Ketamine infusion therapy is emerging as a groundbreaking treatment for various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, OCD, suicidal ideation, and postpartum depression. If you’re considering ketamine therapy at Revival Wellness and Ketamine, understanding what to expect during your first infusion can help ease any uncertainties and prepare you for the experience.

What Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?

Ketamine, once known primarily as an anesthetic, has gained recognition for its off-label use in mental health and pain management. Administered intravenously in calculated doses, ketamine acts on NMDA receptors in the brain, promoting rapid relief from symptoms and fostering new neural connections.

Preparing for Your First Infusion

Before your first ketamine infusion, our team will provide a thorough consultation to ensure you are a good candidate for the treatment. Here’s how to prepare:

1. Pre-Treatment Assessment:
   • Discuss your medical history, current medications, and treatment goals with your provider.
2. Preparing your mindset:
   • Before your infusion, take a moment to reflect on what you hope to gain from the experience. Whether it’s relief from depression, clarity of mind, or emotional healing, setting a positive intention can help guide your mindset during the infusion.
   • Ketamine works uniquely on the brain, and each session may bring different insights or sensations. Approaching the experience with curiosity and openness allows you to fully benefit from its therapeutic effects.
   • Every individual responds to ketamine differently. Instead of focusing on specific outcomes, trust the process and allow yourself to experience the journey without judgment.
   • Engaging in calming activities such as meditation, deep breathing, or listening to soothing music before your infusion can help create a peaceful mental space, making the experience more comfortable and beneficial.
   • The day before and the day of your infusion, avoid any stressful situations that may negatively affect your mindset during your infusion. Turn off the news and avoid any triggering people or situations as much as possible.
3. Diet and Hydration:
   • Avoid eating for at least 4-6 hours before your appointment.
   • Hydrate the day before your infusion.
   • You may drink small amounts of water up to two hours before the infusion.
4. Arrange Transportation:
   • Since ketamine can cause drowsiness, arrange for someone to drive you home after your infusion.
5. Dress Comfortably:
   • Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to your arms to insert your IV. We have blankets and eye masks in the office.

What Happens During the Infusion?

When you arrive at Revival Wellness and Ketamine, you’ll be guided through each step of the process.

1. Check-In:
   • Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our team and escorted to a private, calming treatment room.
2. IV Placement:
   • Our skilled provider will insert a small IV catheter in your arm or hand. This is the delivery method for the ketamine infusion.
3. Monitoring:
   • Throughout the infusion, your vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels) will be closely monitored to ensure your safety.
4. The Infusion Experience:
   • Infusions typically last about 40 minutes.
   • We provide noise-canceling headphones and music through Wavepaths, which is specifically designed to be used with ketamine and other psychedelic experiences. If you would like to use your own music, it is recommended that you use music that is unfamiliar to you and non-lyrical.
   • You may feel relaxed or experience a dreamlike state as the ketamine takes effect.
   • Some people report mild visual or auditory hallucinations. These sensations are normal and often described as calming or introspective.
5. After the Infusion:
   • You’ll remain in the treatment room for about 20-30 minutes, giving yourself time to rest and reflect. Your total appointment time will be around 1.5-2 hours.

Aftercare and Recovery

After your infusion, it’s normal to feel a bit tired as the effects of ketamine wear off. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day and avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. 

Things to Remember:

• Stay hydrated and eat a light meal once you feel ready.
• Give yourself time to rest and process any emotions or insights that arise. Journaling or discussing your experience with a trusted professional can help integrate the benefits into your daily life. Many patients report that therapy sessions the day following a ketamine infusion tend to be more powerful and therapeutic.
• Stay away from stressful events as your brain is in a more malleable state for a few days after your infusion. 

Comprehensive Q&A Section

Q: How soon will I feel the effects of ketamine?
A: Many patients report noticeable improvements within hours to days after their first infusion. However, the full benefits may require multiple sessions as prescribed by your provider.

Q: Is ketamine therapy safe?
A: Yes, ketamine infusion therapy is safe when administered by trained professionals in a controlled environment. Side effects are typically mild and short-lived.

Q: What conditions does ketamine infusion treat?
A: Ketamine is often used to treat treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.

Q: Will I lose consciousness during the infusion?
A: No, ketamine is administered at sub-anesthetic doses, so you will remain awake and aware, though you may feel relaxed or in a dreamlike state.

Q: How many infusions will I need?
A: The number of infusions depends on your condition and response to treatment. Most patients start with 6-8 sessions over a few weeks, followed by maintenance infusions if necessary.

Q: Are there any side effects?
A: Possible side effects include dizziness, nausea, or mild hallucinations. These are generally temporary and subside shortly after the infusion.

Q: Can I combine ketamine therapy with other treatments?
A: Yes, ketamine therapy is often used in conjunction with psychotherapy, medication, or other treatments. Discuss this with your provider for a tailored plan.

At Revival Wellness and Ketamine, we are committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for your healing journey. If you have additional questions or are ready to schedule a consultation, please contact us at:

Revival Wellness and Ketamine
4200-B Technology Court, Chantilly, VA 20151
Phone: (703) 988-3984

Let us help you rediscover balance and wellness.