How set and setting impact your ketamine treatment

Your experience during ketamine treatment is unique and variable. It is impacted by many factors, including the medication administration as well as the ‘set and setting’ of your treatment. Let’s take a look at the three key components that are critical to an effective ketamine infusion: 

Dose: 

Ketamine dosage is calculated based on your body weight (milligrams of medication per kilogram of patient weight). Clinical trials use a weight-based dosing of 0.5-1 milligram/kilogram. It is generally recommended to start at the lower range of this dose, and increase as needed for future treatments. 

The ketamine experience also varies based on the route the medication is given (IV, intramuscular, or lozenge), and the duration of medicine effect. It is important to identify any side effects of treatment and plan ahead to address these for future treatment doses. You can read more about the different routes of ketamine administration here.

Set:

Set refers to the mental mindset of the person at the time that they have their ketamine experience. Our mindsets are very complex, impacted by our personal history, cultural influences, and day-to-day experiences. Prior to a ketamine infusion, you will create an intention about the goal of your journey. This may involve a specific part of your life where you want to gain clarity or transform your perspective. Other intentions may be to connect with or release a feeling or energy that you believe may help you achieve your mental health goals. Often, these intentions are best created with your therapist during preparation sessions before your ketamine treatment. 

It is also important to recognize the subtle or subconscious influences on your mindset prior to your treatment. A challenging phone call, disappointing news, or a physical sensation can alter your experience. If you do not feel that you are in a good mindset for your infusion, your healthcare provider might recommend rescheduling to ensure an optimal ‘set.’

Setting: 

‘Setting’ refers to the therapeutic environment in which the ketamine experience takes place. It is important that you feel safe, supported, and comfortable in your treatment room. This often includes eye shades, musical selection, blankets, and comfortable seating. Medical monitoring of your vital signs should be done in a way that enhances your comfort and safety, without negatively impacting your mindset.  

It is important that you visit the clinic space before you begin treatment, to make sure that the room creates a therapeutic space for your journey. You should feel comfortable asking for additional accommodations, including aromatherapy, incense, or a preferred room temperature. Some patients find that inviting a loved one or their therapist to the infusion enhances their feeling of safety and security. 

As you can see, there are several unique components to a successful ketamine experience. These factors are ever-changing, and may require adjustments between doses. It is important that you work with your treatment team to identify the proper environment to optimize your medication response. Maverick Medicine believes in the importance of providing a carefully curated therapeutic experience that emphasizes optimizing your personal set, setting, and dose.