Your first ketamine infusion can feel overwhelming—but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to prepare for ketamine treatment, including what to expect before, during, and after your session. We’ll also cover common side effects and safety tips, so you feel informed and confident. If you’re receiving ketamine infusion treatments in our Washington, DC clinic, our experienced clinicians will be by your side every step of the way. And even if you’re outside the DMV area, we hope this guide helps you feel supported as you take the first step toward healing.
Initial Ketamine Infusion Consultation
Your treatment journey should always begin with a comprehensive consultation with an experienced psychiatrist. We encourage you to speak with your current psychiatrist about ketamine therapy and involve them in the decision-making process. Pursuing ketamine treatment under the guidance of a qualified mental health professional is essential to ensure that your psychiatric history, current medications, and overall health are carefully evaluated.
Be cautious of pop-up clinics or online providers that may not offer the same level of clinical oversight. Working with a trusted care team helps ensure your treatment is both safe and effective.
At Washington Interventional Psychiatry, your initial free consultation includes a thorough review of your medical and psychiatric background, a discussion of your current symptoms, an in-depth evaluation to determine whether ketamine is a safe and effective option for your needs, and your opportunity to ask any questions you have about the process, including potential side effects, risks, and benefits. Additionally, we’ll explore other potential treatment strategies and collaborate with you to develop the best course of care.
Your initial consultation is also when our clinicians will need a list of your current medications. Your safety is top of mind, so our clinicians need to be aware of all medications you are currently taking to ensure they don’t interact negatively with ketamine. You may need to temporarily discontinue certain medications before the infusion. Inform us if you are taking Lamictal (lamotrigine) or benzodiazepines like Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, or Valium. We will likely ask you to hold these medications prior to treatment. If this is not possible due to their benefits, we will work to maximize the infusion and work with your treatment team to consider our options.
Once we’ve developed your personalized ketamine treatment plan, you’ll have time to review it with your support network and mental health team before scheduling your first infusion. We’ll also provide measurement scales to track your progress, consult with your treatment team (if applicable), and schedule a follow-up with our psychiatrist after you complete the induction series.
If you have a therapist and would like them to join you during your initial consultation, either in person or virtually, our team welcomes their participation and can assist in coordination and education about the process.
Preparing for Your First Ketamine Infusion
To get the most out of your treatment, there are a few important steps you can take the day before and the day of. Below is a comprehensive list of how to prepare for your first ketamine treatment in the 24 hours leading up to it.
The Day Before
- Sleep well, or as best as you can. Rest enhances your response to the experience. We understand sleep challenges are common and may be a reason for seeking treatment so please just try your best.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, as they can interfere with ketamine’s effects and safety.
- Follow your clinician’s guidance regarding any medications you’re currently taking. Some medications may interact negatively with ketamine, so you may need to temporarily pause them before your infusion. This step is essential to ensure your treatment is safe and effective.
The Day Of
- Do not eat for 4 hours or drink anything other than water for 2 hours before your infusion.
- Wear comfortable clothing as you will be seated and in a reclined chair.
- Bring any items that help you relax and feel safe.
- Bring your phone with a playlist for the experience. The playlist should be calm, relaxing and we recommend instrumental music. You can find many playlists on Spotify or on our website.
- Arrange for a support person to drive you home. If using a ride-sharing service, we may keep you a bit longer to ensure you are well.
- Clear your schedule to rest and focus on your well-being. You should typically feel fine by the next morning. Ketamine has a short half-life, so side effects should dissipate quickly.
Now that we’ve covered the essential steps to take before your first ketamine infusion, it’s time to cover what happens during your treatment.
During Your Ketamine Infusion
A typical infusion lasts 40–60 minutes in a private, well-appointed, quiet, and calm room. A skilled nurse will monitor you throughout the session, and our doctors are available if needed.
As the medication takes effect, you may experience:
- A sense of detachment or dream-like thinking (dissociation)
- Visual distortions or changes in body awareness
- A lifting of emotional heaviness
Symptoms of dissociation or visual distortions usually subside within minutes. Patients at WIP will not be allowed to leave the facility until these heightened symptoms have diminished and they have rested at our Washington, DC ketamine clinic long enough to feel grounded. There are other mild symptoms one might experience, but these are also temporary. Many describe the experience as unique but not frightening, often finding it deeply introspective or therapeutic.
Immediately After Your Ketamine Infusion
Once your ketamine infusion treatment is complete and our experienced clinicians determine you’re ready to leave, you are required to have a family member or friend drive you home. After you’re back home, it’s important to follow these post-ketamine infusion care steps to support your recovery and maximize the benefits of your treatment.
Following your infusion, you should:
- Avoid driving or operating machinery until the next day.
- Take it easy. Avoid stressful tasks, intense exercise, or heavy decision-making for the rest of the day. Please avoid returning to work or stressful situations.
- Stay hydrated and eat something light.
You may feel tired, slightly “foggy,” or emotionally sensitive once you get home, but these effects typically resolve within a few hours of treatment.
Supporting Your Recovery and Results After Treatment
After your first treatment, it’s important to continue supporting your recovery in the days that follow. How you care for yourself after a ketamine infusion can significantly influence the treatment’s overall effectiveness and long-term impact.
In the Days After
- Reflect on your experience. Journaling or talking to a therapist can help you process your thoughts and feelings.
- Stay engaged in treatment. Ketamine is most effective when combined with psychotherapy, healthy habits, and ongoing mental health support.
- Get good sleep. Rest is essential for your brain to integrate the effects of the infusion.
- Stick to your infusion schedule. A series of sessions, usually six over 2–3 weeks, is often recommended for optimal results.
Final Thoughts
Ketamine can offer rapid relief for those who haven’t found success with traditional treatments due to its distinct mechanism of action. Thoughtful preparation for each step of the process can enhance your comfort and increase the potential for long-lasting benefits. We hope we have brought you an increased understanding of how to prepare for your first ketamine session, including what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
Contact us at Washington Interventional Psychiatry if you are ready to learn more or schedule a consultation. Our ketamine clinic in Washington, DC serves the entire DMV area. We are here to support you every step of the way.
