Preparing for a Ketamine Treatment

You have decided to begin ketamine infusion therapy and want to make the most of it. What can you do to make the treatment a success?

Introduction

In recent years, ketamine infusion therapy has emerged as a promising treatment for various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. While the procedure itself is administered by trained medical professionals, proper preparation and education can enhance the effectiveness and overall experience of ketamine infusions. This blog post will outline the essential steps for Preparing for Ketamine Treatment. This will help ensure you approach the treatment with confidence, understanding, and a positive mindset.

Consultation with a Qualified Medical Professional

The first step in preparing for a ketamine infusion is to schedule a consultation with a qualified and experienced infusion provider. They will conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical history, current health condition, and any existing mental health issues. This assessment helps determine if ketamine infusion therapy is the right course of action for you, as well as what dosage and treatment plan may be most suitable. Be sure to ask any questions you might have before beginning treatment. The more clarity you have, the more likely you will have realistic expectations and be prepared to do the work outside of the infusions. It is critical to understand that ketamine can be life-changing, but the best results come when clients are willing to make positive choices and changes in other areas of their life.

Understanding the Procedure

Educating yourself about ketamine infusion therapy is crucial for easing anxiety and feeling confident about the treatment. Learn about how the procedure works, the potential benefits, and any potential side effects. Knowledge is empowering, and being well-informed will enable you to approach the infusion with a clearer mindset. At NW Ketamine Infusion you will have a private room and be seated in a comfortable recliner during the infusion. We encourage you to have a friend or family member remain in the room during the infusion.

Medication and Substance Review

Inform your ketamine infusion provider about all medications, supplements, or substances you are currently taking or have recently stopped taking. You should avoid alcohol, marijuana and other elicit substances for at least 24 hours before and after the infusion. The use of drugs and alcohol can decrease the effectiveness of ketamine infusion and their use is generally discouraged over the course of treatment. Remember the more chemicals you are putting into your body, the more difficult it will be to get a clear idea of how effective the treatment is for you. Certain medications can interact with ketamine and may require adjustments before the infusion.

Mental and Emotional Preparation

Ketamine infusion therapy can evoke intense emotions and experiences. Engaging in relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Reflect on your treatment goals and remind yourself of the positive impact that this therapy can have on your well-being.

Arrange Transportation and Support

Ketamine infusion sessions can induce altered states of consciousness, and you may feel a bit disoriented afterward. It is essential to arrange for someone to accompany you to the treatment and drive you home safely. Having a trusted friend or family member with you can also provide emotional reassurance throughout the process.

Plan for Rest and Recovery

After the ketamine infusion, you may experience lingering effects, including tiredness or drowsiness. Plan to rest for a few hours or even the remainder of the day after the treatment to allow your body and mind to recover fully. Avoid strenuous activities or responsibilities that require significant mental or physical effort.

Maintain a Positive Mindset

Approach the ketamine infusion with an open mind and a positive attitude. While it may not work for everyone, many individuals have reported significant improvements in their mental health through this therapy. Embrace the opportunity for healing and view the treatment as a step towards reclaiming control over your life.

Track your Progress

Do your best to monitor your progress throughout the treatment. For some this is very easy as they have developed an intuition about their mental health after years of struggling to find a solution. For others they can find it hard to see themselves clearly and the process can be more confusing. Patience is key. Seeking feedback from close friends and family members is often quite useful as they might see something that you don’t. If you are engaged in talk therapy, be sure to discuss your experiences with the therapist. Journaling can also be a useful tool. In the end, there are many ways to experience or process the journey so it will be up to you to find what works best for you and do the work.

One phrase that commonly comes up in the clinic is, “Earn your reward”. If you really want to get better, the process is not a passive one that just happens to you. You need to be actively engaged and working towards the goals that you seek.  It is also critical that you share your perspective with the infusion provider. Remember that no one knows how you are feeling except for you. The decision to progress through a series of infusions will largely be based on your feedback.

Conclusion

Preparing for a ketamine infusion is about creating the optimal environment for successful treatment. This is sometime referred to as the ‘set and setting’. The setting will be the safe and private room in which you experience the infusion. The set (mindset) is determined by your mood, knowledge and attitude coming into the process. By consulting with a qualified medical professional, educating yourself about the procedure, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can maximize the benefits of this promising therapy. Remember that every individual’s journey is unique, and the road to healing may require time and patience. The first step towards finding relief and hope is taking that leap of faith towards seeking help and embracing the possibilities that ketamine infusion therapy can offer. 

NW Ketamine Infusion

June 12, 2023

Disclaimer: This blog does not constitute medical advice but rather a synthesis of published reports and accumulation of personal experience in treating patients using ketamine. The information in this post should not be used to guide medical decisions.