You’ve scheduled your IV ketamine therapy … now what? Mindful Health Solutions is here to guide you through the process so you know what to expect. Our clinicians are with you every step of the way to ensure you are comfortable, confident, and prepared for this office-based, outpatient procedure.
Preparing for Your IV Ketamine Infusion Treatment
IV ketamine infusions can sound scary, and you may be nervous before your first session. Below are tips to help soothe your nerves and lead to better treatment outcomes.
Try to Relax: Stick to calming activities a few days prior to treatment. The day before, get a good night’s rest so you’re refreshed and not overtired for your ketamine infusion.
Avoid Food & Drinks: Because nausea is a common side effect of ketamine therapy, you shouldn’t eat or drink anything six hours prior to your scheduled treatment session.
Get in the Right State of Mind: Mindset is important when going into your IV ketamine treatment. In addition to getting a good night’s rest, you should also avoid watching violent or sad shows/movies or listening to exciting music. Instead, try to meditate, practice yoga, or simply relax with a soothing book so you are mentally ready for treatment.
Wear Comfy Clothes: Do you tend to run hot or cold? Keep temperature in mind when selecting your outfit. Also remember you will be seated during your treatment, so you’ll want to wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing. The goal is to feel calm and relaxed.
Pack Your Essentials: Bring items that take you to your happy place. This could mean curating a calming playlist (pack those headphones!), selecting a fun journal with new pens to write down positive thoughts during treatment, relaxing with a soothing eye mask, or rereading your favorite book.
Arrange Transportation: Get a ride from a trusted friend or family member to and from your IV ketamine infusion. Prior to your session, speak with your driver about best practices before and after treatment, including avoiding controversial or potentially triggering topics or having to make major life decisions.
What Happens during a Ketamine Infusion Therapy Session?
You’ve done all the prep for your upcoming infusion, so what comes next? Let’s review what to expect during treatment.
Ketamine sessions start by getting you situated in a comfortable chair. If you’d like a pillow or blanket, or would like an extra chair next to you for a companion, be sure to ask the provider. Your clinician will inform you when the IV has started. Each infusion lasts 40 minutes, while the entire session takes about 90 minutes to complete.
The first thing you can expect to feel is a sense of relaxation of mind and/or body. Part of this experience may include being slightly light-headed or warm. Over time, you’ll start to feel even lighter, like there is a slight separation between yourself and your body. Some people continue to feel this separation expand throughout the infusion, to the point of feeling “above the room” – a sensation they report as “spiritual” or “pleasurable.”
It’s at this point that you will feel relief from symptoms of depression, anxiety, or rumination, like the fog of the mood or anxiety disorder has been temporarily lifted. This is a hopeful reminder that depression or anxiety does not define you – these conditions are separate from who you are, and 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 typically 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. While you might not experience any of these side effects, they may include:
- Disassociation or dream-like state
- Feeling “loopy”
- Double vision
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Elevated blood pressure
- Difficulty speaking
- Slight pain at injection site
After Your Ketamine Infusion
Following your ketamine treatment and observation period, you will need transportation home from a support person. You will not be permitted 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
- Asking a loved one to stay with you for 12-24 hours
- Continue enjoying calming, stress-free activities
- Meeting with your therapist to help process emotions
- Avoiding alcohol for up to 2 weeks
If you’re ready to schedule your IV ketamine infusion, or have questions about the process, contact us at Mindful Health Solutions today to speak with a professional.
