What to Expect

What to Expect?

It’s essential to discuss any questions or concerns you have about ketamine infusion therapy with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.

When you go to a ketamine infusion clinic, you can expect a controlled medical environment where ketamine is administered
by an anesthesia provider. Here’s what you can typically expect when going to a ketamine infusion clinic:

1. Consultation:

Before starting ketamine infusion therapy, you will have an initial consultation. During this consultation, you will discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. The provider will assess whether ketamine infusion is an appropriate treatment option for your specific condition.

2. Medical evaluation:

Depending on your medical history and current health, you may undergo a physical examination and possibly some medical tests to ensure that ketamine infusion is safe for you.

3. Treatment plan:

If you’re deemed a suitable candidate, your healthcare provider will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan will outline the number of sessions you will need, the frequency of treatments, and the dosage of ketamine to be administered.

4. Administration of ketamine:

During the infusion session, you’ll be seated in a comfortable recliner, an intravenous (IV) line will be started in your hand or arm to administer the ketamine solution slowly into your bloodstream. The infusion process typically takes 40 minutes to several hours, depending on the protocol (pain versus mental health) and your response to the treatment.

5. Monitoring:

Throughout the infusion, you’ll be closely monitored by healthcare professionals. They will track vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels to ensure your safety.

6. Sensations and experiences:

Ketamine can induce various sensations and experiences, which may include dissociation, altered perceptions, and changes in thought patterns. Some people describe these experiences as dream-like or psychedelic. These effects are temporary and typically subside once the infusion is complete.

7. Post-infusion recovery:

After the infusion, you will remain in the clinic for a period of observation. This is to ensure that you are stable and safe to leave. The length of this observation period can vary but is typically around 30 minutes to an hour.

8. Transportation:

It’s essential to arrange for someone to drive you home after your ketamine infusion session, as you may still feel the effects of the medication and it can impair your ability to drive safely.

9. Follow-up appointments:

You’ll likely have a series of ketamine infusion sessions, typically scheduled over a few weeks. The number of sessions and the frequency will depend on your treatment plan. After completing the initial series, you may have periodic maintenance infusions to sustain the benefits.