Hello,
This is Dr. Justin Yanuck MD and I’ve given myself 10 minutes to answer a question that many people are afraid to ask..
Question: “I am scared of feeling ‘out of body’ during the infusion. Is that part of the healing?”
Answer:
The feeling of dissociation, feeling disconnected from your body or your surroundings, is one of the most common effects of ketamine. For some, it can be a bit intimidating to think about. However, in a clinical setting, we actually view this dissociation as a therapeutic tool. It is not just a side effect; it is a key part of how the medicine helps to “unstick” the brain from its current patterns.
Think of it this way. If you have been depressed or in pain for years, your “identity” has become merged with that suffering. Dissociation allows you to take a step back and observe your life and your thoughts without the usual emotional “weight” attached to them. It provides a perspective shift that is very difficult to achieve through talk therapy alone. It’s like stepping out of a dark room and into the light for forty minutes; you can finally see the furniture and figure out how to rearrange it.
We do everything we can to make this experience comfortable. We use calm music, eye masks, and a peaceful environment to sure that the “trip” is productive. Most patients describe it as a peaceful, dream-like state. Because we are right there with you, we can adjust the dose if things feel too intense. Most people find that once they “let go” and stop trying to control the experience, the dissociation becomes a profound source of insight and relief.
If you have more questions, feel free to email us at info@renewketamineinfusion.com or book a free consultation.
Cheers,
Dr. Justin Yanuck, MD & Dr. Tanya Dall, MD, Dr. David Richter, MD
Renew Ketamine Infusion
Tustin, San Juan Capistrano, Seal Beach