Embarking on a journey toward relief from depression through ketamine infusion can be exciting and nerve-wracking. As you contemplate this transformative treatment, we understand the whirlwind of questions that may be swirling in your mind: What will it feel like? What happens when it’s over?
If you’re considering ketamine treatment for depression but feeling nervous and unsure, we’re here with answers to help soothe any anxieties over what to expect from your first ketamine appointment.
We understand this is an unfamiliar process, but by getting informed and prepared, you can confidently embark on your journey to feeling better.
Getting to Know Ketamine Treatment
First, let’s talk about ketamine. It’s an innovative treatment that has shown incredible results in tackling mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take forever to kick in, ketamine often delivers fast relief. This is great news for individuals who haven’t had success with other treatments.
Getting Ready for Your Ketamine Appointment
Before your first ketamine appointment, expect to have a good chat with your healthcare provider. They’ll want to review your medical history, current medications, and overall mental health to ensure ketamine is the right fit for you. Be sure to tell them about any allergies, past medication issues, or concerns you might have.
The Low-Down on the Treatment Process
Administration: During your appointment, a medical professional will administer ketamine in a controlled environment. The ketamine treatment method will depend on your specific needs and what your healthcare provider thinks is best for you. The most common ways are IV infusion, injection, or nasal spray.
Duration: The length of your ketamine treatment session can vary depending on the method used. IV infusions usually take around 40 minutes to an hour, while other methods might be shorter. Rest assured, the healthcare team will watch you closely throughout the session to ensure your comfort and safety.
Environment: Ketamine treatment typically takes place in a peaceful and soothing environment. Picture a cozy room with a comfy chair, soft lighting, and relaxing tunes playing in the background or through headphones. During your ketamine appointment, you are encouraged to wear loose and comfortable clothing and bring comforting items such as a favorite pillow or eye mask to help you relax and fully engage in the experience.
Sensations and Side Effects
You might experience sensations or side effects during and after the treatment. Some individuals describe feeling a bit disconnected from their body or surroundings, having mild hallucinations, or changes in perception. These effects are usually temporary and tend to fade soon after the session.
As for side effects, you might experience a little dizziness, lightheadedness, or even a touch of nausea. But these are generally mild and tend to go away quickly. The healthcare team will monitor your vital signs and address any concerns you have during the session.
Aftercare and Follow-up
After your ketamine treatment, it’s important to take some time to rest and recharge. You might feel emotionally and mentally refreshed, but it’s also normal to feel groggy or tired. Having someone accompany you or arrange for transportation back home is advisable.
Finally, expect your healthcare provider to chat with you about follow-up appointments, as ketamine treatment often involves a series of sessions to maximize its therapeutic benefits. By keeping in touch with your provider, they can monitor your progress, make adjustments as needed, and offer ongoing support.
So whether it’s your first ketamine appointment or your last, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or reassurance. Understanding the process and addressing your concerns will help you remain confident in your healing journey and set yourself up for a positive experience every time.
TMS
by Deb (age 64)
Category: generalThe hoops I jumped through in order to be evaluated were straightforward and efficient. I met with PA Kaitlin for about an hour to discuss my history and previous medications. Then Dr. Amato joined us to further discuss my history, the TMS treatment, and answer any questions. Myrna gathered all of the information and submitted it to my health insurance company to request coverage for TMS. Fortunately, insurance approved the treatment and I was able to begin the next week. I’m sure most people have anxiety about starting a treatment like TMS. No matter how many times it’s described to you, there are many unknowns. How will I feel during treatment? Is it painful? What if this doesn’t work? What if it works for a while but then stops? In all honesty, I was very uncomfortable during the first couple of weeks of treatment. The alternating two seconds of tapping sensation caused some pain during treatment, and at the end of the first week I thought about quitting. But I had sworn to myself that TMS was a last resort and I HAD TO complete the treatment and give it a chance to work. My technician, Heather, told me that some people don’t feel the tapping at all, they only hear it. Guess I wasn’t one of those people! But as the days went by, it became easier to tolerate the treatments. During this time I also saw Lauren weekly for CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). This is highly recommended for people undergoing TMS treatment, and it was a positive complement to my total of 100 minutes each week “under the helmet”. The weekend between weeks three and four, I started to notice subtle improvements in my mood, increased belief in my self-worth, and enthusiasm for simple things like going for walks, meeting friends for lunch, and taking on volunteer work in the community. I hesitated at first to believe that TMS was helping me. I was afraid that I was convincing myself it was working because I so desperately wanted it to! But now that I am past the treatment I can say with cert
TMS
by Barbie (age 68)
Category: generalI feel so blessed to participate in the TMS protocol at MT Psychiatry. After struggling so many years with depression and not getting significant results from medication, particularly of late, I noticed positive results in the first two weeks of treatment. TMS can literally give you back the beauty & joy in living as well as the courage to make positive life changes and improvements in your daily living situation. I heartily encourage anyone to put yourself into the hands of the amazing TMS team who so gently and graciously make this journey with you out of the black hole that is depression. It is my honor and privilege to give the TMS treatment the highest recommendation.
TMS
by Shayne (age 66)
Category: generalI am grateful for the support and caring I have received from Dr. Amato (and Heidi, Heather and Myrna) in my quest for mental health and a fuller more productive life. While the TMS results have been subtle, I feel more positive about my future and I would recommend this team absolutely. Thank you!
TMS
by Carrie (age 65)
Category: generalNot realizing how fuzzy my head was, I thought I was only going through severe anxiety and depression. Through the insight of Pat, I was able to go through TMS treatments which brought down the anxiety and depression immensely and has cleared up the fuzzy, far off substantially. All the personnel treated me with kindness and I’m sure their attitudes helped in my recovery.
TMS
by Bridget (age 47)
Category: generalThe first outcome of TMS I noted happened early in my treatment, at about the beginning of week two. I felt as though my “brain fog” had been chipped away. I wish I could report that I feel my mental health issues are in “remission”, but I can’t do so yet. My hope is that I will see improvement in the weeks to come, now that my TMS cycle has ended. I can say that my brain feels – in some way – different; I can’t explain exactly how. I continue to struggle at this point in time but sill have hope for more improvement.
Powered by Crystal Clear Digital Marketing Reviews
