Patient Tips for Enhancing Your Ketamine Therapy Experience

Hi, I'm Dr. Andrew Escamilla with Ilumina Ketamine and Infusions. Are you considering ketamine therapy? To help you get the most out of your journey and increase your chances of positive results, I've put together some valuable tips.

Preparing for Your Session

1. Choose Peace Over Stress: In the days leading up to your ketamine therapy, try to steer clear of stressful situations. Save challenging interactions with family members or neighbors for another time. Prioritize creating a calm and positive environment for yourself.
2. Hydration and Nutrition: Stay well-hydrated the day before your infusion and opt for nutritious foods. It's crucial to avoid alcohol, marijuana, and benzodiazepines on the day before and the day of your session.
3. Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing to promote relaxation during your infusion. We want you to feel at ease. Given the treatment room's temperature may be cool for some, consider bringing sweatpants or a light jacket/sweater to ensure your comfort. We also provide blankets for your use.  
4. Supportive Companion: If someone is driving you to and from your session, make sure they understand the importance of being supportive and positive. Their presence can make a significant difference in your experience.
5. Music Can Enhance: Many people find music beneficial during ketamine therapy. We offer a playlist of meditative music without lyrics to enhance your experience. If you have specific songs or playlists that you believe will help during your session, please let us know. We're here to accommodate your preferences.
6. Embrace Meditation: Meditation can be a powerful tool before and after ketamine sessions. If anxiety arises during the ketamine infusion, these practices can help redirect your thoughts away from anxious thoughts or dreams. If you're interested but unsure, we can guide you through a short session before your treatment.
7. Open Communication: During your infusion, don't hesitate to communicate with us if you feel anxious or tense. We have various strategies to help alleviate these feelings and ensure your comfort.

Other Considerations Regarding Ketamine Therapy

It's essential to understand that ketamine is not a quick fix for chronic pain, depression, anxiety, or underlying traumas. It's a valuable tool that can assist you, similar to other medications and treatments.

The notion that ketamine will instantly make a depressed person happy is a myth. Instead, ketamine treatments can enhance resilience and improve your ability to cope. While life's stressors may remain unchanged, your ability to manage them and engage in other treatments for mental and physical health can improve.

One infusion alone may not yield significant results, even if you feel some positive effects. Ketamine requires time to accumulate in your system to produce longer-lasting effects. Patience and trust in the process are crucial.

Determining the ideal dosage can be challenging because each person responds differently. However, we have starting point guidelines and can adjust the dosage based on your feedback. Open and honest communication is vital, as we are willing to make dose adjustments as needed.

Whether you receive ketamine for chronic pain or mood disorders, it is common to experience good and bad days. Though rare, some individuals may even encounter a temporary worsening of symptoms after an infusion, known as a post-infusion flare. During these periods, utilize the tools you have acquired to manage the downswings and remember that improvement will come.

Some individuals have successfully reduced or eliminated their antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and/or anti-anxiety medications under the supervision of their mental health provider while utilizing ketamine. However, many people find it beneficial to continue using antidepressants alongside ketamine, as the combination may enhance the effectiveness of the antidepressants.

Lastly, your belief in the efficacy of ketamine is crucial. Tell yourself that ketamine induces positive changes in your body and is healing damage caused by stress over time. Recognize that improvements may be subtle. Trust the process and engage in activities that bring you happiness as you build your confidence.

By following these tips and embracing the journey, you can make the most of your ketamine therapy sessions and work towards a happier, healthier you.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions or would like to explore ketamine therapy further, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Share your thoughts or experiences with ketamine therapy in the comments below, and let's continue the conversation on how it can positively impact your mental health journey.