It isn’t uncommon for those who have never undergone Ketamine treatments to feel apprehensive, just like with any other first-time procedure. There are questions, concerns, and worries about the variances in experiences. Each of these is valid feelings because, like any other treatment, Ketamine can produce different results for a variety of reasons including dose and the patient’s health.

What Can Patients Expect?

Ketamine is generally given at a medical clinic as an intravenous infusion. That’s the first thing you should expect. If you are nervous about the procedure, you’re not alone—this is a normal feeling because you don’t know what to expect from the treatment. Some patients report that they don’t experience any difference in their mental feelings at all during their initial treatment and others state that they haven’t felt as comfortable or relaxed as they did during the procedure in years.

Because Ketamine has dissociative properties, some patients report that they feel a disconnection from their body. When administered in low dosages, the feelings are pleasant, and it’s possible for patients to gain a more objective life perspective. It’s for that reason Ketamine is used as a treatment for PTSD patients. The therapy allows them to avoid going through the traumatic emotions while dealing with the root issues. When individuals are working through depression, Ketamine can assist them with feeling less alone and isolated.

What Are the Most Common Feelings?

Typically, Ketamine makes patients refrain from feeling pain. It’s for this reason that they’re closely monitored, so they don’t hurt themselves accidentally. When receiving Ketamine injections, it’s common to feel happy, calm, and entirely relaxed. Patients may feel some confusion and a little bit nauseous, but those symptoms subside. It isn’t uncommon for a patient’s perception to experience alterations, like time or space, for example, but this doesn’t last for long.

On January 13, 2019, TheInevitableJourney shared on Twitter that “I never have any visualizations/hallucinations. Just floating feelings.” Ruud Zwolle replied to that tweet by stating, “Same here. Only lightheaded, floating feeling.” There’s also a very well-written account of a an editor’s experience that includes what Ketamine feels like here.

The Positive Effects of Ketamine

When patients receive Ketamine infusion therapy, the effects will last for approximately thirty minutes to one hour. While it isn’t recommended to make important decisions or drive on the day of the treatment, shortly thereafter, patients will be able to return to their normal lives without any trouble. Under most circumstances, the first positive feeling patients experience is an absence of many of the anxious feelings they were previously experiencing. This relief might occur immediately following the treatment. If patients have any feelings of disassociation, they may be able to break down the negative paradigms or social norms that be also be causing them psychological stress.

Any negative after-effects wear off quickly and when patients know what to expect, their experiences are more often pleasant. Because nausea is a common occurrence following therapy, the recommendation is for patients to only drink clear liquids for up to two hours before their treatment, and not to eat for up to four hours afterward. 

What Does This Mean for Ketamine Patients?

Generally, Ketamine infusion therapy shouldn’t occur independently from medical supervision. The main reason for this is that it’s tricky to dose. Patients receive the correct amount during their infusions to ensure they’re experiencing the right mental effects and outcomes. When patients have medical supervision, they are less likely to experience after-effects. Medical professionals will ensure patients receive the proper care before, during, and after ketamine infusion therapy treatments.

Do you have more questions about Ketamine? Reach out to us at 833-867-2329. If you or anyone you know needs Ketamine Infusion Therapy, contact us to book your first session today!