When chronic pain or depression keeps getting in the way of everyday life, it is natural to wonder what else might help. Perhaps your goal is to spend more time with family, feel more engaged at work, or return to activities you miss. Exploring another treatment can begin with those goals, rather than knowing all the answers.
Ketamine infusion therapy may be considered for selected patients when other treatments have not provided enough relief. At Pacific Pain & Wellness Group, the first step is a consultation with a team that brings pain management and mental health care together. Here is what that path can look like, from your first questions to your time in the clinic.
A consultation centered on what matters to you
Your first visit is a chance to explain what you have been experiencing, what you have already tried and what you hope to change. Your clinician reviews your treatment history, medications and health needs, then discusses whether ketamine deserves consideration alongside other options. Understanding your goals is part of developing an individualized plan.
The practice offers separate care paths for ketamine infusions for chronic pain and ketamine infusions for depression. You can explore the relevant service page before your visit and bring questions about benefits, risks, alternatives and costs. Ketamine is approved as an anesthetic; its use for chronic pain and depression is off-label and requires clinical evaluation and medical supervision.
Knowing what to expect before you arrive
Once a treatment plan is agreed, knowing the practical details can make the visit feel more manageable. Ask the team how much time to allow for preparation, the infusion and recovery, and arrange someone to drive you home. Planning ahead can help you set aside time without feeling rushed.
The team will explain your instructions for eating, drinking and taking your usual medications. Follow those instructions rather than making medication changes yourself. This is also a good time to ask any questions about comfort, the treatment setting or what you may experience.
Clinical support throughout your infusion
During the visit, ketamine is delivered through an IV in a monitored clinical setting. The care team checks your vital signs and response to treatment. You have professionals with you to explain the process and respond to concerns as they arise.
Some people experience a dreamlike feeling or changes in perception, sometimes called dissociation. Drowsiness, nausea and changes in blood pressure can also occur. Discussing these effects before treatment helps you understand what to report to the team and why monitoring is part of your care.
Time to recover before heading home
After the infusion, you remain under observation while the team assesses your recovery and prepares you for discharge. Before leaving, you should have clear instructions for the rest of your day and know whom to contact with questions.
Your arranged driver can take you home so you can allow time for recovery. Follow your clinician's guidance about driving, operating machinery and returning to other activities. The timing of your visit and recovery depends on your individual treatment plan.
Looking at progress together
Your care continues with a discussion of how you are responding. Follow-up is an opportunity to describe changes you have noticed, raise concerns and review the next step with your clinician. Response varies, and those conversations help guide decisions about ongoing care.
Pacific Pain & Wellness Group's combined pain management and mental health services provide a place to discuss the wider picture, rather than considering an infusion in isolation. For more background and related articles, visit the ketamine resource hub.
You can start with a question
You do not need to decide whether ketamine is right for you before speaking with the team. A consultation can help you understand the options and take a more informed next step toward your care goals. Pacific Pain & Wellness Group welcomes patients in Torrance and across the South Bay.
If you are already a patient, call the office to arrange your appointment. An online request starts the scheduling process; it does not confirm an appointment or commit you to treatment.