Phillip Acevedo, M.D.
Dr. Phillip Acevedo, M.D. specializes in the interventional pain and regenerative medicine. Dr. Acevedo graduated from Temple University and completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; he then went on to complete a fellowship specializing in interventional pain in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Being very active and sporty himself, he believes in not just treating pain, but his mission is to improve quality of life and function for his patients going through pain, making them more independent to enjoy the pleasure of life. While his football and Lacrosse days are over, he still practices what he preaches and enjoys swimming and gym on a regular basis to stay active in this blazing Florida weather.
As an interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine physician, his goal is to decrease the use of opioids and avoid major surgeries while treating his patients with the cutting edge minimally invasive techniques available with the growing changes in healthcare technology and research
While he is already doing procedure in our surgery center, he will also be spearheading our new Ketamine Infusion Therapy program as the program’s Medical Director which aims at providing an alternate therapy to our patients going through depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, breakthrough pain and so on.
R. Randolph Butts, PsyD
R. Randolph Butts, PsyD. – R. Randolph Butts, PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist. He holds under graduate and graduate degrees from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois. He obtained his doctorate degree in clinical psychology with a minor in theology from Biola University in La Mirada, California. He also holds a post-doctoral master’s degree in clinical psychopharmacology from Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Butts has specialized over the past twenty years in health psychology, behavioral pain management and addictive disorders.
Behavioral Pain Management
Real physical pain can be extremely disruptive to one’s total life. Not only does pain involve intense physical discomfort, it can also set in motion a vicious Pain-Stress-Pain Cycle. Unchecked, the resulting stress can have a devastating impact on one’s quality of life thru diminished immune system functioning, sleep deprivation, depression, anxiety, hopelessness and exhaustion…all of which have been clearly show by research to increase pain and lower functioning.
Florida Medical Pain Management is dedicated to addressing all factors directly and indirectly contributing to a person’s pain through a comprehensive evaluation by a medical pain specialist as well as a behavioral pain specialist.
Abha Shah, RN-BSN
Abha Shah, RN-BSN, CPHQ Clinical Director
"I’ve been a patient of Florida Medical Pain Management since July, and am so grateful that I’ve found them. They’ve proven themselves to be very thorough, professional and kind. Also, (Im currently undergoing injections and) their surgery center is excellent." - Dawn Zarnowski
FAQ
Ketamine has only been FDA approved for nasal administration for the treatment of severe depression. However, it is legally prescribed and administered as “off label” use as treatment for depression by licensed physicians. Fast acting positive outcomes have been recorded for the previously mentioned diagnoses for over 40 years.
Patients may notice improvement within the first few hours after their initial infusion. This is much faster than traditional oral medications that may take up to 8 weeks for optimum relief of depression/psychiatric symptoms. Although benefit may be seen after the first few hours, more long lasting relief has been documented to occur after all 6 initial treatments have been completed.
No you will not have to stay overnight. All of our treatments are performed in our state-of-the-art facility, with the total treatment and recovery time lasting 1.5-2 hours total. You will sit in a comfortable recliner and our registered nurses will monitor your comfort and vital signs throughout the process. Our fellowship trained doctors will also be present to monitor your progress and ensure that you have a great experience.
Unfortunately, at this time insurance is only covering nasal administration of brand name ketamine for severe depression. Intravenous ketamine, though backed by research for the treatment of depression, at this time is an out-of-pocket treatment expense. As the medical field changes its practice guidelines, this treatment may then be covered by insurance. You will be the first to know when coverage becomes available.
Patients have found immediate relief after the first treatment within hours. However, evidence-based medicine does show that prolonged relief occurs after the initial 6 treatments are completed. Although benefit may be seen with fewer treatments, more long lasting relief is seen after all 6 are completed.
You do not have to be referred by a psychiatrist. It is preferred however that you are receiving treatment by your mental health team which may include a psychiatrist, psychologist, mental health counselor and primary care doctor. Our team will monitor your progress from before and after your treatment.
Antidepressant medications do not usually interfere with ketamine therapy and do not need to be stopped or tapered. However, high-dose benzodiazepines (Ativan, Valium, Xanax, Klonopin and others) may reduce the positive effects of ketamine if used at high doses for long periods of time. The medication Lamictal may also affect the response of ketamine therapy. If you are on these medications, you should be evaluated by your psychiatrist and by one of our physicians to make sure that you are a candidate for ketamine therapy.
It has been shown that low dose IV ketamine therapy has not resulted in long-term side effects. The doses that we use are about 900% lower than what is used in hospitals for anesthesia. A small amount of patients may experience high blood pressure, nausea and a mild out of body experience. These side effects are managed in our clinic by the administration of relaxing medications before the infusion is started. We also have medications on hand to assist immediately with episodes of high blood pressure and nausea.
Medications in the benzodiazepine class such as Xanax, Ativan, Valium and Klonopin may reduce the positive effects of ketamine if used at high doses for long periods of time. The medication Lamictal and antidepressants in the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor class may also decrease ketamine efficacy. Consult with your physicians prior to treatment.
Intravenous ketamine therapy will be available at all Florida Medical Pain Management facilities. These include our locations in St. Petersburg, New Port Richey and Spring Hill. Please look on our website for the addresses for these locations.
Three Locations
6333 54th Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33709
P: 727-548-6100 | F: 727-545-0960
(727) 548-6100
6333 54th Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33709
[email protected]
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