Undergoing ketamine-assisted treatment for the first time can be concerning without proper preparation and knowledge of how the process works. However, knowing how to prepare for ketamine assisted therapy can alleviate many concerns. Before your first ketamine-assisted therapy session, complete all required medical screenings and provide your healthcare team with a comprehensive list of medications, supplements, and medical conditions. Follow any dietary guidelines your provider gives you, which may include eating lightly or avoiding food for several hours before treatment.
The day before treatment, ensure you get adequate rest the night before and avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your session. Arrange reliable transportation since you won’t be able to drive afterward, and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that won’t restrict your movement or breathing during the experience.
For mental preparation, take time to set clear intentions for your ketamine-infusion therapy by reflecting on what you hope to achieve and any specific issues you’d like to address. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation in the days leading up to your session to help you feel more comfortable with altered states of consciousness. Most importantly, approach the session with openness and trust in both the process and your medical team’s expertise, understanding that each person’s experience with ketamine-assisted therapy is unique.
Can I Take My Regular Medications Before Starting Ketamine Therapy?
Whether you can continue taking your regular medications before starting ketamine therapy depends on the specific drugs you’re taking and requires careful medical evaluation. This is a crucial safety consideration that must be addressed with your prescribing physician and ketamine therapy provider.
Medications that may need adjustment or temporary discontinuation:
- Benzodiazepines (like Xanax, Ativan, or Klonopin) can significantly reduce ketamine’s therapeutic effects
- MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) may have dangerous interactions with ketamine
- Some blood pressure medications, particularly those affecting heart rhythm
- Certain stimulant medications
- Some muscle relaxants or sedatives
Medications that are typically safe to continue:
- Most antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs) are generally compatible with ketamine therapy
- Many mood stabilizers can often be continued
- Most routine medications for chronic conditions like diabetes or thyroid issues
Critical steps you must take:
- Provide your ketamine therapy provider with a complete list of all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you’re taking.
- Never stop or adjust psychiatric medications without guidance from your prescribing physician.
- Your ketamine provider and primary psychiatrist/doctor should coordinate your care.
- Some medications may need to be temporarily reduced or held, while others may need to be adjusted rather than stopped entirely.
What Should I Wear to My First Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Appointment?
For your first ketamine-assisted therapy appointment, prioritize comfort and practicality in your clothing choices. Wear loose-fitting, breathable garments that won’t restrict your movement or breathing during the session, such as soft cotton pants or leggings paired with a comfortable t-shirt or sweater.
Avoid tight clothing, belts, restrictive waistbands, or anything with uncomfortable seams or textures that might become bothersome during the altered state. Choose layers so you can adjust your body temperature as needed, since some people experience temperature fluctuations during ketamine therapy near Oceanside, CA.
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Should I Arrange for Someone to Stay With Me After My Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Session?
Having someone stay with you after your ketamine-assisted therapy session is generally recommended, though the specific requirements vary by treatment provider and individual circumstances. Many clinics require that you have a responsible adult available to drive you home and stay with you for several hours following the session, as ketamine can affect your coordination, judgment, and reaction time even after the primary effects wear off. This person doesn’t necessarily need to be present during your actual therapy session, but they should be available immediately afterward to ensure your safety during the initial recovery period.
The level of supervision needed depends on factors like the ketamine dose administered, your individual response to the medication, and whether this is your first session or you’re more experienced with the treatment. Some people feel relatively normal within a few hours and may only need someone to drive them home, while others benefit from having a trusted friend or family member nearby for the remainder of the day.
Your treatment provider will give you specific guidelines based on their process for ketamine infusions and your individual needs. It’s crucial to arrange this support in advance rather than assuming you’ll feel capable of being alone, as it’s difficult to predict precisely how you’ll respond to your first session. Having this safety net in place allows you to focus entirely on the therapeutic experience without worrying about practical concerns afterward.
How Can I Set Personal Goals or Intentions Before Beginning Ketamine-Assisted Therapy?
When trying to learn how to prepare for ketamine assisted therapy, setting meaningful intentions before therapy involves deep self-reflection and honest assessment of what you hope to achieve through this treatment.
- Begin by examining the specific symptoms, patterns, or areas of your life that brought you to consider this therapy.
- Write down your current struggles and identify what healing or change would look like for you.
- Consider both immediate goals and broader life aspirations, such as developing healthier relationships or finding greater purpose.
- Avoid setting overly specific expectations about how the sessions will unfold, as ketamine experiences can be unpredictable, but focus instead on the outcomes you’re working toward in your overall mental health journey.
- Frame your intentions in positive, open-ended language that allows for unexpected insights and healing to emerge.
- Discuss these intentions with your therapist before your first session, as they can help you refine them and integrate them into your treatment plan.
- Consider what internal barriers or limiting beliefs you’d like to explore, what relationships you’d like to heal, or what aspects of yourself you’d like to reconnect with.
Key Takeaways on How to Prepare for Ketamine Assisted Therapy
- Never make medication changes on your own before starting ketamine therapy.
- Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and arrange your schedule to have minimal responsibilities after treatment.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and ideally stay with you for several hours after treatment.
- Approach goal-setting with openness rather than rigid expectations.
- The time you invest in preparing for ketamine-assisted therapy directly impacts its effectiveness.
If you need help on how to prepare for ketamine assisted therapy, Moment of Clarity in Southern California has a knowledgeable and supportive staff that can provide valuable insights tailored to your needs. For detailed information and personalized tips, give our mental health treatment center a call at 949-625-0564 today. Taking this step can help you make the most of your therapy experience.
Resources
- Harvard Medical School –Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression: When and where is it safe?
- ADAA –Ketamine: A Rising Star in Mental Health Treatment
- National Library of Medicine –Ketamine for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders: comprehensive systematic review
