The Infusion Experience
What To Expect During Your Ketamine Infusion
Free Initial Consultation
We understand that ketamine treatments can be a lifeline for patients suffering from mood disorders and chronic pain. Once you contact our office, we will reach out to you by phone within 24 hours in order to get a thorough understanding of your medical history and discuss your candidacy for treatment. This initial phone consultation is at no cost to you.
After this consultation, your first appointment will be scheduled and you will be provided with an intake form and an authorization to release medical records form to fill out and return to our office. This process usually takes about a week to complete however, it can be expediated if need be.
Important Information
Candidates for treatment of mood disorders will be required to have a documented current and ongoing relationship with a mental health care professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, primary care provider, social worker or therapist.
Candidates for the treatment of chronic pain conditions will be required to have a documented and ongoing relationship with a pain specialist or a primary care provider. Mindful Infusions of Tennessee is not a pain management clinic.
Candidates for treatment of drug and alcohol addiction will be required to have a documented current and ongoing relationship with a primary care provider, treatment program, or addiction counselor.
Mindful Infusions of Tennessee coordinates your care with your mental health professional, pain specialist, primary care provider and/or counselor, therapist, or social worker in an effort to provide you with a consistent, team-based approach to achieving your goals. If you do not currently have a professional managing your care, we will be happy to refer you to one locally or online.
Once an individualized care plan is established, several necessary forms and documents, including informed consent for ketamine infusion, will be reviewed in detail with you and you will be required to sign these before beginning your treatments.
Mindful Infusions of Tennessee reserves the right to refuse treatment based upon our assessment of your individual situation and conditions in order to provide our patients with the highest chances of success.
Certain drugs, such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Valium, Klonopin, etc.) may reduce the effectiveness of ketamine. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and some narcotics may increase the side effects of ketamine treatment. Discuss all your medications, particularly those aforementioned, with our staff prior to your treatment in order to secure the best possible outcome.
Initial treatments for mental health disorders, known as stabilization treatments, involve a series of 6 one-hour infusions spaced out over the course of 2 to 4 weeks. Research has shown that this protocol for intensive initial treatment maximizes ketamine’s therapeutic benefits and optimizes desired results. While we don’t recommend deviating from this protocol, we will work with you to accommodate your scheduling needs. Mindful Infusions of Tennessee utilizes this proven treatment plan in order to achieve the highest chance of success for you.
Your progress will be monitored closely after the stabilization period in order to develop an individualized maintenance protocol based on your specific needs. Abatement of symptoms may last anywhere from 3 weeks to over 6 months, depending on your particular response. You will receive periodical infusions thereafter, which are known as maintenance treatments, with the goal of progressing into longer intervals between treatments. Subsequent single maintenance “booster” infusions are typically required.
Chronic pain disorders are more difficult to treat and require longer infusions (4 hours) usually for several days in a row. CRPS patients often receive infusions for 5 days in a row. Other chronic pain conditions vary from 3-5 infusions over a one-week timeframe. Migraines generally are treated with 1 or 2 infusions in order to alleviate symptoms. Follow up infusions for chronic pain disorders vary depending on patient response. Your particular course of treatment will be outlined beforehand, monitored closely throughout the treatment and afterwards, and altered whenever your particular situation dictates.
The Day of Treatment
Fast for at least 8 hours prior to your first treatment to minimize the risk of nausea and vomiting.
Clear liquids such as water or black coffee (no cream) may be consumed up to 2-hours before the start of subsequent treatments if you tolerated the first well but still do not consume solid food for 6 hours prior to your procedure.
Do not consume alcohol or use any illicit drugs the day of your ketamine treatment.
Take your normal medications the morning of your treatment with a small sip of water.
Benzodiazepines and other pain-controlling narcotics may reduce the effectiveness of infusion therapy and should be discussed with our staff prior to the first treatment.
Remember to bring a government issued photo ID with you to your appointment
You will be asked to provide the name and number of the individual taking you home after your treatment. If you cannot provide this information, you will have to be rescheduled.
A small IV catheter will be inserted in a vein in your hand, arm or leg in order to administer the infusion.
Please note that cancelling with less than 24-hour notice or not showing for your appointment will incur a $100 fee to be charged to your credit card.
You will be seated in a comfortable reclining chair for your treatment in a private treatment room.
You will not be put to sleep, but you may feel relaxed enough to fall asleep.
The length and dose of the infusion depend on your diagnosis.
Your vital signs will be closely monitored throughout the entire infusion.
No food or beverages are permitted during the infusion.
Wearing comfortable clothing is recommended and patients are permitted to bring pillows and blankets if so desired.
Music may be listened to with headphones during treatment.
Please turn off all cell phones during treatment.
You are not allowed to read or watch movies during treatment.
Focusing on a specific intention or goal of treatment is advised.
Common side effects at the time of infusion may include but are not limited to dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, and hallucinations.
Inform us if you experience any unpleasant images or feel uncomfortable at any time.
Most patients typically recover from the infusion within 20-30 minutes, though some may take longer.
You must have a responsible adult drive you home after your infusion.
Do not drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours.
Do not make any important legal decisions for 24 hours.
Prescribed medications can be consumed normally after the effects of the procedure have worn off.
Fatigue, dizziness, mild headache, and other side effects may occur and normally resolve shortly after the completion of treatment.
You may resume your normal diet and usual activities after the treatment has worn off.
In the event of chest pain, hives, shortness of breath, increased weakness, or other forms of allergic reactions, patients should immediately seek medical attention by calling 911 or going to your closest emergency room.
We use Osmind to monitor your progress and outcome after the treatment. Please download the app.
Journaling to reflect on your experience is advised.
Call us with any questions or concerns.
