What to Expect During Ketamine Therapy
Not knowing what to expect is one of the biggest barriers people face when considering ketamine therapy. The experience is unlike any other medical treatment — and unlike anything you've probably encountered before. This guide walks you through the entire process so you can go in feeling informed and prepared.
Before Your First Session
Before any ketamine treatment begins, you'll go through a thorough evaluation process:
- Medical screening: A physician will review your medical history, current medications, and any conditions that might make ketamine unsafe for you
- Psychiatric evaluation: A mental health assessment to confirm your diagnosis and treatment history
- Informed consent: You'll receive detailed information about the treatment, potential risks, and what to expect
- Preparation instructions: You'll typically be asked to fast for several hours before your session and to arrange a ride home afterward
The Day of Your Session
Here's what a typical IV ketamine infusion session looks like:
- Arrival: You arrive at the clinic and are settled into a comfortable treatment room — usually a reclining chair or bed
- Preparation: A nurse places an IV line, typically in your arm. Vitals are taken and monitoring equipment is attached
- The infusion begins: Ketamine is administered slowly through the IV over approximately 40–60 minutes at a sub-anesthetic dose
- During the infusion: Most clinics provide an eye mask and headphones with calming music. Staff remain nearby throughout
- Recovery: After the infusion ends you rest for 20–30 minutes while the effects wear off
- Departure: You'll need someone to drive you home — you cannot drive yourself after ketamine
What Does Ketamine Feel Like?
This is the question most people are curious about. Ketamine produces a dissociative experience — a temporary altered state of consciousness that typically lasts 45–60 minutes during the infusion.
Common experiences include:
- A dreamlike, floating sensation
- Visual effects — colors may appear brighter, patterns may shift
- A sense of disconnection from your body or surroundings
- Deep feelings of calm or even euphoria
- Unusual thoughts or perceptions that feel meaningful
- Time distortion — sessions often feel much shorter or longer than they are
For most people, the experience is pleasant or at least tolerable. Some people find it mildly uncomfortable or disorienting, particularly during their first session. Staff are always present and can adjust the dose if needed.
A small number of patients experience nausea, anxiety, or an unpleasant dissociative experience. Clinics typically have medications available to manage these effects.
The Standard Treatment Course
Most ketamine protocols for depression follow this structure:
- Induction series: 6 infusions over 2–3 weeks (typically 3 per week)
- Assessment: After the initial series, your response is evaluated
- Maintenance infusions: If you respond well, many patients continue with monthly or as-needed infusions to maintain results
After Your Sessions
The hours and days following ketamine infusions are important:
- Rest on the day of your infusion — avoid important decisions or stressful situations
- Many patients notice improved mood within 24 hours of their first or second infusion
- Journaling about your experiences can help you process the treatment
- Many clinics recommend combining ketamine with therapy to maximize and maintain results
- Stay in close contact with your treatment team about how you're feeling
How Will I Know If It's Working?
Signs that ketamine is working include:
- A noticeable lift in mood — often described as a "weight being lifted"
- More energy and motivation
- Reduced negative thoughts and rumination
- Better sleep
- A renewed sense of hope or interest in life
Not everyone responds after the first infusion — some people need 3–4 sessions before noticing significant change. It's important to complete the full induction series before concluding whether ketamine is working for you.