Closure of USC Ketamine Program

We understand that the closure of the ketamine program at USC may disrupt your ongoing treatment, and we want to ensure continuity of care.

Our ketamine treatment program at the California Pain Medicine Center is available as an alternative site for continued therapy. This program was developed approximately two decades ago following guidance from Dr. Robert Schwartzman, a pioneer in ketamine treatment for specific pain syndromes. Over that time, we have administered approximately 9,000 infusions and have developed protocols to optimize efficacy while managing potential side effects.

For patients new to ketamine therapy, treatment begins with three escalating infusions over three consecutive days. During this phase, we assess response and manage any side effects. Pain levels are compared between baseline (day 0) and day 4. If treatment is effective and well tolerated, we proceed with a full 10-day course. During the 10-day protocol, doses are increased gradually based on individual tolerance, with some patients reaching higher total daily doses as high as 1400 milligrams per day when clinically appropriate.

For patients who have already had experience with ketamine, we request the medical records and start infusions at the prior level or possibly slightly lower depending on how long it’s been since the last infusion. Escalate doses daily as appropriate.

Our experience suggests that most patients who complete the 10-day protocol achieve at least three months of pain relief. When combined with our comprehensive interdisciplinary functional rehabilitation program, more than 50% of patients do not require further ketamine treatment after this period. For those who do, maintenance therapy typically consists of either three infusions every three months or one infusion monthly.

All treatments are administered in a fully certified ambulatory surgery center staffed by intensive care unit nurses, with a physician present throughout. Each treatment day lasts approximately seven hours: one hour for evaluation and preparation, four hours for infusion, and two hours for recovery and monitoring prior to discharge.

We are also extending a compassionate accommodation for USC patients seeking continuation of ketamine therapy. Our administration of ketamine will not replace your relationship with your USC physician. We will collaborate with your physician in your care. Please see the accompanying offer.

Please contact our office if you would like to discuss transitioning your care or to determine whether this program is appropriate for you.

Sincerely,
Joshua P. Prager, MD, MS, DABPM, FNANS
Executive Director

2001 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 1280-West
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone: 310-264-7246
Fax: 310-882-7005