Discover the Answers to Your Ketamine Therapy Questions | Part 2

Are you considering ketamine therapy but still have lingering questions? You’re not alone! In this second installment of our two-part FAQ series, we continue addressing the most frequently asked questions about ketamine therapy to help you feel informed and confident as you explore this transformative treatment.

In this blog, we’ll tackle common concerns like how you’ll feel after a treatment, what medications could impact its effectiveness, who should avoid ketamine therapy, and more. Whether you’re here for specific answers or looking for a comprehensive understanding, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s what we’ll explore:

If you missed the first part of this series, check it out here: Ketamine Therapy FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered | Part 1.

Exploring the barriers to ketamine therapy: Awareness, training, and acceptance remain key challenges for many physicians.

Why Aren't More Doctors Providing Ketamine Treatments?

If ketamine infusions are so effective, why aren't more doctors offering this service? There are three primary reasons:

Awareness
Many doctors aren't up-to-date on the latest evidence and cutting-edge research surrounding ketamine. For example, there are over 140 clinical trials exploring ketamine for mood and pain disorders, but not all physicians are familiar with this.
Comfort with Administration
Outside of emergency medicine and anesthesiology, most doctors aren’t trained in procedural sedation or the technical aspects of administering ketamine. This lack of familiarity can lead to hesitation.
Acceptance of Ketamine as a Treatment
Ketamine therapy is still considered novel and cutting-edge. When we opened in 2018, ketamine clinics were rare. While awareness has grown, the medical field can be slow to adopt new treatments.

How Are You Going to Feel After a Treatment?

After a ketamine infusion, we allow patients to rest and recover for about 20–30 minutes, followed by a debriefing session. Even after the IV is removed, the effects of ketamine can linger, which is why we strongly advise against driving for at least 12 hours post-infusion.

Some common aftereffects include mild nausea, headaches, or fatigue. Think of it as returning from a long journey—you may feel tired and need time to recover. To help with this, we recommend resting, avoiding social media or the news, and taking it easy. Imagine your brain as a snow globe that’s just been shaken; it needs time to let all the flurries settle.

What Should You Wear During a Ketamine Infusion?

Comfort is key. Since we’ll be placing an IV in your hand or upper arm and attaching electrodes to your chest and abdomen, we recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing, such as pajamas or a button-up shirt for easy access.

Avoid tight or restrictive outfits, excessive jewelry, and dangling earrings, as you’ll likely be wearing headphones during the session. The goal is to feel relaxed while lying back and focusing on your treatment.

Can You Drive After a Treatment? No!

The short answer is no. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery, such as forklifts or golf carts, for at least 12 hours after your infusion. Ketamine is a powerful medication; your body and mind need time to recover.

Driving, especially in high-traffic areas, can be physically and mentally taxing, which isn’t ideal after an intense treatment. We recommend planning ahead by arranging a ride home and keeping your schedule light post-infusion.

A person at a desk facing a computer screen with a pink search bar, surrounded by glowing orange question marks. — Maximize your ketamine results: Always consult your doctor before adjusting medications for a safe and effective treatment journey.

Do You Need to Stop Any Medications Before a Treatment?

Certain medications, like Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and benzodiazepines (e.g., Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin), can reduce the effectiveness of ketamine therapy. If you’re taking these, discuss tapering or adjusting them with your prescribing doctor to get the most out of your treatment.

However, never stop psychiatric medications cold turkey, as this can lead to serious side effects, such as seizures or withdrawal symptoms. Always consult your doctor before making changes to your medication regimen.

Who Should Avoid Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine therapy isn’t suitable for everyone. The following conditions may make ketamine dangerous or ineffective:

Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Unstable heart disease (e.g., recent heart attack, chest pain, or congestive heart failure)
Cardiac arrhythmias
Untreated thyroid disease
Active substance abuse
Active manic episodes (bipolar disorder)
Untreated glaucoma
Active delusions, hallucinations, or schizophrenia

If you have any of these conditions, ketamine therapy may not be right for you. It is because of these serious conditions that we recommend a thorough consultation with a ketamine specialist and a review of your medical records prior to starting treatment.

What Are the Response Rates and How Do You Maximize Benefits?

Research shows that 70–80% of patients experience significant improvements, such as a 50% or greater reduction in depression, anxiety, PTSD, or pain scores. Typically, a series of six infusions over two to three weeks is recommended, followed by booster infusions every one to three months, depending on symptoms.

Lifestyle changes are essential to maximize the benefits. Activities like exercising, meditating, journaling, and reducing social media or news consumption can enhance and prolong the effects of ketamine. Think of ketamine as a catalyst—it’s the integration work afterward that ensures long-lasting results.

Curious to explore how to maximize your results after treatment? If so, check our 5 Ways to Maximize Progress After Your Ketamine Infusions blog.

How Soon Will You Know Ketamine Therapy Is Working for You?

Some patients notice positive effects within hours or days of their first infusion. However, for many, the benefits emerge more gradually, often after completing the full six-infusion series. Each patient responds differently; some see results by the second infusion, while others may require adjustments in dosage to find their "Goldilocks" level.

Gradual shifts in mood and function can create a virtuous cycle where improvements build upon themselves, leading to long-term success. Patience and commitment to integration practices between treatments are key to getting the most out of ketamine therapy.

Conclusion

We hope this second installment of our FAQ series has provided answers to your top questions and deeper insights into the ketamine therapy process. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to refine your understanding, remember: that every patient’s path is unique, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

If you have additional questions or want to explore ketamine therapy further, contact us—we’d love to help you take the next step.

If you found this blog post helpful, you might want to check out these too:

Ketamine Therapy FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered | Part 1

Discover answers to common ketamine therapy FAQs, from what to expect during treatments to how long effects last.

How to Prepare For And Integrate From a Ketamine Infusion

Ketamine's life transforming effect isn't just because of the medicine itself. What equally if not more important is the preparation before and integration after the treatment.

Why Your Progress Should Be Measured During Ketamine Treatments

One of the things that's important to do while getting your #IVKetamineTreatment is to measure how you're feeling. This allows us to identify how responsive you are to the treatments and if any adjustments to the dosage should be made. Measuring how you are feeling can be done in a variety of ways.