Frequently Asked Questions

What does ketamine infusion feel like?

This is a very hard question to answer; Every individual will have different experiences but for the most part, you will likely experience a euphoric adventure of lots of geometric shapes that unravel your mind into multiple different escapades. The music you listen to has a significant impact on your experience during ketamine infusions.

How often should I get treatments?

At NuLife we follow evidenced-based research which shows 6 infusions to be the best initial amount for treatment, completed within three weeks. Followed by a 7th infusion within 1-4 months. Then additional as needed.
Some clients have long-lasting effects while others need one or more booster infusions over time.

Can I get ketamine treatments while on antidepressants?

Yes! The majority of our patients are on some form of antidepressant. Ketamine is able to work alongside most medications without any interaction. If appropriate, we can work alongside mental health providers to help patients get off or reduce the number of antidepressant medications.

Are there any medications that will interfere with Ketamine therapy?

Some medications and recreational drugs can interact with or reduce the effectiveness of ketamine. Common drugs that may impact ketamine therapy include alcohol, benzodiazepines, lamictal, and cannabis.
It is very important to inform us of all drugs and medications you use. We will coordinate your care and ensure that you can safely undergo treatment.

How do I know if it’s working?

Ketamine is a different experience for everyone. While some individuals experience some relief after just one treatment, for others it takes a few. Most need the recommend 6 treatments and a booster to be the most effective. Prior to each infusion, our providers will consult with you to determine appropriate levels of dosage for maximum effectiveness and safety. We’ve seen a 90%+ success rate with individuals who complete our 7 infusion program.

Is it better to do Intramuscular ketamine injections or IV ketamine?

IV (intravenous) ketamine is the gold standard for mental health treatment because your body receives 100 percent of the drug that we give you. It is bioavailable and goes directly into your bloodstream. With IV ketamine we have the ability of immediately adjusting the dose if you need more or less. Another advantage of IV ketamine vs IM or oral is the adjustability of the dose. IM and oral can take hours to wear off if the dose is incorrect. An IV can be adjusted with a nearly immediate response.  

Are there health risks associated with Ketamine therapy?

Ketamine infusion treatments are typically well tolerated and have a low risk for significant adverse reactions at the low dose used for this treatment. The dose used for therapeutic infusions is significantly lower than doses used in medical procedures such as surgery. Use of ketamine by people with conditions such as unstable heart disease risks aggravating these conditions. It is important that you fill out the medical questionnaire fully and truthfully, so we can properly evaluate whether ketamine therapy is a medically appropriate component of your treatment plan
At NuLife Medical, we strive to provide the best patient care and experience while maintaining safety as our utmost priority. Our Ketamine clinical staff has decades of medical experience. Not only do we maintain all of the appropriate certifications, but we also take pride in additional training and certifications to ensure we provide the highest quality of care. At NuLife Medical, we carefully monitor your vital signs should you have any significant reactions.

How soon will my symptoms improve?

Many patients feel better during the treatment itself, while others notice a marked improvement in mood or pain levels within a day of treatment. Every patient will experience different results as every patient has different depths of illness. We do recommend following our suggested protocol regarding the number of infusions within a certain time frame as these are the most current recommended guidelines for the highest efficacy and longevity. We then encourage occasional, as-needed maintenance treatments in order to sustain these benefits.

Why isn't one ketamine infusion enough?

As with any medication, the benefits of ketamine will eventually wear off after it has left your system. However, unlike medicine that must be taken every day, the benefits of ketamine can be sustained by undergoing an additional treatment session just every few months. You can think of ketamine as an antidepressant or pain medication that, due to its efficacy, simply isn’t needed as often as other treatments.

Do you offer therapy or mental health counseling?

At this time, NuLife Medical does not have a dedicated therapy program. However, we do recommend receiving mental health support alongside ketamine infusions (does not need to be done same day) to maximize the impact of your treatment. Ketamine helps make the brain ready for changes in thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors, and psychotherapy helps implement those changes

Is ketamine therapy covered by insurance?

No, at this time insurance companies do not cover ketamine treatments. We do offer 3rd party no interest financing for 14 months.

What are the common side effects of ketamine?

Most side effects experienced as a result of ketamine infusions will go away within an hour of treatment. The most commonly reported side effects to include mild nausea, headache, drowsiness, and a temporary increase in blood pressure. At NuLife Medical, we have successful protocols that we find very effective in combating most side effects as well as improving the efficacy and longevity of its success. Less common side effects include vivid dreams, mood swings, or agitation. If you do experience side effects during your infusion, they can quickly be controlled by adjusting the dosage of ketamine or administering additional medication.
Possible side effects may include and are not limited to:
fast or irregular heartbeats, increased thirst or saliva, lack of appetite, headaches, confusion, increased or decreased blood pressure, metallic taste, irritation or excitement, constipation, floating sensation (“out-of-body”), blurry or double vision, confusion, nausea or vomiting, urinary frequency, witching, muscle jerks, and muscle tension, memory changes

The rare side effects of ketamine are:
allergic reactions, hallucinations, pain at the site of infusion, euphoria, increase in pressure inside the eye, involuntary eye movements, inflammation in the bladder, low mood or suicidal thoughts, and respiratory complications.

How much do ketamine treatments cost?

$1950 for a sessions of 6 or $350 for a single infusion