Patients considering IV ketamine often want to know what the experience looks like before they decide whether to schedule an evaluation. The details vary by patient and indication, but medically supervised treatment generally begins with a review of diagnosis, medications, medical history, prior treatments and potential contraindications.
Before treatment
Your clinical team may provide instructions about food, fluids and medications. Do not change prescribed medicines unless the treating clinician specifically instructs you to do so. Arrange for a responsible adult to take you home; you should not drive yourself after treatment.
During the infusion
Eligible patients receive ketamine in a monitored clinical setting. The team may monitor blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation and symptoms. Temporary effects can include dizziness, nausea, sedation, perceptual changes or dissociation.
After treatment
Recovery time and response vary. Your clinician will determine when you are ready to leave and will discuss follow-up. A treatment series, maintenance treatment or another approach should be based on response, tolerability and the broader care plan—not a fixed promise of results.
Editorial note: Medical content should be reviewed by a licensed clinician before publication and updated as evidence or guidance changes.