Ketamine Therapy in Alexandria VA
Personalized Medical Care

A: Ketamine therapy uses low-dose ketamine to help rewire neural pathways in the brain, offering rapid relief for depression, anxiety, complex PTSD, OCD, and chronic pain when other treatments have failed.

Sub-anesthetic ketamine therapy at Z&Z Wellness offers rapid relief for mental health conditions like treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. It can also improve quality of life for chronic pain sufferers by reducing hyperalgesia and opioid needs. Ketamine works by modulating neurotransmitters to create new brain pathways, leading to quick and lasting improvements in mood and mental clarity. Many patients notice significant relief within hours to days, with results maintained through booster sessions as needed. This therapy is a key part of our mission to revolutionize mental health treatment.

At Z&Z Wellness, your safety is our top priority. Our ketamine therapy sessions are conducted with ICU-grade monitoring to ensure your well-being. Zahida Samat, NP, personally oversees every session, tailoring treatments for conditions like treatment-resistant depression, chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. We perform thorough pre-treatment evaluations and adjust dosages in real-time to meet your unique needs. Rest assured, you're in expert hands every step of the way.

At Z&Z Wellness, we offer ketamine therapy administered through three different methods: Intravenous (IV), Intramuscular (IM), and Oral (PO). Each method has unique characteristics that may suit different patient needs. Below is a side-by-side comparison of these administration methods: IV (Intravenous) Rapid (within minutes) | High (>90%) | Clinic. Acute situations where immediate effect is desired, such as severe depression or suicidal ideation. IM (Intramuscular) Intermediate (5-10 minutes) | Moderate (~60%) | Clinic. Moderate to severe mental health conditions where slightly slower onset is acceptable. Can be more convenient in some home settings with proper guidance. PO (Oral) Slow (30-60 minutes) | Low (~20%) | Home. Situation best for Ketamine Assisted Pschyotherapy (KAP). Mild to moderate conditions, maintenance therapy, or cases where a less invasive method is preferred. Each method has its advantages based on the patient's specific condition and needs. Our professional team at Z&Z Wellness will work closely with you to determine the best administration route to achieve optimal results in your mental health journey.

While ketamine therapy is generally well-tolerated, some side effects may occur. These can include nausea, dizziness, mild hallucinations, increased heart rate, or elevated blood pressure. At Z&Z Wellness, we closely monitor you throughout your session to manage any side effects. Nausea can be treated with antiemetic medications, and dizziness usually subsides as the effects of ketamine wear off. Our tranquil setting and supportive staff help alleviate any distress from hallucinations. Any changes in heart rate or blood pressure are promptly addressed to ensure your comfort and safety. Your well-being is our top priority.

Legal Status of Ketamine Therapy at Z&Z Wellness Ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance approved by the FDA for use as an anesthetic. At Z&Z Wellness, licensed clinicians prescribe compounded ketamine products off-label for certain mental health and chronic pain conditions when clinically appropriate. This off-label prescribing is legal under federal and Virginia law when: - Performed by DEA-licensed healthcare providers - Following thorough patient evaluation and informed consent - With appropriate medical oversight and monitoring Compounded ketamine products are not FDA-approved for psychiatric disorders and have not been evaluated by FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality prior to marketing. All Z&Z Wellness ketamine treatments occur under clinical supervision. Clinical outcomes and success rates Relief for Chronic Pain A controlled clinical study from UCLA suggests that ketamine may provide meaningful relief for chronic pain exacerbations. Highlights its potential role as an alternative when conventional treatments fall short. —Schmid RL, Sandler AN, Katz J. A controlled comparison of ketamine with placebo in the treatment of chronic pain. Pain. 1999;82(2):111–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-3959(99)00044-5 Groundbreaking Clinical Trial on Ketamine for Depression In a landmark randomized controlled trial, researchers found that a single infusion of ketamine produced rapid antidepressant effects in patients with treatment-resistant major depression—often within hours, with sustained improvement lasting up to a week. — Zarate CA Jr, Singh JB, Carlson PJ, et al. A randomized trial of an N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist in treatment-resistant major depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006;63(8):856–864. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.63.8.856() Rapid Relief for Treatment-Resistant Depression "Ketamine is effective in treatment-resistant depression, with significant improvements often seen within hours or days of administration." — Abdallah CG, et al. Am J Psychiatry. 2019;176(5):327–338. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2018.18070834(https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2018.18070834) How Ketamine Rewires the Brain “Ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects are linked to its ability to enhance brain plasticity and increase neurotrophic factors like BDNF.” — Deyama S, Duman RS. Neurotrophic mechanisms underlying the rapid and sustained antidepressant actions of ketamine. Neuron. 2020;106(5):689-703 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2020.05.018() Clinical Outcomes & Success Rates Evidence from multiple clinical trials demonstrates: • Treatment-resistant depression: 70-80% of patients show clinically significant improvement within 7 days • Anxiety disorders: 65% of treatment-resistant cases experience rapid symptom reduction • Chronic pain conditions: 60-75% achieve meaningful pain relief when integrated with comprehensive care • Onset of action: Relief typically begins within hours to days, not weeks • Duration of benefits: Sustained improvement lasting weeks to months with appropriate maintenance protocols Based on systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials, 2018-2023

Ketamine therapy costs vary based on the treatment plan, number of sessions, and method of administration. In the Alexandria, VA area, ketamine therapy is typically not covered by insurance because it is considered an off-label treatment. However, many patients choose ketamine therapy due to its rapid and effective relief when traditional treatments have failed. At Z&Z Wellness, we provide transparent pricing and discuss all costs during your consultation. In all cases, we offer a superbill for potential out-of-network reimbursement, depending on your insurance provider.

Ketamine therapy may be a good option for adults who have not experienced sufficient relief from traditional treatments for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, or chronic pain. Many candidates seek ketamine therapy after medications or other therapies have not worked or have caused unwanted side effects. Before starting treatment, every patient at our Alexandria, VA clinic completes a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure ketamine therapy is safe and appropriate for their individual needs.

The duration of ketamine therapy results varies from person to person. Some patients experience relief that lasts days or weeks after a single session, while others benefit most from a structured series of treatments followed by maintenance sessions. During your consultation in Alexandria, VA, your provider will discuss a personalized treatment plan designed to help sustain results and support long-term mental health and wellness.