Ketamine has been a powerful anesthetic drug used in medicine for decades. It’s also a popular club drug that can cause hallucinations and other effects.
Ketamine therapy is a new treatment for depression and suicidal thoughts. The treatment involves getting an injection of ketamine, which can help with depression symptoms quickly. Here are some things to consider before getting this treatment.
Find the Right Provider
Seek providers who have experience with ketamine. Ketamine is not a new drug but is still relatively new to mainstream medicine. Many doctors have never prescribed it or used it for treatments. Make sure your provider has experience with ketamine and can provide informed answers about what to expect from treatment.
Ask about their experience treating patients with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. If you are seeking ketamine therapy for one of these conditions, ask about the provider’s success rates and how long it typically takes for people to feel better after receiving ketamine treatment.
Find out if the clinic has a dedicated IV line nurse on staff. Injections should be administered by an experienced nurse who has received training in helping ketamine infusions. A clinic with an IV line nurse on staff may be able to provide this service safely and effectively.
Keep Expectations Grounded
When considering ketamine therapy, it is essential to keep your expectations grounded. Most patients will not experience the dramatic, immediate improvement often portrayed in the media. Most people seeking ketamine therapy will experience some benefits, but it may take weeks or months to feel the full effects.
There are also many different ketamine treatment options available, and not all are created equal. Some treatments can be more effective than others, but also tend to be more expensive. Consider an IV drip or an injection at home if you’re looking for a quick fix that doesn’t require effort. These options may be less expensive in the short term, but they can also be less effective than other administration methods (such as sublingual sprays or intramuscular injections).
Understand the Risks
One of the most important considerations when seeking ketamine therapy is understanding the risks. Ketamine is an anesthetic that increases the patient’s pain tolerance, so it can be used during surgery or for other procedures where a patient might experience pain.
While this drug has been used for decades in various medical settings, it has recently become popular as a treatment for depression and anxiety disorders. However, there are some side effects associated with this medication that you should discuss with your doctor before taking it.
Ketamine side effects include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in vision (blurred vision or double vision)
- Dizziness and feeling faint
When you are ready to begin your ketamine therapy, consult a doctor who specializes in this treatment. It is also wise to keep an open mind when you start the treatment process and pay attention to your body’s reactions as you undergo this rigorous schedule of shots. Take heed of possible side effects like sleepiness and nausea, but do not let these scare you away from this beneficial treatment.
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