During your patient’s first ketamine infusion, there are many things that he/she should be aware about. They may experience some level of nervousness and may want more information about what’s going to happen during the infusion. It’s your duty as their doctor to ease their worries and anxiety by setting the right expectations for them.

In this blog post, we’ll talk about the 4 things that you should share with your ketamine patients so that they can properly prepare for their first infusion.

Pair of nervous hands on top of a wooden surface. Hands are half clasped together. — If it is your patient’s first time, they may feel anxious and worried about what to expect during the ketamine infusion.

Expectation #1: Feeling nervous before and during the infusion is normal

When doing anything that is novel and unfamiliar to us, most of the time we feel nervous about it. Ketamine infusions are no different. Your patients are about to undergo something that they have never done before. Maybe they’ve never tried experiencing a non-ordinary state of consciousness so they don’t know how it’s going to go. Or the fact that they’re going through a treatment that is so cutting-edge is what’s making them nervous.

Let your patients know that feeling nervous is completely normal. Regardless of whatever the outcome, reassure them that everything is going to be okay. Establishing a relaxing set and setting in your clinic will also help them ease their worries.

Bottom of a well with trees and bright light at the opening — During the infusion, your ketamine patient may experience new insights, which may be scary for them. Set the expectations for them beforehand so that they are aware of what’s to come.

Expectation #2: They may receive deep insights and “see” things

During the infusion, your patients may finally gain insight and understand a past experience or find a new empowering meaning for a past unpleasant event. They may also have dream-like imagery where they see lights. For higher doses, they may even have mystical experiences. To decrease the likelihood of these types of experiences, give your patients a lower dose, aka a subdissociative dose.

Your patients need to be aware of these experiences so that they don’t get taken aback or scared if ever these do happen to them.

Yellow ball with a pair of dizzy eyes and a mouth on it — Some of your patients may experience dizziness or nausea, which depends on several factors. Let them know that this is normal and that you have the medications to treat them.

Expectation #3: They may experience lightheadedness or nausea

Each of your patients will react differently to ketamine infusions. Depending on their metabolism and size, the same dose in one person can be significantly stronger in another. During and after the infusion, your patients might feel dizzy, and even a little nauseous. Reassure your patients that if ever this happens, you can give them medicines at the beginning or end of their infusion.

Three men in suits with their faces by cardboard with various expressions of happiness, anger, and sadness — Your patients could get emotional during the treatment. This may be unusual for them, especially if they’re used to holding back their emotions. Encourage them to fully feel their emotions.

Expectation #4: There may be unexpected emotions, maybe even tears

With ketamine’s dissociative properties, your patients may experience feelings that have been blocked for years. Let them know that feeling these emotions are okay. Actually, even more than okay. They may even tear up a little from sadness or joy. Encourage them to fully feel their emotions so that they can process them.

Don’t forget to also let them know that you are there for them if they are not sure what they are feeling.

Adult hand cradling a small pair of hands that is cradling a red heart with a white cross — Dealing with anxious patients is a regular occurence in a ketamine clinic. It is your job to care for them and make sure that they feel as safe and comfortable as possible.

Be Their Safe Space

You will constantly be dealing with nervous and anxious patients. As a ketamine clinic owner, we encourage that you set the tone. Create an atmosphere that is relaxing and calming, so that they feel safe to feel whatever they need to feel.

This blog is brought to you by Clifton Insurance Agency, Inc.. Learn more about their services at CliftonInsuranceAgency.com and how they support ketamine clinics.