Frequently Asked Questions
Is KAP right for me?
KAP has been shown to clinically improve symptoms of pain, anxiety, depression and PTSD. However, Ketamine isn’t suitable for all individuals. Specifically, ketamine may not be safe for those who have experienced psychotic symptoms, have been diagnosed with disorders such as schizophrenia, or have uncontrolled hypertension, some heart conditions, and acute kidney or liver disease. It also isn’t appropriate for those who are breastfeeding or pregnant. This isn’t an exhaustive list of reasons why ketamine may not be right for you. Amethyst Integration conducts a thorough psychological evaluation and refers you for medical screening prior to any KAP sessions.
How do I prepare for KAP?
We ask that you do not eat in the three hours prior to KAP, and that you limit your fluid consumption in the hour before your session. You must refrain from alcohol, marijuana and any mind altering substances on the day of KAP, and you may wish to avoid caffeine as it may influence your experience. Discuss any medications you regularly take with your prescriber as there are some medications (especially stimulants and benzodiazepines) that you also must hold before ingesting ketamine. To mentally prepare for KAP, it is suggested that you limit exposure to the news, social media and other potentially stressful content in the 24 hours prior to KAP. On the day of KAP, it can be helpful to find time for yourself to journal, spend time in nature, or otherwise tune in and care for your self prior to your session.
What does Ketamine feel like?
Ketamine is often accompanied by a sense of relaxation, numbness or tingling, feeling “spacey”, or as if one is floating or very heavy. Time is often experienced more slowly and there can be distortions in sensory perceptions. Individuals may experience visual hallucinations, deep introspection or a sense of expanded consciousness. Sometimes people experience a sense of unity or that they are connected to an absolute reality. Most individuals find the experience of ketamine to be pleasant.
What can I expect during a KAP session?
KAP appointments are 2.5- 3 hours in length and are held in person. The first 30 minutes of a session are typically spent checking in about your current state of mind, reviewing your intention for the session, and engaging in a guided meditation or other ritual activity. You then self-administer the medication you have brought with you, which you hold in your mouth for 15 minutes or so while the ketamine is absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth before spitting out the remaining medicine. At this point, the ketamine should be taking effect and you lay back and put on an eye mask as you listen to the music. Most people are internally focused for 30-60 minutes while under the acute effects before returning their attention to the room. After the eye mask has been removed, the rest of the session is spent in the beginning phases of integration where you work to recollect the experience and any associated insights. Your clinician will remain in the room with you for the entirety of your KAP session. Notes will be taken by your clinician throughout the KAP session so that you can hold onto anything that came up for you during the experience. You may not drive following a KAP session so you will leave when your arranged ride has arrived to the office.
Does Ketamine have side effects?
Those who have undergone ketamine sometimes experience difficulty talking or expressing their thoughts clearly, impaired coordination, blurry vision, headache, nausea or brief memory loss. These side effects are typically reported as tolerable and transient in nature. If you are particularly sensitive to nausea, you may be prescribed an anti-nausea medication to reduce the likelihood of this side effect.
Do you prescribe ketamine?
No, but I will refer you to a prescriber who will conduct a medical screening to see if ketamine is a good fit for you. If it is determined that you are a good candidate for KAP, they will prescribe you ketamine which typically will be mailed to your home address. The medical screening and prescription fees usually total around $450. At Amethyst Integration, all KAP sessions take place with clients self- administering pre- prescribed lozenges during session.
What else should I know about KAP?
Although ketamine has the potential to help improve one’s mental health, it isn’t a panacea. Psychotherapy and integration work is what helps individuals make lasting change in their lives. Ketamine is just a tool to help these practices work more effectively. That said, it will take effort and commitment to reap the full benefits of KAP. Additionally, the off-label use of ketamine isn’t an exact science, and there is a bit of trial and error on finding the right dose for you. The prescriber will suggest a starting dose for you, but this will likely be adjusted in the following sessions based off your initial experience.