Ketamine infusion therapy is an effective treatment for a range of mental health conditions that don’t respond to traditional medications. If you’re preparing for your first ketamine infusion, it can help to know what to expect after treatment.
At Klarity Clinic, we specialize in ketamine infusion therapy to address conditions like treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction.
Our highly skilled physicians prioritize your health and safety and supervise each infusion treatment. We also help you get the most out of your treatment and provide personalized guidance to help you navigate your day after your first ketamine infusion.
Ketamine is an anesthetic that has been used since the 1960s to keep people relaxed and pain-free during surgery. When used in small doses, ketamine has been proven effective in the management of mental disorders.
Medical experts believe ketamine relieves depression and anxiety symptoms by rapidly increasing glutamate levels in the brain. Glutamate is a large neurotransmitter that’s responsible for normal brain function. When glutamate levels are low, you may be at increased risk for a worsening of mental health symptoms.
Ketamine also supports the repair of damaged neural connections and stimulates the growth of new connections. This helps your brain heal from the inside out, so you can achieve lasting relief of mental health symptoms.
During your initial ketamine infusion session at Klarity Clinic, our team helps you get comfortable in a chair before starting an intravenous (IV) line in your vein.
Liquid ketamine drips through the line into your bloodstream over the course of your treatment. The medicine often induces a sense of relaxation, warmth, and lightheadedness. Our providers monitor your vital signs and are available to answer any questions you have about your experience.
After your treatment is complete, we disconnect the IV line and provide guidance for what to expect over the next few days.
You will need someone to drive you home after your treatment and should avoid driving for at least 24 hours. This is because of the effect that ketamine can have on a person’s judgment and ability to make decisions.
Some people will notice the effects of ketamine right away – even before their IV infusion ends. You may experience an improvement in your mood and symptoms of depression or other mental health disorders can feel less severe. However, some people may not feel better until they’ve had a series of infusions.
Other things to consider during your ketamine recovery include:
Ketamine infusions can also cause side effects like nausea and headaches. Typically, these issues resolve on their own within a day or so.
If you experience additional side effects or have concerns about how you feel, you can contact our providers for further guidance.
In the hours after your initial infusion, you may feel disoriented or tired. It’s important that you take time to rest until you feel more stable.
Avoiding strenuous and physically or mentally demanding tasks can also help your brain integrate fully to the ketamine infusion.
Since everyone recovers at their own pace after an infusion, pay attention to how you feel before going back to your routine.
Our providers also recommend that you drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated and eat a well-balanced diet.
Don’t use alcohol or recreational drugs as they can disrupt the therapeutic effects of ketamine and cause additional mental health complications.
You can also expect to schedule a follow-up visit with our team, so they can evaluate how you respond to your first infusion. If you had a positive experience, we may recommend additional infusions to support your long-term mental health.
Call the Klarity Clinic in Upland, California, or Las Vegas, Nevada, today to schedule a ketamine infusion consultation, or book an appointment online.
