What Does Ketamine Therapy Feel Like? What to Know Before Trying
Takeaway: Ketamine therapy is a cutting-edge treatment for depression, trauma, anxiety and more. But what does ketamine treatment feel like? And how exactly does it work? Here, we address these questions and more so you can get a better understanding of what to expect from the process.
Feeling lost in the depths of depression, anxiety, or trauma? You're not alone. Millions of individuals are attempting to navigate life with these mental health challenges, searching for effective and lasting options.
One such option gaining traction is ketamine therapy, lauded for its rapid relief and lasting effects. But what exactly is it? And more importantly, what does it feel like?
This post delves into the world of ketamine for treatment resistant depression and other mental health concerns, demystifying the experience, exploring its benefits and potential side effects, and equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
Join us as we navigate this cutting-edge treatment, exploring what to expect before, during, and after on your ketamine therapy journey.
Understanding the basics of ketamine therapy
This innovative treatment option has been gaining attention in recent years for its potential to help individuals struggling with various mental health challenges. Before we delve deeper into what it's like to experience ketamine therapy, let's first step back and understand the basics of this treatment approach.
Ketamine, originally used as a safe anesthetic in medical settings for decadesI has surprisingly emerged as a potential game-changer in the world of mental health. Research suggests that when administered in low doses and under thorough medical supervision, ketamine can offer significant benefits for individuals battling depression, anxiety, trauma, and even chronic pain. The dissociative effects of ketamine treatments allow for an expansive and exploratory therapeutic experience.
So, how exactly does it work? While the exact mechanism is still being explored, it's believed that ketamine interacts with specific receptors in the brain, influencing the way they communicate with one another. This interaction may lead to the growth of new neural connections (neuroplasticity) and a reduction in activity in areas associated with depression and other mental health concerns.
While traditional antidepressants and other medications can take weeks or even months to show noticeable effects in depression symptoms, ketamine therapy is known for its rapid-acting properties. Many individuals report experiencing improvements in mood and a reduction in symptoms within hours following ketamine infusion treatment.
There have been studies that suggest a reduction of suicidal thoughts with ketamine infusion as well. This unique characteristic makes it an attractive option for individuals seeking faster relief from their mental health struggles.
More research is required to understand fully how ketamine works and which mental health conditions ketamine treatment will be most efficacious for.
Preparing for Your Ketamine Therapy Session
Understanding what ketamine therapy entails is crucial, but so is preparing for your first session. Knowing what to expect beforehand can help reduce any anxiety and ensure a smooth and expansive experience.
Depending on the route of administration, the prep instructions may differ a bit. Here's an overall guide to help you feel prepared for your upcoming session:
Emotional Preparation:
Talk openly with your therapist during preparation sessions: Discuss any concerns or questions you may have. Be transparent about your hopes and expectations for the treatment.
The therapist will also schedule preparation session with you for you to explore and set intentions, discuss side effects and potential physical sensations, what your goals are, and also preparing for the unknown (ie. sometimes you patients don't get the experience they're seeking, and prepping for that is crucial).
Focus on self-care and stress management: Prior to your session, prioritize activities that promote relaxation and well-being. This could include meditation, spending time in nature, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy. Put aside the time to ensure you're getting the most out of the experience before and after the treatment.
Acknowledge and manage anxieties: It's normal to feel some anxiety before your first session. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness exercises to manage these feelings.
Physical Preparation:
Fasting: You will likely be instructed to fast for a certain number of hours before your session, typically 4-6 hours. This helps minimize the risk of nausea or vomiting during treatment. Many prescribers offer Zofran or tums to help with nausea as well.
Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is essential. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session and continue to do so afterwards.
Avoid certain substances: Your healthcare provider may recommend avoiding certain substances, such as alcohol and recreational drugs, for a specific period before and after your session.
Logistics:
Transportation: Arrange for a trusted and safe friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment, as you will not be able to operate a vehicle after the session for a minimum of several hours, but likely until the following day.
What to wear: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement. You may also want to bring an eye mask and headphones to enhance your comfort during the session. Many therapists provide these for you as part of a bundle for the service- so you can check to see what all is included with the treatment.
Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are currently taking. They will advise you on whether you need to adjust your medication intake before or after treatment. Discuss blood pressure with your prescriber as a patients blood pressure will be required to be below a certain threshold prior to the ketamine treatment.
Remember, open communication with your therapist is key throughout this process. Don't hesitate to ask questions or express any concerns you may have.
By taking the time to prepare emotionally, physically, and logistically, you can maximize the benefits of your experience and feel confident moving forward on your path to well-being.
What does ketamine treatment feel like?
So, you've prepped yourself emotionally, physically, and logistically for your ketamine session. Now, what can you actually expect during the treatment itself? While many patients' experience may vary, here's a general overview of what you might encounter:
The Treatment Setting:
Comfortable environment: Your treatment will likely take place in a quiet and comfortable medical setting, such as a doctor's office or an outpatient clinic. Ketamine assisted-psychotherapy with a mental health therapist will prioritize set and setting, meaning a lot of effort will go into making the space feel safe, secure, and cozy for your journey.
Monitoring: Throughout the session, a healthcare professional will be present to monitor your vital signs and ensure your safety. If you're receiving ketamine infusions, IV ketamine, IM ketamine treatments, a doctor or prescriber will remain in the vicinity throughout the entirety of your journey.
If a person is receiving sublingual (lozenges) or esketamine, the prescriber will have the the ketamine shipped to your home, and then you will bring in the medicine to your therapist's office for your KAP (ketamine assisted psychotherapy) session. Some organizations also offer at-home treatments and KAP sessions.
The Administration Process:
Forms of administration: Ketamine can be administered through intravenous (IV) infusion, IM (intramuscular), sublingual, or a nasal spray called esketamine.
Intravenous (IV) infusion: A thin needle will be inserted into your arm, and the ketamine will be slowly delivered into your bloodstream over a period of 30-60 minutes.
Intramuscular (IM) injection: A healthcare professional will inject the ketamine directly into a muscle, typically the arm. This method offers quicker onset of action than IV but may cause some discomfort at the injection site.
Nasal spray: Called esketamine, this involves self-administration of the medication in a specific way under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
Sublingual lozenge: This method involves placing a lozenge containing ketamine under your tongue, where it dissolves and enters the bloodstream through the mucous membranes.
The Ketamine Experience:
Onset of effects: The effects of ketamine typically begin within 5-15 minutes and can last for 30 minutes to several hours. Majority of patients describe feeling the effects of ketamine treatment for approximately 45 minutes.
Dissociative effects: You may experience dissociation, a feeling of detachment from your body or surroundings. This can be described as feeling "dreamlike" or "floaty."
Altered perception: You may also experience altered perceptions, such as seeing visual distortions or hearing sounds differently. Many patients describe hypersensitivity to light and sounds.
Emotional processing: Some individuals report a profound experience in emotional processing during the session, which can involve revisiting past memories or emotions in a new light.
Important Reminders:
It's not a "trip": While some aspects of the experience might resemble a psychedelic trip, ketamine infusion and treatments in the therapeutic setting are not intended to be recreational.
It is a medical treatment administered by a healthcare professional to help folks navigating real psychological health issues.
Communication is key: If you experience any discomfort or have any questions during the treatment, don't hesitate to communicate with your healthcare provider.
Remember, every individual will have a unique experience. It's important to approach the treatment with an open mind and realistic expectations, and to maintain open communication with your healthcare professional throughout the process.
What to expect after your session
Following your ketamine treatment session, it's important to understand the integration process, which plays a crucial role in maximizing the benefits of the experience.
This process involves actively processing the insights, emotions, and experiences that may emerge during the ketamine experience and translating them into lasting positive changes in your life.
Immediately After Your Session:
Rest and recovery: You will likely spend some time in a comfortable recovery area under the supervision of a healthcare professional until the effects of the ketamine wear off completely.
You can expect to feel things deeper and sensitive to stimulation for the remainder of the day. Some patients report feeling tired and requiring rest. Plan for this.
Integration session: If you're doing KAP, you will likely have an integration session scheduled with your therapist to discuss your experience and begin processing any thoughts, emotions, or memories that may have surfaced during the treatment.
The Integration Process:
Exploring your experience: In collaboration with your therapist, you will explore the insights and potential shifts in your perspective that may have come up during your ketamine journey.
Processing emotions: You may experience a range of emotions after the session, from euphoria and hope to sadness or anger. Your therapist will provide a safe space to explore these emotions openly and constructively.
Developing coping mechanisms: Your therapist can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage any challenging emotions or experiences that may arise post-session.
Creating lasting change: The integration process aims to translate the insights gained during ketamine therapy into concrete actions and behavioral changes that can improve your overall well-being. Anchoring in your takeaways will be a significant focus of integration.
Additional Tips:
Journaling: Regularly journaling your thoughts, feelings, and experiences after the session can be a valuable tool for self-reflection and integration.
Mindfulness practices: Engaging in mindfulness meditation or other mindfulness practices can help you stay present and grounded as you process your experience.
Self-care: Prioritizing self-care activities like getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and engaging in physical activity is crucial for supporting your physical and emotional well-being during this time.
Remember, the integration process is an ongoing journey, and it's essential to be patient and kind to yourself. Your therapist will be your guide and support system throughout this process, helping you navigate your emotions, create lasting changes, and move toward a brighter future.
Addressing common concerns in ketamine treatment
It's natural and encouraged to have questions and concerns when considering a new treatment, especially one as unique as ketamine and psychedelics. Here are some commonly raised concerns and reassurances or alternative options to address them:
Addiction: While ketamine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance due to its potential for abuse, the low doses used in therapy are not typically associated with addiction concerns.
However, it's crucial to discuss your individual risk factors for substance abuse with your healthcare provider before starting therapy.
Psychedelics are now being used as a treatment for addiction, however, a thorough evaluation prior to treatment is imperative to ensure the patient is a good fit for a safe and smooth experience.
Effectiveness: Ketamine therapy is not a guaranteed solution and may not work for everyone. However, research suggests it can be an effective treatment option for individuals with treatment resistant depression or other mental health conditions who haven't responded adequately to other forms of treatment.
Long-term effects: While ketamine therapy is generally considered safe when administered under medical supervision, some potential long-term effects are still being studied.
Discuss these potential risks and benefits openly with your healthcare provider to determine if it is right for you.
Cost: Ketamine therapy can be expensive, and insurance coverage may vary. Explore your options and discuss potential financial concerns with your healthcare provider and insurance company.
If you're still hesitant about ketamine therapy, alternative treatment options for major depressive disorder, mood disorders, and other conditions impacting your mental wellbeing still exist.
Your healthcare provider can explore other forms of therapy, medication adjustments, or lifestyle modifications that might be a better fit for your individual needs. Remember, open communication and shared decision-making are key aspects of navigating your path to well-being.
Start the ketamine therapy process today
At Restorative Integrations, we understand the challenges of navigating mental health struggles. We offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) as a potential treatment option for individuals seeking relief from depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health conditions.
Our approach to KAP combines the therapeutic benefits of ketamine with the power of psychotherapy. We partner with Journey Clinical for the medical evaluation and collaborative treatment model to provide comprehensive prep sessions, integration sessions, and EMDR therapy to maximize the benefits of this treatment.
If you're curious about whether KAP might be right for you, we encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. We'll answer your questions, discuss your individual needs, and help you determine if this innovative approach could be a step towards your healing journey.
Visit our website to learn more about our services.
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