Understanding the Post-Ketamine Snooze
As a healthcare boss, you're probably no stranger to the question, "Why do I feel so tired after ketamine therapy?" It's a common query, especially in the realm of IV ketamine therapy. And it's not just about ensuring your patient's physical and emotional safety before, during, and after their ketamine treatment. It's about anticipating their questions and concerns, too.
The reasons for this post-ketamine fatigue may seem clear to us - after all, we're administering an anesthetic that can cause drowsiness. But for patients, this fatigue can be a source of confusion and concern. So, let's dive into the topic and provide a framework to help you explain this side effect to your patients, while also giving an overview of what research says about it.
Normalizing the Post-Ketamine Fatigue
It's important to remind your patients that feeling tired after a ketamine journey is normal, especially after profound experiences. Not every patient will feel fatigued after ketamine, but those who do may be puzzled, especially if they've heard about ketamine's energizing effects from studies.
Patients may wrongly assume they did something incorrectly, were unprepared, or that ketamine is not right for them. Before they write off ketamine altogether, it's important to provide perspective on their experience. Remind them that ketamine is an anesthetic that can naturally cause grogginess post-treatment.
Reconnecting and Recharging
Another common trend is patients reconnecting with their authentic selves and their bodies post-ketamine treatment. This reconnection can lead to a greater awareness of their body's signals, including fatigue. Once the fatigue fades, patients may feel even more energized than before!
Research Insights
Research shows that although patients may feel physically tired right after the infusion, they may feel more inspired and motivated in the long run. For instance, one study found that participants receiving ketamine infusions reported less fatigue compared to those receiving a placebo. Another study showed ketamine's anti-fatigue benefits for depression are associated with improving motivation and depressed mood.
Managing Expectations
Whether or not fatigue arises, proactively addressing patients' questions is key. Communicating what they can expect during and after ketamine is just as vital as ensuring physical safety. Prepare them by telling them that feeling more tired than usual can occur. Explain it’s a natural side effect given ketamine’s anesthetic properties, and the mental journey can also be draining.
Hot Take
As a healthcare boss, it's crucial to remember that every patient's journey with ketamine therapy is unique. While some may experience post-ketamine fatigue, others may feel more energized than ever. The key is to manage expectations, provide clear communication, and ensure that your patients feel supported throughout their ketamine journey. After all, as the saying goes, "knowledge is power." And in this case, knowledge can help demystify the post-ketamine fatigue and empower your patients to make the most of their ketamine treatment.
If you are ready to start your own journey and understand how Ketamine works, register for our FREE Ketamine Clinic Masterclass today.
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