Your IV Ketamine Therapy Guide (Uncensored Version)
Preparing for Intravenous Ketamine Sessions: Discovering Inner Tranquility
Embracing your IV ketamine procedure? Let'snavigate the process together, shedding light on what to expect and how to prepare. Our team of professionals will be with you every step of the way, ensuring you feel comfortable and empowered.
Ready for Your IV Ketamine Treatment?
IV ketamine infusions might seem intimidating, but with these tips, you'll have a smoother experience.
Relax and unwind: Indulge in calming activities in the days leading up to treatment. A flawless night's sleep the night before is essential so you're refreshed and not overtired for your ketamine infusion.
Fasting before treatment: Given nausea is a common side effect of ketamine therapy, fast for at least six hours before your scheduled session.
Prepare mentally: Mindset plays a crucial role in your IV ketamine treatment. Aim for a good night's sleep, avoid watching violent or sad shows/movies, and steer clear of exciting music. Instead, focus on meditation, yoga, or relaxing with a soothing book to ready your mind for treatment.
Wear comfortable clothes: If you're a cold or hot person, consider this when choosing your outfit. As you'll be seated throughout the session, aim for relaxed, non-restrictive clothing.
Pack your essentials: Bring items that bring you happiness. This could mean creating a calming playlist (don't forget your headphones!), selecting a fun journal with new pens to jot down positive thoughts during treatment, or relaxing with a soothing eye mask.
Arrange transportation: Get a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from your IV ketamine infusion. Prior to your session, discuss best practices before and after treatment with your driver, including avoiding controversial or potentially triggering topics and refraining from making major life decisions.
What Happens during a Ketamine Infusion Therapy Session?
Now that you've prepared for your upcoming infusion, let's go over what you can expect during treatment.
Ketamine sessions typically begin by getting you settled in a comfortable chair. If you'd like a pillow or blanket, or if you'd like an extra chair next to you for companionship, don't hesitate to ask the provider. Your clinician will inform you when the IV has started. Each infusion lasts 40 minutes, with the entire session taking approximately 90 minutes to complete.
During the infusion, you may experience a sense of relaxation of both mind and body. This experience might include feeling slightly light-headed or warm. Over time, you'll begin to feel even lighter, with a slight separation between yourself and your body. Some people continue to encounter this separation throughout the infusion, reaching a sensation they describe as "spiritual" or "pleasurable."
At this point, you'll feel a release from symptoms of depression, anxiety, or rumination—like the fog of the mood or anxiety disorder has been temporarily lifted. It's a hopeful reminder that depression or anxiety doesn't define you—these conditions are separate from who you are, and they can be temporary.
Potential Side Effects of Ketamine Therapy
As with any medication or procedure, there may be some side effects. The most common side effects of ketamine therapy usually occur up to two hours after the infusion, which is why we provide a two-hour period of supervision at the clinic following treatment before patients can head home. Possible side effects include:
- A feeling of disassociation or dream-like state
- Feeling "loopy"
- Double vision
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Elevated blood pressure
- Difficulty speaking
- Slight pain at the injection site
After Your Ketamine Infusion for Depression
Following your treatment and observation period, you'll need transportation home from a support person. You won't be allowed to drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery on the day of treatment. We also recommend:
- Eating a healthy meal
- Getting a good night's sleep
- Having a loved one stay with you for 12-24 hours
- Continue enjoying calming, stress-free activities
- Meeting with your therapist to help process emotions
- Avoiding alcohol for at least two weeks
If you're ready to schedule your IV ketamine infusion, or have questions about the process, contact us at our platform today to talk with a professional.
During the IV ketamine therapy session, you may experience a sense of relaxation and mild side effects such as feelings of disassociation, nausea, or changes in blood pressure. After the treatment, it's recommended to have a healthy meal, good sleep, and avoid operating heavy machinery or driving until the following day. If you're interested in scheduling an IV ketamine infusion or have questions about the process, feel free to contact us at our health-and-wellness platform for a consultation with a mental-health professional. Science continues to reveal the potential benefits of therapies-and-treatments like ketamine therapy for mental-health conditions like depression.
