This blog is adapted from the transcript of our Why You Need To Fast Before Your Ketamine Treatment video.

Have you ever wondered the following: Why is fasting necessary before your ketamine infusion treatment? This question is a common and important one, and we’re going to answer it in this blog.

The primary reason you shouldn’t eat or drink prior to your treatment is to ensure your stomach is empty, therefore minimizing the risk of aspiration. Aspiration occurs when stomach contents travel back up through the esophageal sphincter, potentially being inhaled into the lungs, posing serious health risks such as pneumonia, infection, or choking.

Therefore, it's recommended to have an empty stomach for approximately 3 to 5 hours before your ketamine infusion to prevent the risk of food or other stomach contents entering the trachea and lungs. This ensures a safer treatment experience.

Now of course there is variation amongst clinics as to the time range of how long to fast, so please always follow the guidance of your ketamine specialist.

So now you know the answer to this crucial frequently asked question!

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