What to Expect Before, During & After a Ketamine Therapy Session

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If you’re considering ketamine therapy for mental health, either for yourself or a loved one, it’s normal to have questions. And, whether you’re seeking treatment for depression, anxiety or PTSD, understanding what happens before, during and after a session can help you to feel more prepared and at ease.

At Eulas Clinics, we go above and beyond to ensure that every patient knows exactly what to expect at each stage of treatment in order for them to feel informed and supported. In this guide, we walk you through the entire journey.

Why Choose Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine therapy is a treatment option for those who haven’t responded to traditional medication or therapy. It’s different to standard antidepressants and instead targets NMDA receptors in the brain. This can lead to rapid improvements in mood and mental health symptoms. This makes it an effective treatment for treatment-resistant depression, severe anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Are There Any Side Effects or Risks?

Just like any other medical treatment, ketamine therapy does come with a few side effects. However, they are generally mild and temporary when administered in a clinical setting by trained professionals. The most common short-term side effects are light-headedness, feeling detached, nausea and a temporary increase in blood pressure or heart rate. These effects usually subside within an hour after the infusion and clinicians can offer other medication to prevent the likes of sickness.

You might be wondering whether ketamine therapy is safe, and the answer is yes. When performed by an experienced medical team, ketamine therapy is safe and well-tolerated. What’s more, at Eulas Clinics, every session adheres to strict monitoring to ensure the utmost safe process at all times.

Before Your Session: Preparing for Ketamine Therapy

At Eulas Clinics, your journey begins with a thorough consultation. This is where we determine whether ketamine therapy is appropriate for your needs and safe for your health. During the initial assessment, we’ll take a detailed medical history and review any current medications. This is a chance to discuss your mental health symptoms, previous treatments and personal goals for therapy. Our clinicians will then explain the potential benefits, risks and side effects so that you can make an informed decision.

Not everyone is suitable for ketamine therapy. For example, this includes those with a history of certain heart conditions, those with uncontrolled high blood pressure, those with active substance misuse issues and those with psychotic disorders as ketamine can worsen symptoms. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid this type of therapy. If we believe that ketamine therapy isn’t for you, our team will help you to find a solution.

We recommend that you avoid alcohol and recreational drugs for at least 24 hours before your session. You may also want to bring a trusted friend or family member to your appointment for reassurance. It can be helpful to bring a list of questions or concerns to discuss with your clinician too.

During Your Session: What Happens in the Clinic

At Eulas Clinics, your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Our treatment rooms are designed to be quiet and private, and many patients find that the relaxing atmosphere helps them to feel at ease before and during the infusion.

During the treatment, ketamine is typically given via an IV infusion at a controlled dose tailored to your needs. This lasts around 40-60 minutes. Throughout this time, a qualified clinician will monitor you and your vital signs. It’s up to you how you spend your time. Some people prefer to relax, others listen to music or read. If at any point you feel anxious or unwell, we’re always here to support you.

How Will You Feel During the Infusion?

While every patient’s experience is individual, most describe the sessions as calm and introspective. You might experience a feeling of deep relaxation, a sense of emotional release and clarity, and mild changes in time awareness and perception. These effects are all normal and are part of ketamine’s therapeutic process. They usually last during the infusion only.

During the infusion, you’ll remain conscious and will be able to communicate with the medical team. Our team will also be on hand at all points and will check in regularly to ensure you feel safe and comfortable.

After Your Session: Recovery & What to Expect

After the infusion, you’ll need to stay in the clinic for a short observation period to ensure you’re feeling stable and safe. Immediately after, you may feel tired, lightheaded or mildly dissociated. This can last for a few hours. Some patients do experience better mental clarity and mood within a few hours, but it can take longer for others.

It’s important that you don’t drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day. And we recommend a quiet and restful evening after your session.

Our team will check in with you after the session and you’ll be given an appointment for a follow up, if needed. Any concerns or side effects can be discussed immediately with one of our clinicians.

Moving Forward: Long-Term Benefits & Support

Ketamine therapy often works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Most patients require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results, but studies show that long-last improvements can be achieved when combined with other supportive therapies.

At Eulas Clinics, we offer targeted treatment schedules that are based on your needs and response to therapy. Not just that but we also provide ongoing mental health support beyond ketamine therapy. This includes professional guidance on lifestyle changes and medication management.

Get in Touch

Ketamine therapy is a contemporary and promising option for those people suffering with severe mental health concerns. However, understanding what is involved is essential – not only to make the process less daunting but to ensure the right patient fit.

At Eulas Clinics, we combine clinical expertise with compassionate care to help you feel supported every step of the way. So, if you’re ready to take the next step towards recovery, why not book a consultation with our team today?