We guide you through all steps. If there are rare side effects after the injection Dr. Sheila will be there to help. Metis is a safe therapy which creates a psychedelic experience which has been shown to be important in the healing process.
Preparing for Metis Dosing
We understand that trying a new treatment may be overwhelming for patients, especially when other options may not have worked. Helping to prepare you is an important part of our consultation process. Ours is a simple procedure, with very few risks. There is no suppression of heart nor lung function and overdosing is extremely rare. The whole process usually takes an hour or so. We use a very low dose of Metis. It is such a safe medication that even at much higher doses it is used for short surgical or ER procedures in children. These doses are typically 5-10 times higher than what we administer at Sheila Rising. We have seen no long-term side effects for patients under our care.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN YOUR JOURNEY.
Possible Side Effects
During the Treatment: Possible Side Effects
With injections, clients are reclining. A blindfold and headphones are suggested, and you are encouraged to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Music is recommended. You are welcome to have a family member or friend in the room with you as long as they have a calming presence during the procedure. We’ve found that it can be difficult to hold a conversation, especially during the first treatment, so we discourage talking or excessive stimulation. If you need to use the restroom, Dr. Sheila will assist you as needed. At all times you will be able to move and walk; nevertheless, Metis can impair your balance, so it is important that you ask for assistance before walking. It will be important to communicate with Dr. Sheila and express anything that is bothersome such as nausea, faintness, or a headache. We can and will help you manage any side effects.
Similar to the quick onset of sensations at the beginning of the treatment, these sensations dissipate rather quickly near the end as well. Afterward, you may feel groggy, but this should completely dissipate within several hours. Of note, alcohol can contribute to a continued groggy feeling and a worsening of depression or anxiety symptoms, so please abstain from drinking alcohol before or the evening of ketamine therapy. A similar effect is possible with benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, and Librium, which may interfere with the positive response to the treatment. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Metis Dosing Experience
Metis Dosage
At Sheila Rising, we calculate the initial dose based on the client’s weight, starting at 0.8 mg/kg. This low-dose treatment is safe and produces limited side effects. The dose is adjusted for further treatments. The goal is to give enough of the medication to foster a “psychedelic experience”. This sensation of lights, colors, textures, and sounds is what we are looking for as it is the one thing that seems to indicate a positive response. The psychedelic experience IS the therapist or teacher in this setting.
