Psychotropics
Open Letter From Dr. Steven Reichbach
I opened Reichbach Center (formerly Gulf Coast Ketamine Center) five years ago with the hope of offering a proven alternative for patients struggling with difficult-to-treat mood disorders and pain conditions. During this time, we have treated over 1500 patients with intravenous Ketamine and in most cases have observed significant improvement in both symptoms and functionality. It has been an extremely rewarding endeavor, to say the least, both professionally and personally. To assist in the healing of people whose suffering in many instances was life-threatening and to be able to offer them a treatment when “nothing else worked”, has been both humbling and gratifying.
As many of you may know, there is ongoing research at some of the most distinguished institutions around the world on the effects of psychedelics such as Psilocybin, MDMA, DMT, etc. on conditions such as PTSD, Major depression, anxiety disorders, and addiction. The thought behind how these substances work is similar to what has been proven using intravenous Ketamine. Ketamine is known to initiate a cascade of chemical events in the mood centers of the brain which result in both increased volume of neurons and strengthening of the connections between the neurons in these regions. There is preliminary evidence that these other substances may act in a similar way. The physical changes that occur, seem to correlate with improved symptomatology and resultant function in a large number of patients.
At this point in time, intravenous Ketamine is the best option for patients outside of these ongoing studies, to receive a proven treatment alternative to conventional antidepressants, mood stabilizers, etc. As the research continues, and more data becomes available around specific protocols in the use of psychedelics to help with these difficult to treat conditions, we at Reichbach Center will be poised to incorporate these modes of treatment into our practice. We are hopeful that these treatment alternatives for some of the most challenging conditions will be more readily available in the years to come.
What Are Psychotropics?
Psychotropic medication is a term used to describe many different types of drugs that have an effect on a person’s overall mental health, behavior, mood, thoughts, or perception. Psychotropic drugs are often prescribed by mental health professionals working in psychiatric medicine as well as in pain management. The type of psychotropic drug therapy a doctor prescribes depends on the person and the effect that is needed, such as a treatment to reduce anxiety or chronic pain. These medications can also be used in cognitive behavioral therapy. While some psychotropics are long-acting and need to be used for several weeks before they begin to offer benefits, there are other medications that are short-acting treatments and can be used on an as-needed basis.
How Does Psychotropic Medication Work?
Research has shown that brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, send messages back and forth between brain cells. Psychotropic medications work by adjusting the levels of these chemicals. When this happens, it enables a patient to better cope with their condition or pain. Within the fields of psychiatry and pain management, psychotropics are used as drug therapy to help patients manage disorders such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, sleep disorders, and more, including chronic pain.
A Place of Comfort. A Place of Hope.
At Reichbach Center, a national center for the treatment of chronic pain and mental health disorders, we help our patient-guests experience relief and transform their lives through individualized, compassionate care. Our team is devoted to working closely with you, providing experienced care and expertise in revolutionary treatment methods to help you feel better and live better. From ketamine for chronic pain or mental health to medical cannabis, psychotropics, and essential oils, we offer advanced options for physical and mental relief to help you face tomorrow with hope.
If you are ready to experience relief, contact us at (941) 213-4444 or request an appointment online to schedule your complimentary consultation with one of our providers.