Planning Ahead for
Ketamine-Assisted Therapy
Planning Ahead Is Key To A Successful Therapy Session
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is a potent treatment option that holds the potential for significant personal growth and healing in individuals grappling with mental health issues. If you are contemplating this therapeutic approach, taking proactive steps to prepare both mentally and physically for your ketamine-assisted psychotherapy sessions can greatly enhance their success and benefits. Here are some recommendations to help you feel at ease and ready for the transformative journey ahead.
Health And Nutrition
Prioritize a clean, wholesome diet, steering clear of processed foods to enhance your overall well-being and amplify the effectiveness of ketamine treatment. Adopting healthy eating habits and maintaining physical activity in the days leading up to your session can contribute to your general wellness and positively influence the outcome of the therapy. Additionally, refrain from consuming alcohol or other stimulants at least 48 hours before your session, including other psychoactive substances like mushrooms or psilocybin, as well as stimulants such as marijuana/cannabis.
Quick Tips
Ketamine troches are for sublingual (under the tongue) use. Holding the troche under the tongue increases the effectiveness versus swallowing.
We suggest that you do not eat and only clear liquids 4 hours before using this medicine to minimize potential nausea side effects.
Drinking warm water with lemon or hot tea before can help increase absorbability.
We suggest having a trusted person sit with you when you use the medication at home.
In just a few words, we recommend you set your intention for why you are doing this treatment. This can be written down in your journal or just intentions you hold in your head.
Place the troche under the tongue. Hold it under the tongue until it's entirely dissolved. Continue to hold the dissolvent and any saliva that builds up for at least 15 min. Then spit it out.
Do not swallow the troche or the saliva that builds up if you can avoid it. It's safe to swallow but may upset your stomach and it can also increase the length of side effects such as dizziness or nausea.
Important Precautions
Medication
Engage in a thorough discussion with your doctor and therapist regarding your current medications before embarking on ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. This will help you identify which medications to continue and which to abstain from, ensuring a smooth session without potential complications or interactions. Having these details sorted out in advance allows you to focus on being fully present during your sessions.
Select Your Support Person
For any at-home therapy involving ketamine, it is imperative to have an adult support person by your side. This individual, aged 18 or older, should be someone you trust. Provide their name and contact number so our clinical team can reach them if necessary. Your support person will play a crucial role in ensuring your comfort, readiness for the session, and can contact our medical team or emergency services (911) in case of an emergency on your behalf.
Do Not Plan To Drive
Given that ketamine is a dissociative drug with the potential to alter perceptions and induce temporary unusual sensations, it is crucial to refrain from driving or engaging in physical activities during and immediately after the session. Symptoms typically peak within an hour, with most fully resolving within two hours. In some cases, symptoms may persist for up to four hours. Prioritize your safety by avoiding driving and strenuous activities during this timeframe.
Testing Your Technology
Music
If you plan to use music, take time ahead of your session to test your equipment:
If you are using a speaker or headphones ensure they are charged and ready so that the session day goes as planned.
We recommend reviewing different playlists ahead of your session.
Find the sounds that speak to you so that you have one less thing to prepare on the day of your session.
Blood Pressure Cuff
Ahead of your session day be sure to check and monitor your blood pressure:
Familiarize yourself with your blood pressure monitor.
Check to ensure there are batteries installed and/or the unit is fully charged, depending on your model.
Ensure that you can successfully read your blood pressure monitor and follow the instructions.
Note: Blood pressure monitor are only included with the New Patient Welcome Package