Getting the Most From Treatment

Protect your investment in ketamine therapy by doing everything in your power to get the most out of treatment. Some patients did not feel that treatment was successful at first, but later recognize solid improvements. To maximize your chance of a good outcome, here are some tips before, during, and after treatment.

1. Rest

It helps if you are well rested before your infusion. Some patients feel their infusions are less effective when they are sleep-deprived.

2. Relax

Try to be in a relaxed state before infusion starts. Tense patients are more likely to experience brief moments of unpleasantness during infusion. Avoid caffeine if it makes you jumpy. Pinning all your hopes on treatment can make you feel anxious. Learning about the treatment and setting realistic expectations for yourself can help you relax.

Empty your bladder completely. Infusion adds a few ounces of fluid into your body. Many patients feel like their bladder is full as soon as infusion is over. Buy yourself some time before you have to use the bathroom.

3. Ask If Your Current Meds Will Interfere

Tell Dr. Culver about every drug you are currently taking, including psychotropic meds, heart medication, cough syrup or an illegal substance. Some substances interfere with ketamine’s action in the brain. High doses of benzodiazepines, for example, appear to reduce ketamine’s antidepressant effect. There’s no point investing your money and hopes unless you’ve disclosed everything and your doctor is satisfied nothing will interfere with the ketamine.

4. Don’t Stress Out Waiting for Relief – Function Often Improves Before Mood

Successful patients often begin functioning better before they feel better. Try to go about your normal daily routine without worry. You may gradually realize that small things are becoming easier, like dressing yourself, brushing your teeth, etc. These small improvements can snowball in unexpected ways. Small improvements are the first signs of relief, even if they don’t seem important at first.

5. Use Your Improved Function Immediately

If ketamine therapy works, you will be able to function better than before. Put that ability to use right away! Don’t wait for a minute. If you can socialize, do it now. If you’re able to clean your house or pay your bills, do it right now. By exercising your improved function, you will lift your mood.

Successful ketamine therapy improves function, personal habits and mood. It can also give you the new power of resilience. Resilience can help you withstand any returning depressive symptoms better than ever before. The likelihood of lasting improvement is directly related to how much you exercise your improved function.

6. Turn Your Relief into Lasting Emotional Gains

As you experience relief you can often make huge leaps forward in your emotional healing. For many patients, these improvements persist even if some symptoms return. Their newfound resilience gives them the ability to enjoy lasting emotional gains.