IV Ketamine Therapy in Littleton, Colorado
IV ketamine therapy is an off-label, evidence-based treatment for treatment-resistant depression. Treatment is directed by an MD and monitored by a trained registered nurse in a calm, private room.
IV Ketamine at a Glance
Littleton, CO 80128 · Serving the southwest Denver metroUnderstanding the Treatment
What is IV ketamine therapy?
Ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic. IV ketamine for treatment-resistant depression and other psychiatric conditions is an off-label use. Clinical trials have found earlier symptom improvement for some patients than is typical with conventional antidepressants, but response and duration vary and benefit is not guaranteed.
Our program is a medical model. Dr. Wagner evaluates you, determines whether ketamine is safe and appropriate, and directs your course of treatment. Each infusion is administered by a registered nurse who stays with you and monitors your vital signs from start to finish. You rest in a private room; there’s nothing you need to do but settle in.
- Physician-directed: evaluated, dosed, and followed by Eric Wagner, MD
- A registered nurse administers each infusion and monitors your vitals throughout
- A calm, comfortable, private setting in our Littleton clinic
- Coordination with your existing therapist and prescriber, with your permission
Our medical model for IV ketamine
We provide ketamine as a carefully monitored medical treatment without psychotherapy during or after infusions. If you want structured integration work alongside treatment, we’ll gladly connect you with trusted outside therapists. With your permission, we can also coordinate with a therapist you already see.
Is IV Ketamine Right for You?
Who IV ketamine is for
Being upfront about fit saves you time and protects your hope. IV ketamine may be a strong option if several of these describe you:
- Depression or related symptoms have persisted despite medications and therapy
- You want a physician-directed medical treatment with careful monitoring at every step
- You’re able to attend a series of infusion visits and arrange a ride home on infusion days
- You’re medically stable and open to careful screening before any medicine is given
A note on eligibility
IV ketamine is not appropriate for people with aneurysmal vascular disease, arteriovenous malformation, or a history of intracerebral hemorrhage. Because ketamine temporarily raises blood pressure and heart rate, uncontrolled high blood pressure or unstable heart disease must be evaluated and managed before treatment. It is not recommended for those with a history of psychosis. Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, and breastfeeding also require a specific discussion before treatment and cannot be explicitly recommended given the limited safety and monitoring data available. A full medical and psychiatric screening before treatment confirms whether IV ketamine is safe and appropriate for you.
The Process
How IV ketamine works at Fortifying Wellness
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1
Consultation & medical evaluation
Dr. Wagner takes the time to understand your full story: your symptoms, history, medical health, every treatment you’ve tried and how it went, and your goals. You leave with a clear working diagnosis and a plan you helped shape, and nothing starts without safety screening and informed consent. If IV ketamine is appropriate for you, we confirm your medical status for infusion and, with your permission, coordinate with your existing prescribers and therapists.
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2
Check-in & safety sign-out
At every visit you complete the same validated depression scale for monitoring and safety. The RN collects it and, together with Dr. Wagner, conducts a safety sign-out to verify your identity and confirm the appropriate dose.
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3
Monitored infusion
The RN places your IV and begins the slow infusion over 30–45 minutes, monitoring your vital signs while you settle into a comfortable, private room and relax. The appointment includes the infusion and a period of observation, roughly two hours in total depending on your response.
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4
Discharge & medical follow-up
You stay until you’re clinically ready to leave, then your designated person signs you out and takes you home. Between infusions your response is tracked with validated symptom scales, and Dr. Wagner adjusts the plan based on those results.
Note: we strictly follow established protocols of low-dose IV ketamine at 0.5 mg/kg to ensure safety and minimize risk in this outpatient setting.
The Research
Independent research from leading medical institutions
Ketamine’s use in depression has been studied in peer-reviewed trials for more than two decades. Four of the studies that shaped the field, each linked in full at PubMed:
Yale School of Medicine
The first placebo-controlled trial of ketamine in depression. Symptoms eased significantly within 72 hours of a single infusion.
National Institute of Mental Health
In treatment-resistant depression, improvement appeared within two hours of infusion and remained measurable a week later.
Mount Sinai
The largest controlled trial to that point. At 24 hours, ketamine outperformed an active placebo in treatment-resistant depression.
University of Ottawa
Compared single, repeated, and maintenance infusions. Repeated dosing deepened the effect; weekly infusions helped sustain it.
Regulatory status, stated plainly
Ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic. Its use for depression is off-label and has not been approved by the FDA. Spravato® (esketamine), a related medicine that is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression, is also offered at our clinic.
These are simplified summaries of independent studies; follow the PubMed links for full methods and limitations. Study results describe research populations, not a promise of individual outcomes. We track your response with validated symptom scales.
Safety & Supervision
How we keep IV ketamine safe
Every course begins with medical screening, including heart health, blood pressure, psychiatric history, substance-use history, current medications, and pregnancy considerations. During each infusion, a registered nurse administers the medicine and monitors your vital signs. You remain for observation until you’re clinically ready to leave.
Common short-term effects include dissociation, sedation, dizziness, nausea, and increased blood pressure. Ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance with misuse and dependence potential. Repeated or prolonged use has been associated with urinary or bladder problems and liver injury, while longer-term cognitive effects remain uncertain. These risks, expected benefits, and reasonable alternatives are reviewed during informed consent. Because effects can linger, your designated person takes you home, and you should not drive until the next day.
Cost & Coverage
Insurance & cost
Because ketamine is used off-label for depression, infusions are typically self-pay, though some medical portions of care are sometimes covered by insurance. We provide superbills for possible out-of-network reimbursement and explain expected costs in advance. Call us for current pricing.
IV Ketamine Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is ketamine safe?
Ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic, but IV ketamine for psychiatric conditions is off-label. Every patient is medically screened first, and a registered nurse administers each infusion while monitoring vital signs. Short-term effects can include dissociation, sedation, dizziness, nausea, and increased blood pressure. Ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance with misuse and dependence potential; repeated use has also been associated with urinary or bladder problems and liver injury, and longer-term cognitive effects remain uncertain.
Does IV ketamine treatment include therapy?
No. Our program includes a physician-directed evaluation, monitored infusions administered by a registered nurse, and medical follow-up to track your response. Psychotherapy is separate. If you want structured integration work, we can refer you to trusted outside therapists or, with your permission, coordinate with a therapist you already see.
How is IV ketamine different from Spravato®?
Spravato® is esketamine, an FDA-approved nasal spray for adult treatment-resistant depression that is administered in a certified health care setting; coverage depends on the plan. IV ketamine is given by infusion and used off-label for depression, allows precise dose control, and is typically self-pay. Neither is better for every person; in your consultation we’ll help you weigh which path fits your health, goals, and budget.
How many infusions will I need?
It varies by person and by goals. Care begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Wagner then outlines an expected number of infusions and adjusts the plan based on response, which we track with validated symptom scales.
Is IV ketamine covered by insurance?
Because ketamine is used off-label for depression, infusions are typically self-pay, though some medical portions of care, such as evaluation visits, are sometimes covered. We can provide superbills for you to seek out-of-network reimbursement. Please call us at (720) 432-0958 for current pricing and details.
Related conditions & treatments
Take the Next Step
Find out if IV ketamine is right for you
A free consultation with our Littleton team, including an honest discussion of whether Spravato® or another path might serve you better.
7345 S. Pierce St, Suite 205, Littleton, CO 80128 · Serving Littleton, Ken Caryl, Columbine, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Lone Tree, Englewood, Lakewood & the south Denver metro