Chronic pain is one of the most challenging medical conditions to treat. For many years, opioid medications were the primary solution, but long-term use carries serious risks, including dependence, tolerance, and overdose. Today, advances in pain medicine have opened new doors—one of the most promising being IV ketamine therapy.
At Zephyr Medical in Brooklyn Heights, under the expertise of Dr. Benjamin Portal and our dedicated team, we provide IV ketamine infusions as a safe, effective, and non-opioid alternative for patients living with persistent pain conditions such as back pain, arthritis, sciatica, fibromyalgia, and treatment-resistant neuropathic pain.
Why Ketamine for Chronic Pain?
Ketamine works differently than traditional painkillers. Instead of targeting opioid receptors, ketamine modulates the NMDA receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This helps “reset” pain pathways, reduce central sensitization (when the nervous system amplifies pain signals), and provide rapid relief—even when other treatments have failed.
For many patients, ketamine offers:
- Reduced opioid reliance – minimizing risks of addiction and side effects
- Sustained relief – often lasting days to weeks after each infusion
- Improved function and quality of life – by breaking the cycle of constant pain
- Hope for refractory pain – where other treatments have not worked
Q&A: IV Ketamine for Chronic Pain
Q: What conditions can IV ketamine help with?
A: Ketamine has shown benefit for conditions such as chronic back pain, arthritis, sciatica, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), fibromyalgia, migraine, and neuropathic pain. It is especially valuable for pain that has not improved with traditional therapies.
Q: How does IV ketamine differ from opioids?
A: Unlike opioids, which work by blocking pain at the opioid receptor level, ketamine targets NMDA receptors to “retrain” pain pathways. This makes it less likely to cause dependence, tolerance, or overdose. It also provides relief without the sedation or constipation commonly seen with opioids.
Q: What can I expect during a treatment session?
A: At Zephyr Medical, infusions are delivered in a comfortable, monitored setting. Each session typically lasts 40–60 minutes. Patients remain awake but relaxed, and side effects (such as mild dissociation or dizziness) are temporary and closely monitored by our team.
Q: How many treatments are needed?
A: Many patients benefit from a series of initial infusions (often 4–6 sessions) followed by maintenance treatments as needed. The frequency depends on the individual’s condition and response.
Q: Is IV ketamine safe?
A: Yes—when administered in a medical setting by trained professionals. At Zephyr Medical, every infusion is closely supervised by Dr. Benjamin Portal and our clinical staff, with personalized dosing and ongoing monitoring for safety and effectiveness.
Q: Will ketamine cure my pain?
A: While ketamine is not a cure, it can significantly reduce pain levels, improve mobility, and allow patients to reclaim parts of life that pain had taken away. Many patients are able to lower or stop their reliance on opioids altogether.
Why Choose Zephyr Medical?
At Zephyr Medical, we provide a patient-centered, white-glove experience for IV ketamine therapy. Our Brooklyn Heights clinic offers:
- A calming infusion suite designed for comfort
- Customized treatment protocols for each patient
- Ongoing collaboration with your broader care team
- The guidance and expertise of Dr. Benjamin Portal, a physician committed to helping patients with treatment-resistant conditions
- Compassionate staff who understand the challenges of living with chronic pain
Contact Zephyr Medical
Zephyr Medical
111 Livingston St, Suite 1901
Brooklyn, NY 11201
📞 (646) 727-9977
🌐 zephyrmd.com