If you’ve ever found yourself searching for ‘ketamine infusion experience Reddit’ hoping to find stories from real patients, look no further. Beyond the usual clinical evidence we post demonstrating the power of ketamine infusion therapy, we’re proud to bring you firsthand accounts from patients who have shared their experiences on social media.
In this blog, we're featuring videos with individuals openly discussing their journeys with ketamine infusions, weighing in with our medical expertise with insights into the process, effects, and outcomes of the therapy. Whether you're considering this treatment for yourself or just curious about its benefits, we hope to offer you a well-rounded perspective that combines real-life experiences with our own expert knowledge.
Who uses ketamine infusion therapy?
Patients around the world turn to ketamine therapy when other methods have failed them for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Many celebrities have even sung the praises of ketamine for helping them battle mental health disorders and addictions, such as Lamar Odom, Nick Kroll, and even Theo Von:
Celebrity Comedian Theo Von
Theo Von was featured on a podcast with Ketamine Doctor Jason Pooler discussing his reasons behind initiating the treatment and his experience with an infusion. After decades of being on traditional SSRI’s, Von reported experimenting with ketamine infusion therapy from a physician in hopes of it opening a new door to relief. In describing his experience, he said “You're kind of anesthetized in a way, so the main part of me that's still awake is kind of this all-knowing place inside of your head where you have ideas.” Dr. Pooler in response said that he tells many of his patients: “it’s very possible that you just start bursting out into tears later tonight. That's normal – that means you've connected to something, and that's an overdue release.”
What are ketamine infusions like?
While each experience is unique and individualized, ketamine infusions at Freedom Ketamine Treatment Centers in the DC metropolitan area are completed under physician guidance in our safe clinical settings. In order for infusions to be effective and relaxing, we recommend bringing headphones to listen to lyric-less, calming music, similar to what you might hear at a spa (we also offer free ketamine playlists of various genres).
We generally provide patients with a blanket and sleep masks, and help them mentally prepare before we initiate infusions. The medication is given slowly over about 40 minutes, with intermittent monitoring from our staff. You can expect very light dissociative side effects, and should plan to have a loved one drive you home from your infusion.
Sara Corine TikTok Video
Mental health creator Sara Corine recounted her experience with ketamine infusion therapy in a tell-all TikTok video. “I had my first ketamine infusion last night, and it was the most deeply profound healing experience I’ve ever had in my life. I was able to process things that seven years of therapy haven’t allowed me to process -- because of the trauma, because of the fear, of all the shame, because of whatever going on in my brain makes it harder for me to bounce through life, that makes my nervous system dysregulated and my fight or flight intact all the time. It was a beautiful experience, and I wish everybody could experience it.”
Are ketamine infusions scary?
Patients often ask if ketamine infusions are like LSD, or if they will experience a trip-like feeling. Dr. Verdun and Dr. Park explain that while ketamine is sometimes regarded as a psychedelic, its classification is debated within medical communities. When people think of psychedelics, they often envision the effects of substances like psilocybin mushrooms or LSD.
Although many individuals report mental health benefits from psychedelics, our ketamine infusion therapy is different from a typical psychedelic experience. Our physician-guided infusions are based on extensive patient record reviews and are carefully administered over about forty minutes. The medicine used is FDA-approved and provided legally under our care.
Patients don’t generally feel fearful when receiving their infusions under our board-certified care.
Morgan of MorningTown on TikTok
A creator who goes by Morgan shared numerous videos of her own experiences with ketamine infusion therapy, even answering questions posed by her audience after 3-4 years of receiving infusions. In this video, she addressed a commenter asking ‘are ketamine infusions scary?’ In the video, she answered, “about 90% of my infusions have been beautiful, positive experiences. But I won’t lie to you – it being scary is within the realm of possibility. But also having deep depression for the rest of your life I think is way scarier.”
What can I expect from a ketamine infusion?
For those nervous about experiencing the effects of ketamine infusion therapy, it's important to know that the experience varies from patient to patient. The medicine is delivered in small, controlled doses, so most people feel mildly dissociative or sleepy, with some describing a sensation of floating. We recommend bringing a loved one to drive you home after the procedure and to sit with you during the infusion, as a familiar presence can be comforting.
We also provide a blanket, calming music, and a safe atmosphere to help ease any anxiety. If you have concerns about the experience, please discuss them with us prior to your first infusion so we can address them together.
YouTuber Tim Ferriss discusses ketamine therapy with Dr. John Krystal
After describing his own experience with ketamine infusion therapy, Ferriss asked Dr. Krystal about the ideal settings in which ketamine should be administered. While it varies, Dr. Krystal remarked, “My general feeling about ketamine, like most clinical experiences, is that when the patient is comfortable and feels well cared for and supported, that outcomes tend to be better.” He later went on to say that privacy and quiet are two tenets of a safe and calm setting for infusions.
Are ketamine infusions worth the money?
Most anecdotal experiences and clinical studies show that when administered properly, ketamine infusion therapy can be life-changing. While pricing varies by practice, our patients report that ketamine infusion saved them from years of worsening mental health outcomes and continued struggle.
Casie describes using Ketamine Infusion Therapy for CPTSD
In a 2023 video, TikTok user @casie.like.casey describes trying ketamine infusion therapy, initially recommended by her Husband, for her complex PTSD and treatment-resistant depression, two common conditions treated by ketamine infusions. While infusions can be expensive, she says, “they so far have been worth every penny that we've spent…I'm already seeing some really positive changes, and I'm seeing how it's working, and I'm seeing that there really might be a light at the end of this tunnel.” Closing out her video, Casie said “I think that this is really an untapped resource that can do so much good for so many people and save a ton of lives.”
How can I book a ketamine infusion?
Freedom Ketamine Treatment Centers has offices in Bethesda, Rockville, Columbia, Vienna, Herndon/Reston, and Marshall. We take pride in guiding our patients through every step of the process with our compassionate care team, and we monitor our patients in-office every step of the way. Schedule your consultation today to find your path to healing with us!
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