Synopsis: In this blog, learn what to expect after ketamine therapy, from common side effects like fatigue and nausea to tips on emotional integration and positive mental health practices.
After Ketamine Therapy: Common Reactions & What to Expect
In this blog, we’ll cover some of the common reactions you might experience after ketamine therapy. We’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions and concerns to give you a comprehensive guide. Whether you’re wondering about fatigue, nausea, or emotional vulnerability, this blog will walk you through what to expect and how to handle it.
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Ketamine infusions can bring a sense of lightness, introspection, and transformative insights. Embrace these unique experiences with gratitude, and incorporate the positive shifts into daily habits that support overall well-being.
6 Things to Expect After a Ketamine Infusion
After your ketamine treatment, there are a few experiences you might anticipate. It's important to understand that each person’s journey is unique, but knowing what to expect can help you navigate the post-infusion period with more ease.
1. Fatigue and Tiredness
Feeling tired or fatigued after your treatment is completely normal. A ketamine infusion can be a profound journey for your body and mind, so it’s comparable to returning from an immersive experience like a vacation or a camping trip. Factors such as the dose of ketamine and your pre-infusion state can affect the degree of fatigue. Higher doses may amplify this tiredness and could be accompanied by side effects such as nausea or headaches. To help ensure a smoother experience, we recommend planning a day of rest before your treatment to relax and prepare yourself.
2. Nausea or Dizziness
You might also experience nausea or dizziness post-infusion. The severity can depend on the amount of ketamine you received and your body's unique response. Some describe the sensation as if the room is spinning, akin to stepping off a merry-go-round. With higher doses, a floating sensation might last for a few hours. If these symptoms linger or become troublesome, it’s wise to contact your ketamine specialist, who can suggest medications or strategies to ease these effects.
3. Emotional Vulnerability
Ketamine has the potential to bring deep emotions and hidden truths to the surface, which may leave you feeling vulnerable or emotionally raw. This is a normal part of the integration process. To help manage these feelings, it’s valuable to have someone to talk to, such as an integration coach, psychotherapist, or a trusted friend. Journaling can also serve as a powerful tool for processing and unpacking your thoughts and emotions.
4. Confusion or Uncertainty
It's not unusual to feel a bit confused or uncertain following your session. Some people encounter unexpected elements, such as vivid visuals, geometric patterns, or even interactions with loved ones who have passed. These experiences can be thought-provoking and might leave you with lingering questions. Take comfort in knowing that every element of your session serves a purpose, even if it isn’t immediately clear. Give yourself time to process, and be sure to discuss your experience with someone you trust to help you find clarity and meaning.
5. Feelings of Inspiration and Calm
On the brighter side, many individuals report feeling inspired, peaceful, or calm after their infusion. Ketamine can lead to a profound sense of lightness and even moments of enlightenment. Embrace these positive feelings and express gratitude for them. To extend these benefits, consider incorporating them into your everyday life by developing habits that promote overall well-being.
6. Introspection and Insight
During your infusion, you might gain new insights or have transformative experiences that shift your perspective. This introspection can come in the form of epiphanies or out-of-body experiences, especially with higher doses. While not everyone will have these moments, those who do often find them deeply meaningful. Remember, your experience is uniquely yours. Avoid comparing it to others’ journeys, and trust that whatever unfolds is exactly what you need at that moment—whether it’s challenging or unexpectedly uplifting.
Post-infusion fatigue, or "ketamine hangover," is normal and reflects the therapy's mental journey. Nausea may result from receptor effects or the vestibular system, and can be eased with rest, fasting, or medication.
Why Do You Feel Tired After a Ketamine Infusion?
A common question we hear is why people feel tired or fatigued after a ketamine session. Think of it like this: after a long journey, such as a camping trip or vacation, you’d likely feel tired upon returning. The same concept applies to ketamine therapy. It’s a mental and emotional journey, often delving into deep areas of your unconscious mind, so feeling fatigued afterward is completely normal.
This post-infusion tiredness can last anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, and sometimes even up to 72 hours. We even have a term for it—the "ketamine hangover." So, if you feel sluggish or tired, don't be alarmed. It’s typically nothing to worry about and will pass with time. Just be patient with yourself and prioritize rest.
Interestingly, studies have shown that ketamine can sometimes have an opposite effect, acting as an anti-fatigue agent. Some patients report feeling more energized after their sessions. We’ve had patients who, after a ketamine infusion, felt so rejuvenated that they went for a hike or bike ride.
So, while some people may feel fatigued, others might experience an energy boost. Whether you feel more tired than usual or experience a surge of energy, it’s all within the range of normal. Everyone’s response to ketamine is unique, so be sure to listen to your body and take care of yourself after your infusion.
Why Do You Feel Nauseous After a Ketamine Treatment?
Let’s discuss why you might feel nauseous after a ketamine treatment. First, ketamine can stimulate the vestibular system, the part of your brain responsible for balance. Some patients report dizziness because the vestibular system is affected during ketamine therapy. You might even experience nystagmus, where your eyes shift back and forth, especially during dissociative or sub-dissociative states.
Ketamine also works on several receptors, including NMDA, dopamine, and serotonin receptors. When these receptors are stimulated, they can trigger nausea. Fortunately, there are medications that can help prevent this, which we’ll cover shortly.
There’s also the gut-brain connection to consider. Did you know that the enteric nervous system (your gut’s nervous system) and the central nervous system share the same origin? This means that many receptors in your brain are also found in your intestines. For example, patients taking antidepressants or psychiatric medications often experience gut issues, similar to those with anxiety or depression, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Additionally, there could be a spiritual or energetic connection with nausea. Sometimes, when patients think about a traumatic event or painful memory, they may feel nauseous—hence the phrase “sick to my stomach.”
So, what can you do? First, fasting before your ketamine infusion is crucial. An empty stomach reduces the chance of nausea and helps prevent aspiration (when food from your stomach enters your throat).
Second, there are medications that can help. One common option is Zofran (ondansetron), which blocks serotonin receptors. Since ketamine can stimulate these receptors, Zofran can counteract this effect. Another option is Reglan (metoclopramide), which helps block dopamine receptors from being overstimulated. Lastly, meclizine (antivert) is a gentle anticholinergic medication commonly used for motion sickness that helps reduce vestibular system stimulation.
Feeling terrible after ketamine treatment, known as the "ketamine hangover," is common and can include fatigue, headache, or nausea lasting 24-72 hours. Rest, plan downtime after treatment, and reach out to your specialist if symptoms persist.
Why Do You Feel Terrible After a Ketamine Treatment?
You might be wondering why you feel terrible after a ketamine treatment. There’s actually a term for this—the “ketamine hangover.” Common symptoms include feeling fatigued, lethargic, having a headache, nausea, malaise, or just a general sense of tiredness. This can last anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, or even up to 72 hours in some cases.
One thing you can do to help is to mentally prepare for the possibility of feeling this way. Expect that it might happen. You can even take advantage of this awareness by planning to take it easy the next day, or even for two days, after your ketamine therapy. Try to avoid scheduling any important meetings or phone calls, and don’t plan on working if you can help it. This way, you can rest and recover properly.
It’s also a good idea to relax for the rest of the day after your treatment. Instead of going out to a party, restaurant, or watching a movie with friends, it’s better to just rest quietly at home. If possible, have someone there to support you—whether it’s a significant other, a family member, or someone you really trust.
If you’re feeling particularly unwell, don’t hesitate to reach out to your ketamine specialist. Since this isn’t uncommon, they can provide specific guidelines and suggestions tailored to your situation. So, if you have any concerns or if the symptoms persist, be sure to contact them.
It's okay if you don't remember your ketamine session—your unconscious mind retains it. Journaling and positive activities, like association games, can enhance the benefits by supporting neuroplasticity.
Does It Matter If You Don’t Remember Your Ketamine Experience
One of the questions we often get asked is whether it matters if you remember every single detail from your infusion. Sometimes, during the dissociative state, it can be challenging to recall everything due to the nature of the dissociation between mind and body.
We encourage our patients to trust their unconscious mind—everything you need to know will surface and be stored in your body. Your unconscious mind holds onto every single experience you've had in your life. During the ketamine experience, you may not always be fully conscious of what you're remembering, but trust that the information is there, stored in your unconscious mind.
After your ketamine session, we recommend journaling—writing down what you notice and recall. Discuss your experiences with a therapist or integration specialist to help cement that information. However, you don’t need to take detailed notes during the infusion itself—just let the experience flow and accept the process as it unfolds.
Why You Should Play Games After A Ketamine Treatment
Last year, an article was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry titled A Novel, Fully Automated Intervention to Extend the Antidepressant Effect of a Single Ketamine Infusion: A Randomized Clinical Trial. In this study, participants who received ketamine therapy played an association game involving smiling faces after their infusion. The study found that patients who played this game experienced a more robust antidepressant effect compared to those who didn’t.
Recently, we came across a website called Ketamine.Games (we have no financial connection or affiliation with them—just something a patient mentioned). This site offers similar association games with smiling faces, and you can even customize it to your liking. It’s an interesting tool that you might want to try after your ketamine infusion therapy, as playing these games could potentially enhance the positive effects of your treatment.
This makes sense when you consider that ketamine increases neuroplasticity by boosting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). One of the key points we emphasize to our patients is to be mindful of what they expose themselves to during the period immediately following the infusion. For example, if there’s someone who consistently brings down your mood or leaves you feeling low after a conversation, it’s wise to take a break from communicating with them for a few days.
It’s important to take advantage of this period of heightened neuroplasticity by surrounding yourself with people and activities that lift your spirits and make you feel good. Think of it as working with a warm ball of clay—you can shape it however you want. But if you're surrounded by negativity, that clay can take a negative form.
In short, after your ketamine infusion, focus on things and people that elevate your mood and energy. Take full advantage of the positive effects of neuroplasticity.
Insights from ketamine therapy are most impactful when followed by action. Use the post-infusion period to implement changes, like meditation or journaling, and take advantage of ketamine’s neuroplasticity to build healthier habits.
Why You Have To Take Action After Your Ketamine Treatment
One of the most important concepts to remember is that knowledge is nothing until it is applied. During ketamine therapy, you might gain significant insights, wisdom, or understanding. Maybe you realize there’s something you need to change in your life, something you need to add, or perhaps even something you need to stop.
While ketamine infusions can provide you with these insights, the real benefit comes from taking action afterwards. Think of it as homework between sessions—action and execution are crucial. You might gain amazing insights, but if you don’t act on them or adopt a new way of being, it won’t be as beneficial. That’s why we encourage you, after your ketamine infusion therapy, to integrate the experience by taking action. If you don’t apply what you’ve learned, it’s like having a library full of books that you’ve never read—it’s not very useful.
Execution is key during the ketamine infusion therapy process because ketamine acts as a catalyst. It gives you that activation energy to move forward. Many of our patients have started practices like meditation, journaling, speaking with a therapist or coach, or even taking a break from alcohol or marijuana. Making these healthy life decisions becomes a bit easier due to the neuroplasticity benefits ketamine offers, especially within the 24 hours after your infusion.
We know that new neurons are forming, and new synaptic connections are being made. Taking advantage of that time after the session is essential, and it starts by taking action. So, what action are you going to take today?
Wrapping Up: What to Expect After Ketamine Therapy
We hope this compilation has provided clarity on what to expect after your ketamine therapy. If you found this helpful, feel free to share it with others who might benefit. Stay connected with us for more insights on ketamine therapy and how to navigate your healing journey. Thanks for reading, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
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Learn what to expect after ketamine therapy, from common side effects like fatigue and nausea to tips on emotional integration and positive mental health practices.
