Ketamine therapy is becoming increasingly recognized as a promising treatment option for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. With its rapid-acting effects and unique mechanism of action, ketamine offers hope to individuals who haven’t found relief through traditional therapies.
But what exactly does a ketamine therapy session involve? If you’re considering this treatment or are simply curious, understanding what to expect can help you make an informed decision.
In this article, we’ll explore the typical ketamine therapy session, from the initial consultation to the actual experience and what follows afterward.
Key Takeaways
- Ketamine therapy is an emerging treatment for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, particularly when traditional treatments have not been effective.
- Although ketamine infusions are not FDA-approved for mental health, they are prescribed off-label by qualified doctors and administered in a clinical setting under careful supervision.
- Preparing for a session involves setting clear intentions, which can help guide the therapeutic experience and maximize its benefits.
- The experience during a ketamine session can be deeply introspective, with altered perceptions and emotions, and is often described as both surreal and insightful.
- Choosing the right clinic and discussing your goals with your healthcare provider are crucial steps in ensuring a safe and effective treatment journey.
Understanding Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine was initially developed as an anesthetic, and infusions continue to be widely used in medical and veterinary settings. However, in more recent times, it’s become popular as a mental health treatment.
In the year 2000, Berman et al. conducted the first clinical trial showing ketamine infusions had rapid-acting and sustained benefits in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Numerous studies have highlighted the mental health benefits of ketamine infusions, including for depression, suicidality, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxiety.
The FDA hasn’t approved ketamine infusions as mental health treatment, However, doctors are able to prescribe the drug “off-label” meaning they can legally administer ketamine infusions for mental health conditions based on their clinical judgment. This off-label practice allows patients access to potentially life-changing treatments, especially when other therapies have failed.
Though infusions haven’t been approved for mental health treatment, the FDA approved Spravato–a nasal spray form of ketamine–for depression in 2019.
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About Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Ketamine infusion therapy involves administering controlled doses of ketamine over the course of several hours. The infusion allows ketamine to enter the bloodstream directly, leading to rapid therapeutic effects, often within hours.
The drug is often provided intravenously, and injected into a patient’s veins. However, some studies have shown ketamine has benefits when provided intramuscularly (into a patient’s muscles).
Ketamine infusions may be provided as a stand-alone treatment or part of a program of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP).
Standalone infusions are provided without therapeutic support, though a clinician will monitor the patient for safety. These are often provided to relieve acute symptoms, such as suicidality.
On the other hand, KAP involves a series of infusions and therapeutic sessions. The accompanying therapy aims to help patients explore insights that may arise during their ketamine experiences and integrate them into their daily lives.
Preparing for Your Ketamine Therapy Session
Finding the Right Clinic for You
Start by researching clinics with licensed medical professionals who have experience in administering ketamine for mental health conditions. Look for clinics that provide comprehensive care, including pre-treatment evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and post-treatment follow-up.
Reading reviews and testimonials from other patients can provide insights into the clinic’s reputation and patient care.
Consider scheduling a consultation to ask questions and get a feel for the clinic’s environment and staff before committing to treatment.
Setting Intentions
Whether you’re having a standalone treatment or KAP, taking time to reflect on what you’d like to achieve from the experience can help provide greater meaning to the session.
These intentions can be broad, like gaining clarity or healing from trauma, or more specific, such as reducing anxiety or improving mood. You will likely discuss these intentions with your therapist or clinician.
Practical Preparation
Make sure you have a care partner who can drive you to and from your appointment. After ketamine, you might feel very sleepy, so driving is not safe.
Also, start a clear liquid diet 24 hours before your session. This means no solid foods or certain drinks. Stick to liquids like water, broth, and clear juices. This diet helps your body get ready for the ketamine.
Keep taking your regular medications as usual, unless your doctor says to stop. And wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment. This makes you more comfortable and relaxed during the treatment.
The Ketamine Infusion Process
During a ketamine session, a nurse will put in an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. This line connects to a machine that gives you low, controlled doses of ketamine for 4 to 6 hours. The commonly given dose is around 0.5 mg/kg.
Your nurse will closely monitor your vital signs like temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. They’ll adjust the medicine as needed to keep you comfy. You might feel a bit of nausea or dizziness during the ketamine infusion, but your nurse will help you through it.
During the process, you’ll be on a comfy bed with a pillow and blanket. You may have over-ear headphones when playing ambient music to help you go deeper into an internal psychological journey.
What is a Ketamine Therapy Session Like?
A ketamine therapy session can feel different from person to person, depending on the doses provided. As the infusion begins, you might notice a sense of relaxation, followed by changes in your perception of time, space, and self.
Many people describe a feeling of detachment from their body, almost like floating or being in a dream-like state. Visual and auditory hallucinations can occur, often experienced as vivid colors, patterns, or even scenes from memories.
The overall experience is often described as introspective and can lead to profound personal insights, though it can also feel strange or disorienting at times. Medical professionals are present throughout the session to ensure your safety and provide reassurance if needed.
After Your Ketamine Therapy Session
Post-Treatment Care
After your ketamine therapy session, you’ll rest and recover for about an hour in the treatment suite. Your nurse will give you discharge instructions. This includes not driving or making big decisions for the day because you might feel very sleepy.
You might feel a bit nauseous or dizzy after the treatment, but these feelings will go away soon. To make sure you recover well, having a friend or family member to drive you home is key. You won’t be able to drive yourself.
A nurse will call you 1-3 days after your ketamine therapy session to check how you’re doing. They will also give you any follow-up care advice you need. This post-treatment care is vital. It helps your healthcare team keep track of your progress and make sure the treatment works well.
By listening to your healthcare team and taking it easy after your ketamine therapy session, you can get the most out of the treatment. This helps you recover well and ensures you get the best results.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Ketamine therapy is usually safe, but it’s important to know the possible side effects and risks. The safety of ketamine therapy is key for those thinking about it.
Though the psychological effects of ketamine can be hugely beneficial, they can also be unpleasant and disorientating. You may feel disconnected from reality, anxious, and experience unpleasant hallucinations.
Physical side effects may include nausea, dizziness, and sleepiness. Rare but serious side effects such as irregular heart rate, low blood pressure, and allergic reactions have also been reported.
Ketamine also has an abuse potential, so if you’re someone prone to substance abuse issues, this may not be the treatment for you. Ketamine addiction may be rare when provided in clinical settings. However, long-term side effects associated with chronic ketamine use can be severe.
Deciding on Ketamine Therapy
If you’re thinking about ketamine therapy, talk openly with your healthcare provider. They will look at your medical history to see if ketamine therapy is safe for you.
Some health issues, like severe high blood pressure, being pregnant, having schizophrenia, or using drugs, might mean you can’t have ketamine therapy. Your doctor will think about the risks and benefits to help you decide if ketamine therapy is good for you.
If your doctor suggests ketamine therapy, you’ll sign a treatment plan. Remember, ketamine therapy is just one way to treat mental health issues and so make sure to talk about all your options with your doctor.
You’ll also have to consider the cost of ketamine therapy before deciding on it.
FAQs
What Should I Do on the Day of My Ketamine Therapy Session?
Before your session, arrange for a friend to drive you. Start a clear liquid diet 24 hours before. Wear comfy clothes that are easy to move in.
You may set time aside for yoga or meditation to help calm your nerves and put you in a good headspace before the therapy.
What Happens on the Day of My Ketamine Therapy Session?
Arrive at the treatment center and check in at the front desk. Then, you’ll go to the treatment suite. You’ll be led on a bed and a nurse will start an IV and give you the ketamine infusion.
They’ll watch your vital signs and adjust the medication to keep you comfortable.
What Happens After My Ketamine Therapy Session?
After your session, you’ll stay in the suite for about an hour to rest. Your nurse will give you instructions to follow, like not driving or making big decisions that day. They’ll call you in 1-3 days to check on you and help with any follow-up care.
How Do I Know if Ketamine Therapy is Right for Me?
Talk to your healthcare provider about ketamine therapy. They’ll look at your health history to see if it’s safe for you. They’ll explain the risks and benefits to help you decide.