Ketamine Process

Anyone interested in Ketamine therapy should call for a free pre-screening prior to booking a consultation. Prior to a Ketamine session, a mandatory pre-medication visit is required to review the client’s medical history and determine if they qualify as a candidate for Ketamine treatment.

For Intramuscular (IM) or Intravenous (IV) Ketamine:

Research indicates that repeated Ketamine dosing results in a cumulative effect of the medication. It is generally recommended that clients receive 6 sessions for maximal symptom relief. Sessions are typically scheduled over a 3-week period, often twice a week, but this can be adjusted based on individual needs. Most clients begin to feel improvement after approximately 3 sessions. Clients can discontinue treatment at any time.

Follow-up visits for ‘booster’ sessions may be necessary and will be scheduled on an individual basis. A follow-up session might be beneficial for some clients to help maintain the brain’s neural connectivity and neuroplasticity. The frequency of these follow-up sessions is based on symptoms. Some clients maintain results without boosters and some do not.

Instructions for the Day of the Ketamine Session:

Transportation: No driving is allowed. You must arrange for someone to drive you to and from the session. It is recommended that you avoid social media, operating heavy machinery, or making significant decisions until the following day after a full night’s rest.
Pre-Session Guidelines: Do not eat for 3 hours prior to your session and limit fluid intake 2 hours before, though sips of water are acceptable. Wear comfortable clothing with easy access to your upper arms (for injection). Clients typically remove their shoes for added comfort.
Caffeine Intake: Limit or reduce caffeine to half your usual amount on the day of the session.

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Protocol:

Ketamine is administered via Intramuscular (IM) injection in the upper arm or Intravenous (IV) infusion. The duration of the Ketamine journey varies but generally lasts around 40 minutes. Your total appointment time is typically 2 hours.

Eye coverings and music are used during the Ketamine session to enhance the experience. An optional energy healing session or light guided hypnosis may be offered before the Ketamine journey, focusing on your intention to help embed it into the subconscious.

Clients often experience out-of-body sensations during the Ketamine journey, and the experience can vary widely. It is believed that your mindset going into the journey can affect the outcome, and the offered measures of energy work and spiritual connection are intended to facilitate a positive experience.

If You Are Taking Medications:

Ketamine can be used alongside SSRI/SNRI medications such as Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, Luvox, Zoloft, Pristiq, Cymbalta, and Effexor, as well as other medications like Lithium, Wellbutrin, and Abilify. However, higher doses of Lamictal (Lamotrigine), benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Ativan, Valium, Klonopin), and Adderall may interfere with the effectiveness of ketamine. It is crucial never to stop taking your prescribed medication without consulting your provider. Your Awaken provider may advise against taking certain medications on the morning of your session, but these decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Contraindications for Ketamine Include: Hemorrhagic Stroke (CVA) and Schizophrenia

Side Effects:
Ketamine: Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Psychiatric: Confusion, hallucinations, vivid dreams, anxiety, agitation
Neurological: Dizziness, sedation
Cardiovascular: Hypertension, tachycardia, palpitations
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting
Respiratory: laryngospasm
General: Fatigue, dizziness, injection site reactions
Urological: Cystitis, urinary frequency, dysuria, hematuria with long-term use
Ketamine has a low potential dependence. Dependence can occur with long-term use or at higher doses. Regular monitoring and adherence to prescribed protocols are crucial to minimize these risks.

Ketamine is not typically covered by insurance. We accept credit cards and some clients may be eligible for an Advanced Care Card, which provides an affordable financing option for Ketamine treatment. For more information, visit www.advancecarecard.com.

For Esketamine:
Esketamine (nasal route) is covered by most insurance plans. Typically, clients receive nasal Esketamine twice a week for four weeks, with a weekly dose thereafter. Research supports ongoing treatment with Esketamine on a routine basis, with decreased frequency as needed.