What is Ketamine Like?
Ketamine therapy is transforming the way we treat mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more. But if you’re considering this innovative treatment, you’re probably wondering: What does ketamine feel like? In this post, I’ll share what to expect during an IV ketamine session, the benefits, common experiences, and how to prepare for your treatment. Plus, we’ll dive into frequently asked questions about ketamine therapy and what makes Illumma so special.
What to Expect with an IV Ketamine Treatment
At Illumma, our IV ketamine therapy is designed to prioritize your comfort, safety, and care in a cozy yet professional setting. When you arrive, our friendly coordination team will welcome you and assist with check-in, including completing a review of systems form and mental health surveys. These forms help our clinical team track your progress throughout your treatment series and stay informed of any changes.
Next, you’ll be guided to your private room by one of our skilled infusionists, either an RN or a paramedic, who will care for you during your session. We’ll check your vitals, set up your IV, and help you choose a playlist to enhance your experience. Before starting, we’ll revisit your intention for the session, provide a weighted or fluffy blanket for comfort, and place your eye mask to help you relax.
Once you’re settled, you only need to relax and let the IV work its magic. After your session, you will recover for 15 to 20 minutes, followed by an exit interview with the nurse practitioner to obtain your feedback on the session and ensure you are sufficiently recovered to head home.Our self-guided sessions, including preparation, infusion, and recovery, are thoughtfully scheduled for two hours, with the infusion itself lasting about 60 minutes. At Illumma, you are never alone, and we’re here to support you on your healing journey every step of the way.
How do I prepare for my ketamine infusion?
Creating a calm, stress-free environment is key to having a positive experience. Here’s how to prepare for your ketamine session:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment. Avoid food for at least four hours and liquids for two hours before your infusion.
- Follow medication instructions: Some medications may need to be paused before your treatment. Our clinical team will guide you on which ones to hold and when to resume them.
- Plan your ride home: Since you won’t be able to drive after your session, arrange for a rideshare or a friend to pick you up. If necessary, you can leave your car in Illumma’s lot overnight.
- Dress for comfort: Wear cozy, loose-fitting clothing to relax in. Feel free to bring anything that adds to your comfort, whether it’s your favorite blanket, a pillow, or even a stuffed animal.
- Set the mood: Illumma provides everything you need for the perfect set and setting, including curated playlists and aromatherapy options. You can choose the vibe that matches your intentions for the session.
With these simple steps, you’ll be ready to make the most of your ketamine therapy experience.
What Does Ketamine Feel Like?
Common Experiences
Once the infusion begins, you’ll feel the effects within 5–10 minutes. Many people describe sensations like:
- Relaxation: A calming wave washes over you, melting away anxiety.
- Dissociation: Feeling “floaty” or like your body and mind are separate.
- Euphoria: Relief from depression or anxiety often brings feelings of happiness or lightness.
- Heightened senses: Music feels richer, colors seem brighter, and textures stand out more.
Some describe the experience as “dream-like” or even “spiritual,” often gaining new insights or perspectives.
Ketamine and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT)
If you’ve chosen to work with one of Illumma’s highly trained ketamine therapists, your experience will include personalized therapeutic support while following a process similar to our standard sessions.
After completing the check-in process, an infusionist will welcome you to a private room to take your vitals and place your IV. Once everything is set, you’ll move to the therapy room, where you’ll spend about 30 minutes in pre-therapy with your ketamine therapist. During this time, you’ll discuss your intentions and prepare for the session.
When you’re ready, the infusionist will return to start the IV. You’ll be provided with headphones for your selected playlist and an eye mask to enhance the experience. Your therapist will remain with you throughout the infusion, offering support and holding space as needed. Meanwhile, our clinical team will monitor your vitals from outside the room to ensure your safety while maintaining the therapeutic atmosphere.
After the 60-minute infusion, you’ll have an additional 20–30 minutes of post-therapy to process the experience with your therapist. Finally, a nurse practitioner will join you for an exit interview to gather feedback and tailor your care for future sessions.
This integrative approach ensures a safe, supportive, and deeply personalized healing journey.
Benefits of IV Ketamine Treatment
Ketamine therapy is a transformative treatment, but it’s important to understand that the journey looks different for everyone. While some clients feel noticeable relief after the first one or two sessions, for others, it may take completing the entire series to see significant improvement. This is because ketamine has a stacking effect—each session builds on the last, gradually creating a more profound and lasting impact on your mental health.
At Illumma, we track your progress carefully to ensure you’re responding well to the treatment. Before each session, you’ll complete mental health surveys that help us measure how you’re feeling and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. For most clients, improvement peaks after the final session, and positive changes often continue to unfold for at least four weeks following the initial series.
Real Results at Illumma
Ketamine therapy’s effectiveness speaks for itself. At Illumma:
- 83% of our clients see a reduction of 20% or more in their mental health survey scores.
- 30% of clients report full remission, achieving a reduction of 70% or more in their symptoms.
These results show the power of ketamine to address treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more.
Key Benefits of Ketamine Therapy
- Rapid relief: Many clients notice improvements in mood and energy after just a few sessions.
- Stacking effect: Each session builds on the last, amplifying the benefits.
- Enhanced emotional processing: Ketamine opens the door to deeper emotional insights and healing.
- Sustained improvement: Clients often experience better mood and relief from symptoms for weeks or months post-treatment.
Whether you feel a shift early on or later in the series, ketamine therapy offers a path to healing and hope. With its stacking effect and individualized care at Illumma, this treatment helps clients achieve meaningful, lasting improvements in their mental health.
Side Effects of Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine is generally safe, but mild side effects can occur, including:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure
- Feeling “loopy” or dreamy
- Blurred vision
- Slight hangover effect the following day
Most of these effects usually fade within 30 minutes after the infusion ends. Your care team will check in with you after each session to ensure you are not experiencing any unusual side effects. We also offer IV vitamin therapy, which can aid in your recovery.
Post-Treatment: What to Expect
After your session, it’s normal to feel a bit tipsy or tired for a few hours. Since you’ve been fasting from food and liquids, you may also find yourself hungry and ready for a good meal. We recommend eating something nourishing and taking the rest of the day to relax and recharge.
The ketamine experience often feels dream-like, with details fading as time passes. To maximize the benefits of your session, we strongly encourage you to write down or record your thoughts and feelings as soon as possible. Capturing these insights will be invaluable for your integration process and help you connect the experience to your long-term healing journey.
Many clients report a “glow” of relief, renewed energy, and a sense of hope in the days following their treatment. This is a great time to focus on self-care and lean into any positive momentum you’re feeling.
Post-Treatment Checklist
- Rest at home: Avoid driving or engaging in strenuous activities.
- Hydrate and eat: Replenish with plenty of fluids and nourishing foods. If you feel nauseous, stick to bland, easily digestible options.
- Check in with your emotions: Feeling more emotional than usual is completely normal. Allow yourself space to process these feelings.
- Follow up with your therapist or integration coach: Integration therapy helps solidify the benefits of your session, turning short-term relief into lasting change.
By taking these steps, you can set the stage for continued improvement and ensure you get the most out of your ketamine therapy experience.
FAQ About Ketamine Therapy
What does ketamine therapy do?
Ketamine helps reset brain pathways, offering rapid relief from symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain.
What does ketamine therapy treat?
Ketamine is effective for treatment-resistant depression, major depressive disorder, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and even suicidal thoughts.
Is ketamine safe?
When administered in a clinical setting by trained professionals, ketamine is safe and well-tolerated.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people start with 6–8 sessions, followed by maintenance treatments as needed.
FAQ About Illumma
What makes Illumma different?
- Personal Experience: Illumma’s team has undergone ketamine therapy themselves, so they know how to support you.
- Proven Success: With over 1,200 clients treated, Illumma is Austin’s best-reviewed ketamine clinic.
- Comprehensive Care: From prep to integration, Illumma offers holistic support, including IV vitamins for recovery.
How do I get started at Illumma?
Book an intake appointment by calling or texting us at 512-686-5935 or visiting us at 2911 Medical Arts St., Suite 19A, in Austin, TX.
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Tags: Ketamine Therapy, Depression Treatment, Anxiety Treatment, PTSD, Mental Health, Illumma
Explore how ketamine therapy can help you reclaim joy and find relief. Whether you’re new to the idea or ready to start, our team at Illumma is here to support you every step of the way.