based only on how you feel immediately after an infusion. Fountain tracks symptoms, validated clinical assessments, daily functioning, and other relevant measures over time to understand whether treatment is creating meaningful improvement. That information helps us decide whether to continue, adjust, or change the treatment plan.

Safety is actively monitored throughout every treatment. Patients are not left alone during the infusion. A clinician is present throughout the treatment, with medical-grade monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and other relevant measures. Your team also evaluates how you are responding physically and psychologically during the infusion. If you become uncomfortable, anxious, or experience an unexpected response, treatment can be adjusted and the clinical team can intervene in real time. You remain under observation afterward until you are clinically ready to leave.

Most side effects are temporary and resolve relatively quickly after treatment. These may include feeling lightheaded, tired, mildly nauseated, or temporarily detached from your usual surroundings. Some patients may also experience a headache or a short-lived increase in blood pressure or heart rate. Your care team monitors you throughout the infusion and during recovery, and you will not be discharged until you are stable and comfortable. We also review what to expect afterward and when to reach out if something does not feel right.

Most patients are able to leave the clinic after a short recovery period and feel increasingly back to baseline over the next several hours. You will need to arrange transportation home and should not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after treatment. We generally recommend taking the rest of the day a little easier, staying hydrated, getting a good night’s sleep, and avoiding alcohol. Your care team will give you clear aftercare guidance so you know what is normal and how to support the recovery and integration period after treatment.