Long description if you want details: Mindful Infusions in Salt Lake City has been so great for me. The intake coordinator, Susie, is so kind and optional to text, which is easier on my head (migraine disorder) than talking on the phone. I only do IV infusions for migraines/fibromyalgia, but depending on your reason for seeking ketamine treatment, and your desired experience, you may be given an intramuscular injection or a nasal spray version. Pain conditions require much higher doses, so IV infusions are usually given. Mental health issues take less ketamine, so intramuscular shots or nasal sprays are more common. If you are given the option, I personally recommend IV infusions because they can be slowed down, increased, paused for a bit or stopped altogether. From my understanding, IV infusion onset and “come down” are more gradual and the duration is a little longer.
The clinic is very small, clean and non-medical feeling with beautiful art, tapestries, etc. The patient lies on a couch with lots of pillows/blankets and a fan or heater available for comfort. The patient’s accompanying loved one can sit in a comfortable chair next to the couch. Once the patient is administered ketamine, they lie down on the couch, overhead lights are turned off, blackout curtains are closed, and a lovely “galaxy”/“aurora” light projects colors and stars onto the wall and ceiling. Eye masks are provided and recommended for the first couple of sessions. I tend to get pretty severe double-vision during ketamine, so even though the colored lights are beautiful, I like having my eyes closed/covered most of the time. They play super trippy, but amazing meditation/“world music” for you. Some people like listening to classical or calm jazz, but I personally love the meditation music.
My first staff member was Adora, who went ABOVE AND BEYOND to set a comfortable foundation for me in my first few sessions of ketamine treatment. She even did guided meditations for me as I went into my “trips”, to keep any anxiety at bay. She checked on me often, and has such a gentle, lovely voice that made me feel like I was so protected and safe. Adora also introduced me to the Palo Santo “healing stick”, a fragrant South American wood that burns like incense and adds so much to the ketamine experience! My second staff member was Grayson who has such a beautiful, kind and non-judgmental vibe. I have only met with Mike twice, but he is super cool. All staff are nurses or nurse-practitioners with varying medical backgrounds but all trained in administering anesthesia (ketamine). Blood pressure and heart rate are always taken before and after treatment. Fasting from food 4 hours and water 2 hours before treatment helps reduce nausea and the need to use the bathroom. Anti-nausea medication can be given prior to treatment (I highly recommend).
As far as the actual ketamine experience, it is definitely a hallucinogen/psychedelic, but it is different for each person and even each session is a unique experience. I recommend NOT looking up what to expect online because you may freak yourself out and it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy! If you absolutely MUST do research to prepare yourself, stick to scholarly/medical articles and DO NOT read individual accounts on social media/Reddit, etc. because most people write about bad experiences and not positive ones. I think it’s healthier and better to go in without expectations or fear and just experience it for yourself.
I have experienced enormous improvements in my migraine symptoms each time I have done ketamine. Unfortunately, I have not found relief from fibromyalgia, but I would much rather deal with fibro than migraines! Yes, ketamine is astronomically expensive and still generally considered experimental, but it is showing incredible promise for chronic pain and mental illness. I truly believe ketamine has saved me from suicide because modern western medicine has provided little relief in this three-year migraine! I highly recommend Mindful Infusions for anyone considering ketamine treatment.