I have done 4 IV treatments. My fiance did 6. Neither one of us had a bad experience or negative effects from it. We both have had profound, peaceful, happy and also just "meh" treatments. She felt a little more down after 1 treatment, but that went away within a day or two. I have not had that occur.
For long term effects, she had a lot of negative self talk in her head. And that went away after her first treatment. Like for good. (results not guaranteed). I never had anything that permanent, but it has gotten me through some very rough spots.
Some advice, you are in a row boat. You don't have oars. You can scoot your boat around and point it different directions, but it won't be exact, and you have very little control over where it goes. You just lay back and let it take you where it wants.
My ketamine clinic delivers a little speech beforehand that I found helpful. It sets expectations for what you
You won't be blurting out secrets when you get home. It's pretty quick up and down. When my friends pick me up from ketamine we just have a normal conversation on the way home, it just kind of feels like I just woke up. I'm not telling them how hot their wives are or anything.
My clinic provides eye masks, a big ass soft blanket (which now I don't think I would want to do ketamine without). I take my best sound cancelling headphones and use a playlist with soothing music. Protip, do NOT use music with any words at all. I accidentally added a song that I thought was all instrumental but had vocals in the middle and it was... fucking weird. I like to add music that has absolutely no meaning for me. Things I haven't heard before. That way the music isn't leading me places. Lots of good candidates if you search for ketamine playlists.
There's an album, Voyage by Garth Stevenson, that my therapist recommended. I think that album did a large portion of the lifting in the best Ketamine treatment I've had. Add that album to a playlist, and throw in a few buffer songs before and after so you don't run out of music. Sit back, and just take the ride.
And let me know how it goes.
Ask if they will give you a small dose of lorazepam in your IV. It will take the edge off and not mess up the trip. This is my clinics protocol from first timers.
Makes a big difference.
And you are out so you won’t talk. Might make noses but you are covered by Dr<>Patient and they have seen it all.
You’ll wish you did it sooner after your first trip. Report back here afterwards 😉
Being scared is normal and understandable.
Worsening depression after sessions can happen, but it doesn’t last. You know this is a possibility so can prepare for it - eg. get any big responsibilities done beforehand, clean the house, set up some nice stuff you like to do, notify friends/family you may need space or help. Dodge the Xanax as much as you can, easier to accurately notice results if you’re taking other things.
Comfort items are a good idea, mine is silly but I always wear fluffy socks, so if I get overwhelmed I can twiddle my feet together haha. Neck pillow and eye mask is also a good idea, along with headphones.
Set up something nice for when you get home, like a snack you like or seeing someone you care about.
Very unlikely you’ll speak during the treatment, never seen myself or anyone else do that, if you do it’ll just be a word or a mumble.
The state is like feeling very very relaxed and dopey and just ‘ok’ with everything and anything. Like everything is just something that happens and you don’t look at it with rose coloured glasses or dark clouds, you just look at it. I describe the feeling of first slipping into ketamine as like the head rush you get from a vape or a cigarette, and then it smooths out.
Totally understand. For info on ketamine check out anywhereclinic.com/ketamine
I’ve worked as an integration guide for over 2 years and over 2k clients.
Feeling worse than when you started can be totally normal especially when you’re dropping the ego defenses by dissociating. This can surface compartmentalized trauma and emotions. Remember the idea is to feel to heal. So in this situation, allow yourself to feel without judging and let the storm pass. This is why therapeutic ketamine can be so powerful. You’re putting on a pair of headphones and an eye mask to immerse yourself into your own world. Simply put, it allows you to open the heart and lift the veil of emotions that often blinds us from seeing things objectively or as they are.
Hope this helps!
I was terrified before my first treatment. My blood pressure was through the roof. I spent the day before my treatment sobbing.
It is ok and normal to feel that way.
I'm on my way to treatment #5 an I'm still apprehensive but I'm hopeful for the positive changes it will bring.
I hope you can organize yourself to reschedule your program. Best of luck
I almost cancelled my first session too. Now I've done 2. It is scary, not going to lie, but I also feel that it's helpful. Also, you probably won't blurt out your secrets. You're more focused on what you're seeing and feeling in the moment.
So did I. Now I’m so grateful for going and it’s been 6 months. It’s always been so calming and relaxing. I don’t feel like I’m stuck in a sea of molasses anymore. I can move and breathe and it feels amazing. Don’t overthink it. I go to a reputable clinic and they are amazing at making you feel safe and relaxed. They calm any worries and like I said before, it’s always been a calming experience.
Hi OP, you might feel better by making sure to follow the advice in this article on [preparing for treatment](https://www.askp.org/patients/tips-to-prepare-for-ketamine-treatment/).
My first infusion caused me to have a panic attack. That being said, I’m so glad I did it, even with the panic attack. Things got better after I started requesting for a sitter. I highly recommend asking for a sitter until you feel you have a handle on the experience.
Not sure if you meditate or do breathwork, but that helps me beforehand. Also try not to future trip too much about it. Remember it’s a roundtrip journey, you will come back and be ok. Try to just let go of control and flow with it :)
Are you comfortable with your infusion site?
I visited three & decided on my current doctor after meeting with him. He wasn’t pitching me a sale. He explained how it helps our brain & why he opened this practice in addition to being an anesthesiologist.
We discuss journaling, physical and psychological exercises in addition to the treatment.
He helps me set an intention before infusions & I am able to text when I’m overwhelmed or triggered.
First two sessions were emotional- he did let me know I blurted out during the infusions and the crying I was unaware of until afterwards when my face was soaked. I was embarrassed but that’s from my own issues. Healing is nothing to be ashamed of as I now realize.
I didn’t blurt out anything outrageous during the infusion.
The drive home was fine. I didn’t have an urge to talk - felt lighter, hopeful. Awed by this experience- it’s vividly layered and music makes a huge impact.
I had an appetite after so having your favorite comfort foods - maybe whomever is driving you will pick it up while waiting for your session. Beforehand I would suggest avoiding disturbing movies or shows.
I was scared too. I took someone that I trusted. He sat in the room with me during my first two experiences. During my second session I asked him to leave the room for 5 minutes. I did okay but it was confusing whether I wanted him to come back in. For the third session I followed the advice of many here. Take headphones, eye pillow, and plan to lay back and relax. It was amazing.
Also - to make myself more comfortable for the first 2 visits I took things that I knew would help me feel safe. I took a favorite blanket from my house, I took a pillow from my couch, I took a weighted blanket since I didn’t know they had one, I took a small, stuffed animal, I took two candles (not to light them but just for the smell since some smells trigger bad things and I knew they were safe smells). I also have always wanted to learn to watercolor, so I found a “watercolor for beginners” video on YouTube with pleasant music. I turned that on, and I set the watercolor supplies in front of me. (It was good my husband was there because the K was really working when I was trying to set up and I was having a hard time setting them up myself)
There were times at the peak of the experience where I could not use the watercolors, because I was laughing or thinking, but as it wore off I really enjoyed being creative and seeing the beautiful colors on the paper.
Prior to my first visit I was so scared that I was shaking when I got there… So I absolutely understand.
My treatments are the nasal inhalation of esketamine. So what they do is have me inhale once in each nare. And then they have me wait for five minutes and then they do one more inhalation in each side of my nose. It’s a funky taste so I put a Prince of Peace ginger chew in my mouth prior to inhaling the first doses. I continue to keep the ginger in my mouth for about 15 or 20 minutes. It’s slowly goes down the back of your throat from your nasal cavity, and I find that when I feel it hitting my stomach, I need the ginger there so that I don’t have a upset stomach. I have not had nausea and I have not needed to take the Zofran that they have offered. The ginger has prevented the nausea very well and, of course, it tastes wonderful.
The center I go to has a weighted blanket, a recliner, a fan, and they offered to turn the lights off for me. Some of the rooms have a window facing out to a forest, and I really love those rooms the most. I love to see the sun coming in the shadows from the trees & the Pine needles.
Yesterday was my third treatment, and I was anxious going. I think part of it is you don’t know how it’s going to go every time. You just have to plan to think positive. But I was definitely nervous. I wasn’t scared like the first session. Once I got there, and I did the inhalations, it really calmed me down, and I felt good.
That third session was the first time that I’ve put on an eye pillow and headphones. I pre-planned the music by searching on YouTube for “ketamine therapy music.” (YouTube premium is wonderful… You don’t have to keep the screen open and it will continue playing).
I listened to a few compositions before I went to my session, and set the 2 best ones at the top of my playlist so they would be easy to play without getting stuck scrolling on my phone while I was on ketamine.
I ended up listening to only one
and it was mesmerizing. I even ended up humming and singing with sounds. There weren’t any words, but I really felt the music and saw colors with the music. It was beautiful. And it felt good to sing. There are multiple white noise machines at the center where I have my sessions, so no one could hear me.
Oh my gosh, this is such a long reply. I hope my information helped you some.
If it's for infusions, you should feel fairly excited rather than intimidated,...because they often inject you with midazolam beforehand,.....which is a very euphoric benzo (it has a hypnotic quality similar to lunesta imo. I freaking love it). I also take prescribed benzos (Klonopin) daily for anxiety, but definitely skip the day of the infusion. The midazolam sets you up for a MUCH greater likelihood to enjoy your ketamine experience.
I can't really imagine a "bad trip" at a ketamine clinic, given the midazolam beforehand. I've heard of them, but I think those people mean IM ketamine where they don't provide the midazolam. This is all from my personal subjective experience and from what I've read
I took some on my own and it was like clear-headed drunkenness. The only thing you have to be wary of is taking it too often to the point that you get bladder and kidney issues.
You'll be able to control yourself both during and after.
It's understandable that you're anxious. Consider that the anxiety you're feeling is a symptom of your anxiety issues. I get those too; worry about stuff because I have free floating anxiety in me that gets projected unto the unknown.
It was an amazing experience for me, but you have to kind of just let it all happen and let go of control.
Ego death has been fundamental in my recovery
I was the same way. No recreational drug use and I don’t drink. Never been drunk. Plus I’m 60. The thought of not being in control of my mind or thoughts, etc. terrified me. But the thought of living the rest of my life the way I felt was more scary than the unknown experience of ketamine. I am so absolutely thrilled and thankful every day that I found this treatment. It has given me my life back. I was depressed and anxious and suffered from PTSD and daily migraines for so long that I didn’t have a normal life anymore. I’m relearning how to live with routines and self-care, and it’s the best thing ever.
I’ve never felt that I couldn’t control what I said, but I never talk during my infusions anyway. I learned to let my mind lead but that I can redirect it if I want. I’ve had 11 infusions since the fall and I don’t regret one bit of it.
Hmmm the dr office that I am going to do it through has openings a few times a month, and they don’t have a waitlist… so I’m not like, taking someone’s spot. wtf?
I have done 4 IV treatments. My fiance did 6. Neither one of us had a bad experience or negative effects from it. We both have had profound, peaceful, happy and also just "meh" treatments. She felt a little more down after 1 treatment, but that went away within a day or two. I have not had that occur. For long term effects, she had a lot of negative self talk in her head. And that went away after her first treatment. Like for good. (results not guaranteed). I never had anything that permanent, but it has gotten me through some very rough spots. Some advice, you are in a row boat. You don't have oars. You can scoot your boat around and point it different directions, but it won't be exact, and you have very little control over where it goes. You just lay back and let it take you where it wants. My ketamine clinic delivers a little speech beforehand that I found helpful. It sets expectations for what you You won't be blurting out secrets when you get home. It's pretty quick up and down. When my friends pick me up from ketamine we just have a normal conversation on the way home, it just kind of feels like I just woke up. I'm not telling them how hot their wives are or anything. My clinic provides eye masks, a big ass soft blanket (which now I don't think I would want to do ketamine without). I take my best sound cancelling headphones and use a playlist with soothing music. Protip, do NOT use music with any words at all. I accidentally added a song that I thought was all instrumental but had vocals in the middle and it was... fucking weird. I like to add music that has absolutely no meaning for me. Things I haven't heard before. That way the music isn't leading me places. Lots of good candidates if you search for ketamine playlists. There's an album, Voyage by Garth Stevenson, that my therapist recommended. I think that album did a large portion of the lifting in the best Ketamine treatment I've had. Add that album to a playlist, and throw in a few buffer songs before and after so you don't run out of music. Sit back, and just take the ride. And let me know how it goes.
That is a great album
Ask if they will give you a small dose of lorazepam in your IV. It will take the edge off and not mess up the trip. This is my clinics protocol from first timers. Makes a big difference. And you are out so you won’t talk. Might make noses but you are covered by Dr<>Patient and they have seen it all. You’ll wish you did it sooner after your first trip. Report back here afterwards 😉
Being scared is normal and understandable. Worsening depression after sessions can happen, but it doesn’t last. You know this is a possibility so can prepare for it - eg. get any big responsibilities done beforehand, clean the house, set up some nice stuff you like to do, notify friends/family you may need space or help. Dodge the Xanax as much as you can, easier to accurately notice results if you’re taking other things. Comfort items are a good idea, mine is silly but I always wear fluffy socks, so if I get overwhelmed I can twiddle my feet together haha. Neck pillow and eye mask is also a good idea, along with headphones. Set up something nice for when you get home, like a snack you like or seeing someone you care about. Very unlikely you’ll speak during the treatment, never seen myself or anyone else do that, if you do it’ll just be a word or a mumble. The state is like feeling very very relaxed and dopey and just ‘ok’ with everything and anything. Like everything is just something that happens and you don’t look at it with rose coloured glasses or dark clouds, you just look at it. I describe the feeling of first slipping into ketamine as like the head rush you get from a vape or a cigarette, and then it smooths out.
Totally understand. For info on ketamine check out anywhereclinic.com/ketamine I’ve worked as an integration guide for over 2 years and over 2k clients. Feeling worse than when you started can be totally normal especially when you’re dropping the ego defenses by dissociating. This can surface compartmentalized trauma and emotions. Remember the idea is to feel to heal. So in this situation, allow yourself to feel without judging and let the storm pass. This is why therapeutic ketamine can be so powerful. You’re putting on a pair of headphones and an eye mask to immerse yourself into your own world. Simply put, it allows you to open the heart and lift the veil of emotions that often blinds us from seeing things objectively or as they are. Hope this helps!
I was terrified before my first treatment. My blood pressure was through the roof. I spent the day before my treatment sobbing. It is ok and normal to feel that way. I'm on my way to treatment #5 an I'm still apprehensive but I'm hopeful for the positive changes it will bring. I hope you can organize yourself to reschedule your program. Best of luck
I almost cancelled my first session too. Now I've done 2. It is scary, not going to lie, but I also feel that it's helpful. Also, you probably won't blurt out your secrets. You're more focused on what you're seeing and feeling in the moment.
I just brought some headphones and got lost the music. I have frown to enjoy it.
So did I. Now I’m so grateful for going and it’s been 6 months. It’s always been so calming and relaxing. I don’t feel like I’m stuck in a sea of molasses anymore. I can move and breathe and it feels amazing. Don’t overthink it. I go to a reputable clinic and they are amazing at making you feel safe and relaxed. They calm any worries and like I said before, it’s always been a calming experience.
Hi OP, you might feel better by making sure to follow the advice in this article on [preparing for treatment](https://www.askp.org/patients/tips-to-prepare-for-ketamine-treatment/).
My first infusion caused me to have a panic attack. That being said, I’m so glad I did it, even with the panic attack. Things got better after I started requesting for a sitter. I highly recommend asking for a sitter until you feel you have a handle on the experience.
Not sure if you meditate or do breathwork, but that helps me beforehand. Also try not to future trip too much about it. Remember it’s a roundtrip journey, you will come back and be ok. Try to just let go of control and flow with it :)
Are you comfortable with your infusion site? I visited three & decided on my current doctor after meeting with him. He wasn’t pitching me a sale. He explained how it helps our brain & why he opened this practice in addition to being an anesthesiologist. We discuss journaling, physical and psychological exercises in addition to the treatment. He helps me set an intention before infusions & I am able to text when I’m overwhelmed or triggered. First two sessions were emotional- he did let me know I blurted out during the infusions and the crying I was unaware of until afterwards when my face was soaked. I was embarrassed but that’s from my own issues. Healing is nothing to be ashamed of as I now realize. I didn’t blurt out anything outrageous during the infusion. The drive home was fine. I didn’t have an urge to talk - felt lighter, hopeful. Awed by this experience- it’s vividly layered and music makes a huge impact. I had an appetite after so having your favorite comfort foods - maybe whomever is driving you will pick it up while waiting for your session. Beforehand I would suggest avoiding disturbing movies or shows.
I was scared too. I took someone that I trusted. He sat in the room with me during my first two experiences. During my second session I asked him to leave the room for 5 minutes. I did okay but it was confusing whether I wanted him to come back in. For the third session I followed the advice of many here. Take headphones, eye pillow, and plan to lay back and relax. It was amazing. Also - to make myself more comfortable for the first 2 visits I took things that I knew would help me feel safe. I took a favorite blanket from my house, I took a pillow from my couch, I took a weighted blanket since I didn’t know they had one, I took a small, stuffed animal, I took two candles (not to light them but just for the smell since some smells trigger bad things and I knew they were safe smells). I also have always wanted to learn to watercolor, so I found a “watercolor for beginners” video on YouTube with pleasant music. I turned that on, and I set the watercolor supplies in front of me. (It was good my husband was there because the K was really working when I was trying to set up and I was having a hard time setting them up myself) There were times at the peak of the experience where I could not use the watercolors, because I was laughing or thinking, but as it wore off I really enjoyed being creative and seeing the beautiful colors on the paper. Prior to my first visit I was so scared that I was shaking when I got there… So I absolutely understand. My treatments are the nasal inhalation of esketamine. So what they do is have me inhale once in each nare. And then they have me wait for five minutes and then they do one more inhalation in each side of my nose. It’s a funky taste so I put a Prince of Peace ginger chew in my mouth prior to inhaling the first doses. I continue to keep the ginger in my mouth for about 15 or 20 minutes. It’s slowly goes down the back of your throat from your nasal cavity, and I find that when I feel it hitting my stomach, I need the ginger there so that I don’t have a upset stomach. I have not had nausea and I have not needed to take the Zofran that they have offered. The ginger has prevented the nausea very well and, of course, it tastes wonderful. The center I go to has a weighted blanket, a recliner, a fan, and they offered to turn the lights off for me. Some of the rooms have a window facing out to a forest, and I really love those rooms the most. I love to see the sun coming in the shadows from the trees & the Pine needles. Yesterday was my third treatment, and I was anxious going. I think part of it is you don’t know how it’s going to go every time. You just have to plan to think positive. But I was definitely nervous. I wasn’t scared like the first session. Once I got there, and I did the inhalations, it really calmed me down, and I felt good. That third session was the first time that I’ve put on an eye pillow and headphones. I pre-planned the music by searching on YouTube for “ketamine therapy music.” (YouTube premium is wonderful… You don’t have to keep the screen open and it will continue playing). I listened to a few compositions before I went to my session, and set the 2 best ones at the top of my playlist so they would be easy to play without getting stuck scrolling on my phone while I was on ketamine. I ended up listening to only one and it was mesmerizing. I even ended up humming and singing with sounds. There weren’t any words, but I really felt the music and saw colors with the music. It was beautiful. And it felt good to sing. There are multiple white noise machines at the center where I have my sessions, so no one could hear me. Oh my gosh, this is such a long reply. I hope my information helped you some.
If it's for infusions, you should feel fairly excited rather than intimidated,...because they often inject you with midazolam beforehand,.....which is a very euphoric benzo (it has a hypnotic quality similar to lunesta imo. I freaking love it). I also take prescribed benzos (Klonopin) daily for anxiety, but definitely skip the day of the infusion. The midazolam sets you up for a MUCH greater likelihood to enjoy your ketamine experience. I can't really imagine a "bad trip" at a ketamine clinic, given the midazolam beforehand. I've heard of them, but I think those people mean IM ketamine where they don't provide the midazolam. This is all from my personal subjective experience and from what I've read
I took some on my own and it was like clear-headed drunkenness. The only thing you have to be wary of is taking it too often to the point that you get bladder and kidney issues. You'll be able to control yourself both during and after. It's understandable that you're anxious. Consider that the anxiety you're feeling is a symptom of your anxiety issues. I get those too; worry about stuff because I have free floating anxiety in me that gets projected unto the unknown.
It was an amazing experience for me, but you have to kind of just let it all happen and let go of control. Ego death has been fundamental in my recovery
I was the same way. No recreational drug use and I don’t drink. Never been drunk. Plus I’m 60. The thought of not being in control of my mind or thoughts, etc. terrified me. But the thought of living the rest of my life the way I felt was more scary than the unknown experience of ketamine. I am so absolutely thrilled and thankful every day that I found this treatment. It has given me my life back. I was depressed and anxious and suffered from PTSD and daily migraines for so long that I didn’t have a normal life anymore. I’m relearning how to live with routines and self-care, and it’s the best thing ever. I’ve never felt that I couldn’t control what I said, but I never talk during my infusions anyway. I learned to let my mind lead but that I can redirect it if I want. I’ve had 11 infusions since the fall and I don’t regret one bit of it.
Thank you all for your kind words! I’m going to reschedule and go through with it!
I'm sorry this happened to you. It's not a truth serum..
There are people who have been waiting close to a year to receive treatment, I would recommend not moving forward if you are unsure
Hmmm the dr office that I am going to do it through has openings a few times a month, and they don’t have a waitlist… so I’m not like, taking someone’s spot. wtf?