Much like traveling to an unfamiliar destination or perhaps even starting a new job, the process of undergoing a ketamine experience may be filled with mixed emotions. How am I going to feel? What will this be like? Am I ready? These are just some of the few questions we are asked when someone is considering ketamine therapy as an option for treatment. It is normal and expected to have some apprehension when starting something new and life changing.
The ketamine experience is somewhat challenging to explain in words, although we hope to shed some light on what the ketamine experience may feel like for you in this article. We will discuss some common themes that we have witnessed during treatment of countless patients. Let this serve as a guide to prepare you for your healing journey and hopefully ease any nervousness about embarking into the unknown.
At Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy, we primarily use intravenous ketamine (IV). The onset of IV ketamine is approximately 3-4 minutes, and our treatment protocol involves a 40-minute infusion.
What do patients undergoing ketamine therapy usually notice first? It is quite common to have doubts about whether the drug will have any effect. Frequently, in the few minutes before the onset of the medicine's effects, patients find themselves wondering if the infusion pump might have erroniously not been started. Almost instantly after having this thought, the effects begin to take hold. The most frequently reported initial sensation is related to movement, with patients often describing feelings of soaring over scenic landscapes, experiencing a gentle rocking motion, or floating in a sea of water. For instance, one patient's experience during the onset of the treatment involved them flying over a lush forest and looking down on the world below as if they were a bird in the sky.
As the infusion ends and the effects of the medicine begin to diminish, another intriguing phenomenon unfolds. You gradually return to your body, and this, in itself, can be an extraordinary experience. It can be a beautiful moment to observe patients expressing their newfound appreciation for different parts of their body, often marveling at the functioning of their hands and feet. Patients often wiggle their fingers and toes as they reaquaint themselves with their limbs. One patient joyfully remarked, “I love my lips; they feel like marshmallows.” From my viewpoint, it's similar to witnessing a newborn becoming familiar with their own body, radiating with excitement and marveling at how it all works.
Speaking immediately after an infusion can sometimes be challenging, so it's a good idea to remain patient for a few minutes and let the medicine continue to wear off,. There will be plenty of opportunities to share your experiences, and we're excited to hear about them! Patients often express that, even though they have much they want to convey and are eager to do so, finding the right words or articulating their thoughts can be difficult in the few minutes immediately following an infusion. This is a common and normal experience, and the effects wear off rapidly.
The half-life of ketamine is approximately 3 hours, indicating that 50% of the medication has left the body by that time. For most patients, they typically feel back to their baseline within 3-4 hours. It's crucial to recognize that while some may feel energized, others may find the need to rest after an infusion. The key here is to pay attention to your body. We always encourage taking it easy after an infusion, leaving work or other life obligations for the following day. Refuel with a healthy meal and rehydrate with lots of water. Plan to return to your regular routine in the morning, likely with a fresh outlook on life and an appreciation for its beauty.
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, but at low doses, it is effectively utilized for treating mood disorders like depression and anxiety. At these low, or sub-anesthetic, doses patients may experience dissociation, which involves a sense of detachment from the body and the chatter of the mind. Dissociation refers to an altered state of consciousness where an individual may disconnect from their thoughts, emotions, memories, or even their sense of identity or ego.
What does dissociation feel like? Dissociation can feel similar to the sensation of deep meditation, where one can be fully present in the moment, observing without analyzing, criticizing, or attempting to control. Patients often recall the sensation of floating or flying. Many describe dissociation as a relaxing or freeing experience.
It's crucial to understand, however, that not everyone will experience dissociation at the therapeutic dose used in ketamine therapy. In fact, the absence of dissociation does not indicate that the medication is ineffective. Experts in the field of ketamine therapy discourage the use of dissociation as a sole indicator of therapeutic efficacy. While some individuals might experience dissociation at the initial dose, others may require higher doses, but increased dosages do not necessarily equate to improved effectiveness.
Let's begin with a brief historical background on the term "k-hole" and its origins. Since 1985, ketamine has been included in the World Health Organization's list of essential medications. It has played a vital role in saving the lives of soldiers on the battlefield. During the Vietnam War, wounded soldiers were administered ketamine while awaiting medical assistance. Ketamine effectively managed pain and distress resulting from traumatic injuries. To protect these injured soldiers from the enemy, they were concealed in holes dug in the ground as they awaited helicopters for transportation back to the base for medical care. This practice led to the term "k-hole."
The term "k-hole" is associated with the dissociative state induced by ketamine, a phenomenon we've explained is a normal response to the drug and should not be viewed negatively or with fear. Ketamine offers the advantage of rapid action without causing respiratory depression or significant changes in vital signs, such as blood pressure. Therefore, it is an appealing treatment option in situations where patients are experiencing significant distress. As a trauma surgeon, I frequently chose to administer ketamine in cases of traumatic injuries, such as motor vehicle accidents or gunshot wounds, due to its known safety and effectiveness in high-stress scenarios.
Music holds a pivotal role in the psychedelic experience, enhancing emotions, perception, and creativity. It can soothe anxiety, guide introspection, and set the ambiance for the journey. Music also aids in memory recall during integration and fosters connections in group settings. The choice of music is highly personal, but can significantly impact the overall experience, making it more therapeutic and transformative. At Innerbloom, we carefully curate a unique playlist for each infusion, recognizing the significance of selecting appropriate music to enhance the therapeutic experience. You can explore one of our exclusive Spotify playlists to gain insight into what awaits you during your journeys.
Some individuals experience dream-like visions, with colors and images in their mind's eye, while others observe various shades of gray, white, and black during these experiences. Familiar faces, including loved ones, may also make appearances in these moments. Emotions like love, compassion, gratitude, hope, and forgiveness are commonly reported by our patients.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from patients who have undergone the Innerbloom Experience:
"I find I have greater patience with my family and friends."
"I am more present and content with moments of stillness."
"I have reduced emotional attachment to uncertainty and work-related stress."
"I'm much more smiley!"
"I feel excited about the future rather than fearful."
Our protocol involves you sitting in a comfortable reclining chair while wearing eye shades and a noise canceling headset with a special curated playlist that pairs well with the ketamine experience. Make sure to read our Comprehensive Guide to Your Ketamine Therapy Experience at Innerbloom to prepare yourself with essential information for a life-changing journey towards mental wellness. Everyone's ketamine experience is special and unique, but we do have a few pointers for before, during and after your therapy:
We understand, anticipate, and welcome all the feelings and emotions that may arise from ketamine therapy. Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy offers a unique, safe, and comfortable healing experience. We hope this guide helps answer many of your questions and ease any apprehension about this transformative therapy.
While some infusions may feel meaningful and perhaps filled with insights, others may feel random. It’s important to understand that healing begins and continues after your infusions when neuroplasticity and neurogenesis takes place.
At Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy, our goal is to make each ketamine experience special and offer support while you become the best version of yourself.
About the Author
Dr. Ray Rivas, a former general and trauma surgeon with over a decade of experience utilizing ketamine, became a ketamine therapy specialist to treat mental health and pain after witnessing its profound impact on his hospital trauma patients and his own mental health. As the founder and medical director of Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy in San Luis Obispo, California, Dr. Rivas applies his extensive medical expertise to provide safe, evidence-based ketamine treatments for mood disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. His passion lies in helping patients find relief and rediscover hope through personalized, compassionate care.
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