Let's Talk Depression...

Psychedelics and How Ketamine Infusion Therapy Can Help

Written by Neuromend Team | Mar 5, 2024 5:30:00 PM
 

A diverse range of psychedelic substances has been explored in clinical research programs for their potential impact on a range of mental health conditions. These conditions include severe treatment-resistant depression, terminal-illness related depression, ALS, end-of-life anxiety, severe treatment-resistant anxiety, generalized anxiety, and PTSD. Among the substances being researched are LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin.

Initially developed as a safer alternative to PCP, Ketamine has emerged as a leading psychedelic treatment option for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression. Its rapid benefits have shown significant improvement within hours of infusion administration, making it a promising therapy for those dealing with depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

  1. Why IV Ketamine Infusions are the Most Effective

  2. Personalized Dosage

  3. The Psychedelic Experience

WHY IV KETAMINE INFUSIONS ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE

IV ketamine infusions emerge as the preferred modality for ketamine therapy due to their superior efficacy, safety, and reliability. Unlike oral ketamine, which is subject to erratic absorption and gastrointestinal disturbances, IV infusions ensure 100% bioavailability and precise control over drug delivery. Moreover, IV administration facilitates continuous monitoring by healthcare professionals, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions and optimizing patient safety throughout the treatment process.

In addition to its therapeutic efficacy and potential psychedelic properties, ketamine has garnered attention for it's potential to induce transformative experiences, lower the ego and facilitate emotional healing. Each medical provider has their own unique ketamine protocols, so it is crucial to consult with your healthcare professional to ensure the best course of action for your individual needs.

Learn more about the benefits of Ketamine Infusion Therapy by clicking the link below.

Personalized Dosage

Ketamine Infusion therapy can begin with lower doses to treat mood disorders. Adjustments can be made during an infusion as well as from one infusion to the next. Using smaller doses of psychedelics is becoming more common practice. With the reduced amount of Ketamine, patients often experience a decrease in depression and anxiety, along with an increase in energy levels and creativity.

Lowering the dosage decreases the risk of side effects and decreases the potential cost. With use of Ketamine at these lower doses for treatment, patients may still experience some psychedelic effects.

The Psychedelic Experience

Ketamine infusion therapy can induce a range of psychedelic experiences, although it's important to note that individual responses vary widely. The experience can differ from patient to patient and even for an individual patient from one treatment to the next. Generally, patients describe feeling like they are floating or as having a wakeful dream. Patients may experience visual changes, deep thoughts, or focus on calming and soothing sounds. Patients frequently describe a meaningful experience of connectedness, hope, and happiness.

Since Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, it creates a sense of detachment or disconnection from one's self and reality, altered perceptions of time and space, and changes in consciousness. During this dreamlike state, ketamine provides a break from negativity, fostering a sense of openness that leads to meaningful activity engagement outside of session, and improved emotional regulation.

Here's a general description of what someone might experience during a ketamine infusion therapy session:

  1. Altered Consciousness/States: Ketamine can alter sensory experiences, leading to changes in how one experiences the environment around them during treatment. Colors may appear more vivid, sounds may be amplified or distorted, and sensations may feel more intense or muted. Ketamine is a sensory experience.

  2. Dissociation: Ketamine is known for its dissociative effects, which can lead to a sense of detachment from the physical body or the external world. Users may feel as though they are floating or disconnected from their surroundings, leading to a feeling of being "out of body" or experiencing a dreamlike state. This temporary break from reality allows participants to have new insights. Altered states lead to spiritual experiences and new meaning and new perspectives. It's important to note that this dissociation is not clinical dissociation common in severe PTSD.

  3. Time Distortion: Ketamine can distort the perception of time, making minutes feel like hours or vice versa. This distortion of time can contribute to the surreal and disorienting nature of the experience. It contributes to the sensory experience.

  4. Emotional Release: Ketamine infusion therapy has been used to facilitate emotional processing and release. Some individuals may experience intense emotional states during the session, including feelings of euphoria, introspection, sadness, or anxiety. These emotions may arise spontaneously or in response to specific thoughts or memories. Participants can release emotions quickly and develop new perspectives through this intensified emotional regulation process.

  5. Hallucinations: While not as prominent as with classic psychedelics like LSD or psilocybin, ketamine can produce hallucinatory experiences, including visual distortions, geometric patterns, and vivid imagery. These hallucinations can range from subtle to profound and may vary from session to session. We assist clients in managing these experiences when they are distressing.

  6. Insight and Introspection: Many people report gaining insights into their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions during ketamine therapy sessions and afterwards. The altered state of consciousness, dissociation, time distortion, and increased emotional regulation induced by ketamine can facilitate introspection and self-reflection, allowing individuals to explore unresolved issues or gain new perspectives on their lives.

  7. Integration and Afterglow: After the ketamine infusion session, individuals may experience a period of integration and reflection. Some report feeling a sense of calm, clarity, or renewed perspective in the days and weeks following treatment, often referred to as the "afterglow" effect.

It's important to emphasize that ketamine infusion therapy should only be administered under the supervision of a trained medical professional in a controlled clinical setting. Ketamine has been proven to have therapeutic benefits for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Medical professionals are essential to manage possible side effects, ensuring the most optimal outcomes for the participants.

Neuromend Ketamine Infusion Center

Our treatments are rooted in the recent scientific findings that low-dose ketamine infusions are effective in relieving the debilitating symptoms of:

At NeuroMend, we specialize in delivering ketamine infusion therapy, offering the most optimal and secure pathway to relief. Discover how Ketamine treatments can relieve your chronic pain or mood disorders.  

Take advantage of a free consultation and find out if this treatment is right for you!

SPRAVATO(esketamine) nasal spray

Spravatois a prescription medicine (nasal spray), used along with an antidepressant taken by mouth to treat adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or actions. Click for more information and find out if this treatment is right for you. Insurance providers are now offering coverage for Spravato™!

Disclaimer: As of September 29, 2023, NeuroMend no longer offers Spravato treatments. We apologize for any inconvenience and encourage you to consult with our team or your healthcare provider for alternative options.


ABOUT NEUROMEND INFUSION CENTER

We are an Evidence-Based Center of Excellence and the leading provider of Ketamine Infusions, IV Infusions and Ketamine Consulting Services for Ketamine Clinics and IV Therapy Clinics.

We Provide Effective Treatment For The Following Conditions: Major Depressive Disorders, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Chronic Migraines, Severe Anxiety, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Syndromes