The Patient Who Changed How I See Ketamine Therapy

By Dr. Steve Tieche, MD

I’ve been in medicine long enough to be cautious about anything that sounds too good.

I’m an anesthesiologist. I’ve used ketamine in operating rooms for years. I know the drug well. I respect it. But for a long time, I thought of it strictly in the context of anesthesia and pain control.

When ketamine started getting attention for depression and PTSD, I paid attention… but I wasn’t sold right away.

In medicine, you learn to separate real results from hype.

Then a patient changed that for me.

A Patient I Won’t Forget

I’m going to keep this general and anonymous, as I always do.

This patient came in quietly. No dramatic presentation. No long story. They mentioned some PTSD, but didn’t go into detail. You could tell they carried something heavy… but they weren’t the type to unpack it in a first visit.

That’s not unusual.

A lot of patients who struggle the most say the least.

We talked through options, went over risks and expectations, and decided to move forward with a ketamine IV infusion.

Nothing about that day stood out as unusual.

It was a standard treatment. Proper monitoring. Controlled dosing. Calm environment. The kind of thing we do every day.

They completed the infusion, rested, and went home.

At that point, there was no dramatic moment. No “movie scene” breakthrough.

Just another patient starting a treatment.

The Follow-Up That Stays With You

At the follow-up visit, everything changed.

The patient sat down and told me something they hadn’t told anyone else.

They said that on the day they came in for their infusion…
they had already made the decision that they were going to take their life.

They had a plan.

They hadn’t told family. They hadn’t told friends. They hadn’t told us.

They showed up, went through the infusion… and afterward, something shifted.

In their words, that intense desire wasn’t there anymore.

Not gone forever. Not magically erased from their life.

But lifted enough that they didn’t act on it.

Let Me Be Very Clear About This

This is not a promise.

This is not what happens for every patient.

This is not a guarantee, and I would never present it that way.

This is one patient’s experience.

But it’s a real one.

And moments like that matter.

Why That Stays With You as a Physician

You don’t forget conversations like that.

Not because they’re dramatic… but because they’re honest.

As physicians, we’re trained to look at data, studies, outcomes. And those matter. They guide what we do.

But sometimes a single patient experience puts things into perspective in a different way.

It reminds you that behind every diagnosis is a person trying to hold things together.

And if there’s a treatment that can give even a little bit of relief… even a small shift in how someone feels…

That’s worth paying attention to.

What We See More Often

Not every story is that intense.

In fact, most aren’t.

What we see more commonly with ketamine therapy are changes that are quieter, but still meaningful:

• Patients saying their mood feels lighter
• Less constant anxiety
• Fewer intrusive thoughts
• Better sleep
• Improved ability to function day-to-day

For some people, it’s the first time in a long time they feel like they can take a breath.

Those changes matter too.

Realistic Expectations Matter

I always tell patients the same thing:

This is not a miracle cure.

Ketamine therapy works best when it’s approached the right way:

• A series of treatments, not just one infusion
• Proper patient selection
• Medical supervision and monitoring
• Sometimes combined with therapy or other support systems

The goal isn’t a quick fix.

The goal is to create enough change in the brain to allow real progress to happen.

Safety Is Not Optional

Ketamine is a powerful medication.

That’s exactly why it needs to be handled correctly.

In a proper medical setting, that means:

• Careful screening before treatment
• Individualized dosing
• Continuous monitoring during the infusion
• A trained medical team present the entire time

When done this way, it’s not only effective… it’s safe.

Why I Talk About This Now

If you had asked me years ago about ketamine for mental health, I would have been measured in my response.

Now, I’m still measured… but I’m also open.

Because I’ve seen enough to know it’s worth discussing.

Not as hype. Not as a last resort only.
But as a real option for the right patient.

If You’re Reading This

If you or someone you love is struggling… and it feels like nothing has worked the way you hoped…

This is something worth learning about.

Not jumping into blindly.

Not expecting miracles.

But understanding what it is, how it works, and whether it might fit into your situation.

Sometimes the right next step isn’t louder.

It’s just different.

FAQ: Honest Answers

Will I feel “high” during treatment?

You may feel relaxed or slightly detached during the infusion. This is temporary and monitored closely.

How many treatments do I need?

Most patients require a series of IV infusions over a few weeks. One treatment alone is usually not enough for lasting results.

Is ketamine addictive?

When used in a controlled medical setting under supervision, the risk is low. This is very different from recreational use.

How long do results last?

It varies. Some patients need maintenance treatments or additional support over time.

Is this safe?

Yes, when performed by trained professionals in a monitored medical environment.

How to Schedule a Consultation

If you’re curious whether this could be a fit, the best place to start is a conversation.

At Recharge Clinic, we offer medically supervised ketamine IV therapy at our locations in:

• Ocala
• Lady Lake (The Villages)
• Clermont

📞 Call or text: (352) 512-9996
🌐 Schedule online: https://rechargeclinic.zenoti.com/webstorenew

No pressure. Just information, and a chance to ask questions.

References & Further Reading

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov
• American Psychiatric Association: https://www.psychiatry.org
• Yale Medicine – Ketamine for Depression: https://www.yalemedicine.org
• National Institutes of Health – Ketamine Research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Some treatments you learn about in textbooks.

Others… you understand because of the patients who sit across from you.

This was one of those.

If you missed our two previous blogs on Ketamine, be sure to read them here. Insert link

Support & Crisis Resources

If you are struggling or having thoughts of harming yourself, please know you are not alone—and help is available right now.

You can call or text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, or chat via 988lifeline.org. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7.

If you feel you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Ketamine therapy is one option we offer as part of a comprehensive medical approach, but it is not a substitute for emergency care or crisis intervention. If you’re unsure what to do, reaching out to a trained professional right now is the right first step.