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You need a green tea extract with high EGCG had cramps solved it for me completely.
Then drink a lot of water short after application of the K
https://www.amazon.com/Pure-Encapsulations-Decaffeinated-Hypoallergenic-Antioxidant/dp/B0016N47XQ
This is the one my therapist and I use, and one that’s recommended by others. The eye wells are recessed so you can comfortably keep your eyes open, which I’ve found helps during my sessions. It gives me a sense of spatial nothingness that I can gaze into deeply.
A year ago when I started , this was the first mask I purchased, Mask 1. Since then the mask has been kinda falling apart and the space for eyes have never been wide or deep enough. Has become terribly uncomfortable during treatments . Yesterday I just got this Manta Mask Mask 2. Just from trying the Manta for sleeping for one night ( Ive never been able to wear one to sleep, but this one lasted) it seems like a world of difference , not only comfort but complete darkness. Its expensive , but seems like it will be worth it.
I don't even do in office treatments and my psych's office is the coziest I've ever been in. You can just tell he wants people to feel at ease in there. It's a real bummer that your doc isn't willing to hear patient feedback to make the experience better.
Since your options are limited, I suggest creating your own temporary environment. Folding camp chairs can be super comfortable if you spend a little bit of money. Here's a rocking chair. Also get a 3-d eye mask. Bring your own music with you and suddenly you're transported to somewhere nice and cozy while in your sterile room.
I have these Soundcore Q35 - super comfortable for extended wear, and super long battery life!!
https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Cancelling-Headphones-Bluetooth-Comfortable/dp/B09FPCZ318
There is a slightly more expensive model Q40, but Q35 is excellent!!!
I take this one - Magnesium L-Threonate which is most recommended type of mag because it crosses blood/brain barrier .. but it costs more:
https://www.amazon.com/Supplements-MagteinTM-Patented-Magnesium-Capsules/dp/B00JEZQAFG
I take dose rec on bottle (3 capsules) -- but believe dosage varies somewhat based on type of mag used.
I use a blindfold/sleeping mask that has cups at the eyes because the most comfortable position for me is with my eyes slightly open.
Perhaps you BOTH should use noise cancelling bluetooth headphones!!
Him for the YouTube and you for your session and the aftermath period - I use these and the noise cancelling function really helps to block out sounds/noise. I wear them around the house even without music, as they cut down on external noise like AC hum, etc.
https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Cancelling-Headphones-Bluetooth-Comfortable/dp/B09FPCZ318/
I honestly wouldn't risk driving "day of" even with a fairly large block of time involved.
I personally think of my most recent session - 1 hour in mouth, 2 hour experience (a bit shorter actually but still able to get visuals during this time), then comes somewhat "drunk like" period but I honestly wouldn't feel comfortable driving even 4 additional hours later - reaction time even after 7 hours really isn't where it needs to be IMHO. Then involve kids and potentially a crowded pickup zone and it just seems like a poor idea that could go wrong.
The troches were really irritating and not very water soluble. Then I got RDT's which melt in water. I got some syringes online that you pop the RDT into, put a little water in, then uncap and use. They are super handy and way quicker than making a mixture and then sucking it up with a syringe. Like I said, these have a cap so you can do all the mixing in the tube. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07PS2MDJQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
I highly suggest a sleep mask that allows you to open your eyes while wearing it. Like this one. It drastically improved my experiences.
While 150 is low, 300mg should likely have produced visualizations.
My guess since you didn't specify your protocol is that you are not maximizing absorption or the potential for those trips/visualizations. Most basic issue is "time held in mouth" - but here are ways to potentially maximize your experience:
1) Fast at least 4 hours before. 2) Take magnesium threonate an hour before 3) Clean mouth - scrape tongue, floss, brush teeth and gums. 4) Use alcohol based mouthwash 5) Hold in mouth a minimum of 45 minutes, but I go for an hour (be in bed but sit up until you have swallowed) 6) Swallow 7) Listen to ketamine playlist with NO VOCALS on noise cancelling headphones - something like Jon Hopkins 8) Block out all light with a comfortable eye mask - like https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09P3TGKGP
When you indicate dizzy, it makes me think you didn't have a mask on or you tried to move around. Without a mask you are likely only to see distortions and fuzziness.
Also note, emotions are more likely after a session -- but K dissociation is WAY less likely to produce strong emotions during a session than say a classic psychedelic would. You might get relaxation and slight euphoria but dissociative nature is a sort of detachment from your typical reality or problems.
And yes, as others have mentioned dissociation is not necessary to have positive effects on your brain, and 2 sessions is not long enough time period to know if something is working for you. Give it 2 months minimum.
Try recommendations above and report back.
I wish I had more to offer you, but this is it. Get a copy of https://smile.amazon.com/Unlocking-Emotional-Brain-Eliminating-Reconsolidation-ebook/dp/B09RND933D/ref=sr_1_3?crid=34Y0O8Q4WNE0Y&keywords=memory+reconsolidation&qid=1659960719&s=books&sprefix=memory+recons%2Cstripbooks%2C289&sr=1-3
As a thumbnail, this therapeutic method enables a patient to identify an old painful emotional state and contemplate it in juxtaposition with a comparable, yet incompatible, knowledge with a positive spin. The latter, with its positive spin offsets or neutralizes the negative spin of the old painful memory. That leaves the biographical memory intact withOUT its negative spin. It's no longer painful.
I found this book and it so intrigued me that I gave a copy to my T. She is using it on her clients including me and reports it works on her other clients. And I find it works with me. YMMV.
My sense is that you are apt to succeed if you persevere.
I use the Medmax Insulin Cooler, which they have a couple of different varieties of. I use the one I linked to, their smaller one, and the epipen hard case. They meet the TSA requirements for ice packs as they are removable and visible. They work well staying cool on long trips as well. Another option for camping or travel with no freezer (or using an ice bucket in a fridge with salt), is a Frio cooler which is recharged by soaking it in water.
The long-term benefits of ketamine are different than the short-term benefits. The long-term benefits are regarding neuroplasticity and won't neccessary include feeling happy. It should result in feeling more integrated (assuming you are doing this for depression or PTSD and not chronic pain/fibro, etc)
I recommend the book "Beyond the Shallow"
Has your prescriber been adding Magnesium to the solution?
Have you tried adding other green herbs like RSO?
Before I sought formal Ketamine therapy, I was self-medicating via "atypical sources" (I'll leave that to you to figure out what I mean, although I have been completely upfront with my healthcare providers about this since there's no reason to not be IMO). I tried micro-dosing for about a month or two. At first, it was great. However, what I found were two significant drawbacks:
- When microdosing, it's very difficult to maintain a consistent dosing regimen. Sometimes I would microdose once a day, sometimes multiple times a day, sometimes I'd skip days.
- I found that the microdoses, while helpful, were no where near as helpful as conventional therapeutic doses. You build a tolerance and they stop becoming effective at such a low level, at least in my experience.
And some general information:
- The evidence on using Ketamine for TRD is that the psychedelic component, the "trip" if you will, is an integral part of the efficacy of the substance. There's a great book out there "The Ketamine Papers" which is basically a comprehensive collection of all the most interesting/authoritative research on the subject. The conclusion the authors came to is that, like conventional anti-depressants which don't address the non-chemical aspects of depression, the efficacy of trying to eliminate the psychedelic experience from dosing is significantly diminished. Depression is both chemical and behavioral. Which one causes which is chicken or the egg. But generally practitioners believe that you need to address both for the best results. This can be done through SSRIs/SNRIs and therapy, Ketamine and therapy, or even Ketamine and self-guided therapy (considering a trip is like a therapy session, in a sense).
Source: https://www.amazon.com/Ketamine-Papers-Edited-Phil-Wolfson/dp/0998276502
This is the best eye mask on the market. It allows you to comfortably open your eyes while wearing it, something you’ll subconsciously do throughout your trip
https://www.amazon.com/Contoured-Sleeping-Blindfold-Concave-Meditation/dp/B07KC5DWCC
If I think about this generally, I see more of a willingness to process family ties differently and think about reaching out more to people whom they may have cut off before. More willingness to engage and connect.
A Dose of Hope by Dan Engle is helpful. While this is about MDMA therapy in particular, I think it details the process of how someone with cPTSD evolves with psychedelic therapy.
So as a physician, I must say that psilocybin is currently a scheduled I substance. Your doctor will not be able to legally provide any advice to you about micro or macro dosing. Yet, there are some amazing research trials currently underway to hopefully bring psilocybin online for official treatment within 5 year.
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BUT, from things my patients have told me, there are good resources for these kinds of questions.
They and patients in research studies have said that macrodosing psilocyin has been of the top 5 experiences of their lives. But, especially in research studies, they wear a mask, go inward listening to music and are very intentional about set and setting. They have had guides with them to keep them physically and mentally safe in that space.
Whatever you decide to do, I hope you have a physician with whom you feel comfortable being honest. I try to create that environment because I would miss out on so much about my patients' stories, not to mention a lot I would never learn myself.
Best of luck to you!
Yes, I disassociate on lozenges (currently at 400mg, but lower dosages work too - although 200mg was more hit or miss).
I use this padded mask which is super comfortable: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09P3TGKGP/
And I highly recommend these Soundcore noise cancelling headphones: https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Cancelling-Headphones-Bluetooth-Comfortable/dp/B09FPCZ318
I recently bought these and am 100% pleased. UNder $25, stay in my ears (!) and sound pretty good. (I'm not an audiophile).
Perhaps consider working with lower dose daily ketamine. Sublingual trouches will give the benefit of helping build new neural networks and relieving depression without the big trip which can be traumatic. Good luck. Also I’m curious if Internal Family Systems might help to reframe your relationship with OCD. Rather than beating OCD, it would embrace it and work through what that part is needing to feel safe. Good luck. Hope this helps.
Of course! I wish I had a blackout mask like this when I started infusions a few years ago it’s a game changer. Let me figure out this link real quick. While it has Bluetooth capabilities I will say I prefer my jlab ear buds as then I’m completely “in the zone” with no outside noises so consider a pair of those as well( my wife’s $20 Amazon ones seem to work just as well, but it’s all about completely void of regular distractions to enjoy and benefit the greatest
Sleep Headphones, LC-dolida Bluetooth Sleep Mask 3D Wireless Music Sleeping Eye Mask Sleeping Headphones for Side Sleepers Sleep Mask with Bluetooth Headphones Thin Stereo Speakers Gifts for Men Women https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T6FNLQV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8SHBR0X6DA9MMQQKNPMA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I can't speak to use of Ketamine for physical issues, but for mental health, I've read that the dosing levels that correspond to better outcomes are in the 1.0mg/kg to the 1.5mg/kg range. So you have to do some math there...
Ultimately, everyone IS different, so don't take that as gospel.
Heres a study that looks at 200mg-250mg range for therapeutic purposes though which may be helpful: https://www.notion.so/Ketamine-Assisted-Psychotherapy-f1cd3589c48e4d17bc28cd4da2b4104f#bb6d9831048843218e036aae8a0e05d6
I couldn't choose, really, because both have their benefits. That said, here is something comparable (though not as sophisticated) and cheap that you might try. I'd place it on your sternum, set a timer for a few minutes and see how it feels.
Others have covered most of your questions, but I can speak to the magnesium. According to consumerlab.com, which does independent quality/quantity checks of supplements, I went withthis one.
It's just a little battery powered sensor. Talk to them about it. Buy your own. Get one of these, get a private room, and use it as an alarm if required. It serves the same purpose. If they are remotely reasonable they'll understand this adaptation so you don't have to be in a crowd for the experience.
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Big fan of this one-- great coverage and bluetooth headphones built in.
TOPOINT Bluetooth Sleep Eye Mask Wireless Headphones, Cotton Sleeping Eye Cover Travel Music Headsets with Microphone Handsfree, Sleep Headphones for Side Sleepers Gift for Men Women https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DG279MB/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_S5YGBM27F8VF02S2DT33
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09712FSLY?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
Very comfortable. I usually have my eyes open during my k sessions for some reason. These let me do that and are pitch black.
This is the one I use and it blocks out the light 100%
PeNeede 100% Blackout 3D Sleeping Eye Mask Contoured, Soft Memory Foam Molded Night Sleep Mask Eye Cover for Women/Men, Adjustable Comfort Blindfold Eye Shades for Nap/Migraine/Camping/Travel (Black)… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FSPX3V5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_HM7JT1SNMSDV2QY2T38F?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
There is a workbook that my provider recommended for me to get which has been helpful that might help you to understand what to make from the memories and things that come up during your experiences. The workbook is called "Navigating psychedelics integration workbook planting seeds of change and growth" written by Kyle buller and Joe Moore from Psychedelics Today. I got this workbook from Amazon. Here is the link workbook
My provider also recommended to do therapy after my ketamine treatments but if not to at least order the workbook. It helps. Or you can journal. Hope this helps.
Yeah, I felt kind of preachy in case you already knew that. But if not it's good to share. Was your last trip the bad PTSD one or have you had decent ones since? My good friend who is like my psychedelic shaman, he wrote a book on them in university, he stopped for a while after a bad trip, but just recent got back into it successfully.
Seroquel can also be used as one apparently. I actually looked the other day if I had any left from an old prescription, but nothing. Unless... they're down stairs in moving boxes... lol
Journaling helps. I highly recommend this one with excellent prompts.
Soul Therapy: A 365 day journal for self exploration, healing and reflection https://www.amazon.com/dp/1987415132/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_0X8Y65GASE2GX4K9T81Z?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Ah we are quite similar then.
I lay in bed, under a weighted blanket. I use some pillows to prop my head up and get comfy. The weighted blanket is nice because it holds my body still and I've found that the less you move, the more dissociated you feel. Sometimes, I try to pretend that I am paralyzed and can't move (which is what would happen if you took the amount used for anaesthesia).
I use an MZOO Eye Mask which work very well and doesn't put pressure on the eyes. However, my room is absolutely dark as well, so the mask isn't entirely necessary.
I also use an essential oils diffuser to relax me. Eucalyptus, bergamot, and grapefruit are my favorites.
I listen to techno music sets on Soundcloud by djs that I like, which is nice because the tracks are really long and last for the duration of my journey. I use noise canceling headphones, so with the eye mask and the weighted blanket, I really feel like I'm in my little cocoon.
At the end of my journey, usually around 60 minutes, I really take my time getting up. I just lay there and experience the peace that I feel.
I also like to end with a little stretching. Stretching feels incredible on ketamine.
For the rest of the night, I will avoid my phone/computer, and try to engage in self-care: drink tea, play with my cats, listen to more music, maybe do something creative.
Your welcome! Great question. Both taking it before and during. The nature of what it does is both an internal and topical action in the mouth and so it is just like the troche just with a boost. I have a troche in my mouth now and I added the equivalent (approximately) of a capsule of trikatu which is the powder of black pepper, ginger and long pepper. So doing that with a powder but also I could have swallowed some before 15-20 minutes to aid the process also. If one is swallowing it could also take after. Trikatu specifically is used for digestion and to increase absorption to herbs/medicines but any of the ingredients will do that to some degree. I have bulk because I used in making herbal formulas and cooking and for tea making but here is a good company that makes a capsule. You can easily break open for holding in mouth.
Organic India Trikatu Herbal Supplement - Supports Digestion, Metabolism & Nutrient Absorption, Vegan, Gluten-Free, USDA Certified Organic, Supports Healthy GI Function - 90 Capsules https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LL58OC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_H75TQXB088816ZMQ7R9F?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I hadn't heard of this, but now that you mention it my teeth have been slightly more of a problem since I started troches. I recommend you get a Shower Flosser. This will help your dental health considerably in any scenario - keep your gums really healthy. It has helped my oral health considerably.
yes, I take this multivitamin every day:
https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Life-Multivitamin-Men-Supplement/dp/B00280M14I
I also take around 1800mg of magnesium glycinate daily.
Perhaps, I could ask my doctor for compounded esketamine nasal spray instead of ketamine racemate (I do not mean Spravato though). In Europe, the S-ketamine is available in small ampules for IV administration (it's manufactured by Pfizer). Perhaps the compounding pharmacy could prepare the next nasal spray bottle filled with esketamine instead.
Is esketamine actually better than ketamine racemate for the treatment of depression/anxiety?
Thanks for posting this!
Also: the epiphanous energies associated with methoxetamine (MXE) were intense. The rebound mania was often coupled with an afterglow of vivid creativity, abstract thinking, and a bright revelatory mood that felt like the world is structured with layers of intricate benevolence and profundity. Really resonates with its 'angel' dust chemical family.
The feeling of epiphany, although capable of phasing with pragmatic utility and invention, may also be potentially tempered into silence and contemplation with a mystic realization that the very thing one has "suddenly realized" or figured out is the very process that begets consciousness to begin with, e.g. rendering it a fractal, holographic, recursive, holistic gestalt.
Related:
Yup I’ve seen them in the vitamin section of some stores but not always. I just got these ones on Amazon. Hope they help! :)
I bought this one and I really like it: Satechi Bluetooth Media Button -... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RM75NL0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It comes with a piece that can attach it to a steering wheel- I use that like a ring with the remote in my palm for a better grip. I also folded up a little piece of paper and taped it to the “forward” button so I can feel where it is in case it gets turned around.
Unfortunately from what I have heard in the UK or elsewhere in Europe they won’t prescribe take home Ketamine at all. There is a place doing Ketamine infusions through the NHS. The doctor doing them there is Dr. Rupert McShane. If you can’t get in there, there is an excellent doctor in Cologne Germany that many people travel to. The website is https//ketamin.de I think he is less expensive then 800 pounds even with traveling there.
As far as being nervous about infusions there is a great book I highly recommend to help prepare you available on Amazon,