The “Taboo” side of ketamine:

Ketamine is one of those words that can make people instantly uncomfortable and honestly, I get it because I was the same before I started researching it and undergoing an infusion myself. It’s gained a pretty unfair reputation over the years due to so many people using it recreationally and because of that, so many Warriors feel nervous even mentioning it.

What most people don’t realise is that, when used safely under a trained specialist, ketamine can offer very real, very gentle benefits for chronic pain and nervous system dysregulation. It’s not the reckless stereotype people imagine, it’s a medical tool that has helped countless people find relief, stability and a little more freedom in their day to day lives. And opening up conversations around it helps break that stigma for all of us.

When you’ve lived with relentless daily pain for years, the kind that steals energy, plans, sleep and entire chapters of your life, finding something that finally offers relief can feel almost unreal. Ketamine infusions are becoming a promising option for many people navigating chronic illness, depression and anxiety. 

What is a ketamine infusion?

Ketamine is a medication that’s been safely used in hospitals and surgical settings since the 1960s. Most people only know it from pop culture references or emergency room dramas. That is why it gets such a bad reputation but in the medical world, it’s actually considered a very safe and well researched anaesthetic.

In low, controlled doses (the kind used for chronic pain), ketamine works differently from traditional pain medications. Instead of simply numbing pain, it acts on the brain’s glutamate system, the pathways involved in pain signalling, memory and emotion. Over years of chronic illness, these pathways can become “overactive” or stuck in a loop of fight or flight where the body keeps sending pain signals long after the original injury, trauma or inflammation.

Ketamine can help interrupt that loop.

When used correctly by a trained pain specialist or anaesthetist, ketamine can:

• Reduce central sensitisation (the “overfiring” of pain nerves)

• Calm hypersensitive nerve pathways

• Support people who no longer respond to traditional pain medications

• Help lower the intensity and frequency of chronic flare ups

It’s not addictive in a clinical setting, not taken home and not used recreationally, it is administered in a controlled medical environment with strict protocols and constant monitoring.

Ketamine isn’t a miracle drug that will cure you and it’s certainly not for everyone, but for many people living with endometriosis, adenomyosis, IC, neuropathy or long term pain, it can offer a level of relief they haven’t felt in years.

It’s not a “quick fix,” but for many, it becomes a powerful stepping stone toward quality of life.

Who is a great candidate for ketamine?

Ketamine infusions may be considered for people experiencing:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), especially with severe symptoms or suicidal ideation
• Bipolar depression (used with mood stabilizers)
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety disorders or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that are treatment-resistant
• Chronic pain
• Nerve pain
• Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain
• Fibromyalgia
• People whose bodies no longer respond well to traditional pain medications

Clinics and pain specialists often recommend ketamine when other treatments haven’t provided enough relief or when a patient needs a gentler option that supports the nervous system without relying on high dose opioids.

Potential benefits of the infusion:

Every person’s experience is different but some of the commonly reported benefits include:

 • Reduced pain levels: Even a 20–40% pain reduction can completely change someone’s daily capacity.

• Easier movement: Some people feel less restricted and more able to perform everyday tasks.

• Improved sleep: Less pain = deeper rest, which helps the body recover between flare ups.

• A calmer nervous system: Many describe a sense of “quieting” or “softening,” especially if they’ve been stuck in fight or flight mode for years.

• Long lasting relief for some: Effects can last anywhere from days to several months (4-6) depending on the person.

And honestly for so many Warriors even a small window of relief can feel life changing.

Possible side effects from a infusion: 

It’s important to know what to expect, especially if this is your first time. Some people may experience:

• Light headedness

• Nausea

• Fatigue afterward

• Changes in perception (feeling floaty or detached during the infusion)

• Mild dizziness or wobbly legs post treatment

• Emotional release or mood swings

• Temporary blurred vision

Most clinics monitor you closely and keep you feeling safe the entire time. Side effects usually wear off shortly after the infusion ends.

If anything ever feels “off,” your medical team, nurses or specialist should always be informed straight away and any serious concerns need urgent medical care.

Who organises ketamine infusions and where are they carried out?

Ketamine infusions must be organised through:

• Pain specialists

• Anaesthetists who specialise in chronic pain

• In some regions, specific ketamine clinics led by specialist teams

They’ll assess your history, medications, safety considerations and expected outcomes before recommending a treatment plan. You cannot self arrange ketamine therapy, it has to go through an experienced medical professional. The ketamine infusions are carried out at a hospital to ensure your vitals are closely monitored. 

How is the ketamine delivered and what is the difference?

There are two common ways ketamine is delivered in hospital:

1. IV (Intravenous) Infusion

• Delivered directly into the vein

• Allows precise control over the dosage

• Works quickly (usually for 2 hours per day over 5 days)

• Often used for more intense pain or for people who need continuous monitoring

2. Subcutaneous (Subcut) Infusion

• Delivered into the fatty tissue under the skin

• Slower and gentler absorption

• Can sometimes be done over a longer period of time (usually a 5 day period)

• Some people find subcut easier on their body with fewer “floaty” sensations

Both have benefits, your specialist will choose what’s safest and most effective for your body.

A soft reminder from my heart to yours:

I can only share from personal experience and the experiences of other Warriors who have trusted me with their stories. I’m not a doctor and I’ll never pretend to be one. Every body responds differently and your journey deserves proper medical guidance. Please chat with your pain specialist or GP if you’re considering ketamine or if you want personalised advice.

You deserve care. You deserve relief. You deserve a life that feels a little lighter and if ketamine infusions are part of that chapter for you, I’m cheering for you with everything I have. And if you ever need comfort tools to support your body during recovery days - gentle heat, magnesium oil, calming jewellery, oversized sleep tees, we are always here to lift you up and deliver you only the best essentials.

PLEASE NOTE: The Endo Essentials company takes no responsibility for your diagnosis, tailoring your treatment/plan, we do not claim to be doctors and strongly recommend seeking medical advice from a Health Physician to treat your symptoms. We write these blogs purely based on the evidence provided at the current time and try our best to keep these blogs as up to date as possible.