What to Expect

What to Expect on Treatment Day

Canyon Pain and Wellness

Learn About How Infusion Therapy Works

Receiving a ketamine infusion for the first time can be scary, and not knowing what to expect can increase anxiety and stress. At Canyon Pain and Wellness, we understand this anxiety, and we hope to remove some of the unknowns by walking you through the steps of the first therapy session. We deliver infusions on-site at our office through an intravenous (IV) line. Treatment usually takes 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on your specific condition and the required treatment.


Read more about our specific steps to initial treatments below, and request a consultation from Canyon Pain and Wellness today to see how we can help you!

APPOINTMENT

Before Your Appointment

Canyon Pain and Wellness recommends not eating 6 hours before your infusion to reduce your chances of nausea and vomiting. Clear fluids are recommended up to two hours before the infusion to stay hydrated. For your first visit, please arrive at least 15 minutes before your treatment to allow for admission paperwork. We may also require a pregnancy test on-site or a waiver before infusion. Bring your earphones and your favorite music or podcast. We'll provide a cozy blanket.

IV Administration

We'll place the IV in a position on your arm that is most comfortable to you while maximizing the chance of first-time success. While every attempt is made to place the IV on the first attempt, sometimes a second attempt is needed.


We use the smallest needle size possible for your IV. Needle size is typically 22G but can also be 20G or 24G. As we administer the ketamine IV, you will feel a tiny pinch when the needle is placed, but minimal discomfort. The entire process takes about 90 minutes. The infusion is around 40 minutes, and you will recover for up to 30 minutes afterward.


For your comfort, our treatment rooms include a recliner and pillows. Temperatures may fluctuate in the infusion center, so dress comfortably in layers. We also provide free Wi-Fi Internet access. Feel free to bring any accessories for entertainment to help you pass the time during treatment. (Headphones or earbuds).


During infusion treatment, Please limit your guests to one. Doing so will ease any space or safety concerns that may arise. When the infusion is coming to a close, a nurse will check to see how you're feeling. If needed, we can provide side effect relief medication through your IV. Otherwise, we will remove your IV.


The provider will talk to you about what to expect following your infusion. Side effects like fatigue and nausea are common, but you must call us if you have any questions. There is often a way for us to help you manage these side effects.

IV ADMINISTRATION
POST-INFUSION

Post-Infusion

Driving is off-limits the day of your ketamine infusion, so you must have an escort to accompany you home after the injection. You will receive a dissociative anesthetic that can induce unconsciousness, so you may not drive after your infusion.


Although you may feel normal, some drugs will remain in your system for up to 24 hours after the infusion. We ask that you refrain from driving or operating any heavy machinery for 24 hours for your safety.

Additional Infusion FAQs

  • I don't have a psychiatrist; is this a problem?

    If you have a mental illness but do not have a psychiatrist, it is not necessarily a problem.

  • What is the cost of getting an infusion?

    Our treatments start at $150 for an IV hydration and range up to $700 for chronic pain ketamine infusions.

  • What are the side effects of ketamine?

    The day after a ketamine infusion session a patient can feel tired and forgetful. For most, those side effects do not outweigh the drug's benefits. Other side effects that can be experienced are nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and double vision.



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