Ketamine can be taken in four different ways: Sublingually under the tongue, Nasal Spray, Intravenous Drip (IV), and Intramuscular Injection (IM).
Sublingual under the tongue, Ketamine takes effect more slowly than the other three.
Nasal Spray Ketamine works a bit more quickly than sublingual.
Intramuscular injections and intravenous drips of Ketamine take effect more quickly than either sublingual or nasal. They produce a rapid, intense dissociation that can make it difficult, often impossible, to speak or relate to others while you’re on the medicine.
Sublingual and nasal Ketamine are less intense than intramuscular injections and intravenous drips and allow you to have more interactions with people, especially your therapist, while you’re on the medicine.
In most clinics in New York City where intramuscular injections and IV drips are administered, a facilitator or life coach meets with you briefly beforehand, a nurse practioner or physician assistant takes your vitals and then administers the Ketamine. You’re left alone in a reclining chair the entire time you’re on the Ketamine. When you come off the medicine, the nurse practioner or physician assistant again takes your vitals, the facilitor meets with you again briefly and you’re allowed to leave the clinic.
The vast majority of clinics in New York City do not provide a licensed Ketamine and Psychedelic Assisted Therapist who is there with you the entire time you’re on Ketamine because of the associated cost.
When used in uncovering psychotherapy, ketamine should be taken in less intense sublingual or nasal doses in your therapist’s office. Your therapist should be certified to practice Ketamine and Psychedelic Assisted Therapy by the Integrative Psychiatry Institute.
Healing from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and OCD ultimately requires more than just medicine. It’s crucial that your therapist be there to see and hear what you’re going through and support and encourage you if needed, both while you’re on and after you’ve come off the medicine.
