Ketamine Therapy

What to Expect During IV Ketamine Treatment at Vitruvian Health Ketamine Therapy Clinic

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Administering ketamine infusions requires specially trained medical staff in a certified clinical environment because it's given intravenously and is a controlled substance. Typically, patients are treated on an outpatient basis. Our ketamine infusion therapy sessions take anywhere from 1-2 hours.

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At Vitruvian Health Ketamine Therapy Clinic, our ketamine infusion therapy sessions last 40 minutes, with the entire visit taking about one and a half.

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Treatment Session Overview

Your session begins with getting comfortable in a reclining chair. Once you are settled, your healthcare provider will start the IV infusion and inform you when the process has begun.

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Typical Experiences During Treatment

As the treatment starts, you may begin to feel a mental and/or physical relaxation. As it continues, you might experience sensations of lightness or slight warmth.

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Some individuals report feeling a gentle disconnection between their mind and body, such as their hands and legs feeling distant. This sense of separation can extend to various aspects of consciousness, including thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and perceptions, which are known as the dissociative effects of ketamine.

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Most patients handle these sensations well, often describing them as “spiritual” or “pleasurable.” Many also report increased creativity or insight. For those battling depression, anxiety, or obsessive thoughts, these feelings can provide a temporary reprieve from their symptoms, offering significant relief as the weight of depression lifts.

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Managing Negative Experiences

In rare instances, some patients might have less pleasant experiences, such as confusion, heightened anxiety, or the surfacing of unexpected memories. While most ketamine experiences are positive, it's important to acknowledge these possibilities. Our clinical professionals are available to manage these rare occurrences, which typically resolve within 10-15 minutes after the infusion is stopped.

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Benefits of IV Ketamine Therapy

IV ketamine therapy is primarily used for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Noteworthy benefits of ketamine treatments include:

• Clinical research indicates that ketamine infusion therapy can achieve a success rate of up to 70% for MDD and TRD.

• Many patients notice significant improvements after their first or second infusion.

• Approximately 35% of patients experience complete remission of depression symptoms following treatment.

• About 63% of patients with suicidal thoughts report the cessation of these thoughts within three days post-treatment.

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Ketamine therapy is also effective in treating other mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, PTSD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

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Potential Side Effects

Side effects can vary but usually subside after treatment. Common side effects include:

• Dissociation

• Feeling unusual or "loopy"

• Dream-like state

• Double vision

• Decreased appetite

• Difficulty speaking

• Increased heart rate

• Mild pain at the injection site

• Nausea

• Elevated blood pressure

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To ensure patient safety, we supervise patients throughout their sessions, typically lasting 60 minutes to two hours.

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Considering Ketamine Therapy

If you are exploring ketamine infusion therapy for mental health challenges, it is crucial to understand what to expect. While different from traditional medications, ketamine therapy is generally safe, well-tolerated, and provides substantial relief from depression and other mental health conditions. With the right support and treatment plan, ketamine therapy can significantly improve your quality of life. Contact us online or call 616-841-2612 today to find out if IV ketamine is suitable for you.