Preparing for Your First Ketamine Infusion: A Complete Guide

Creator: Dr. Henry Liang
Published: 2025-04-15

If you’ve scheduled your first ketamine infusion, you may have questions about what to expect and how to prepare. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to ensure a comfortable, effective first treatment.

Before Your Appointment

Days Before: Mental and Physical Preparation

Review Your Medications

Inform your provider of all medications
Do not stop any prescribed medications without consulting your doctor
Some medications may need timing adjustments
Bring a current medication list

Hydration

Drink plenty of water in the days leading up
Well-hydrated patients often tolerate infusions better
Continue drinking water day of appointment

Get Good Sleep

Well-rested patients have better experiences
Avoid staying up late the night before
Establish calming bedtime routine

Set Intentions

Think about your goals for treatment
What symptoms do you hope to address?
What would improvement look like for you?
Write down your intentions if helpful

Arrange Transportation

You CANNOT drive after your infusion
Arrange a ride to and from appointment
Plan for someone to stay with you if desired
Consider taking the rest of the day easy

Day of Appointment

Eating Guidelines

No heavy meals 3-4 hours before
Light snack 1-2 hours before is fine
Empty stomach helps prevent nausea
Small amounts of water okay

What to Wear

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
Layers (temperature preferences vary)
Remove jewelry if desired
No restrictive clothing

What to Bring

Photo ID
Insurance card (if applicable)
Payment method
Medication list
Music playlist or headphones (optional)
Eye mask (optional)
Comfort item (optional)

Before Leaving Home

Use restroom (infusions last 45-60 minutes)
Take regular medications unless instructed otherwise
Bring water bottle
Arrive 10-15 minutes early for first visit

Arrival and Setup

Check-In Process

Paperwork:

Complete any remaining forms
Review and sign consent
Confirm emergency contact information
Ask any last-minute questions

Pre-Treatment Assessment:

Vital signs check (blood pressure, heart rate)
Brief health screening
Discussion of any concerns
Review of treatment plan

Getting Comfortable

Treatment Room:

Private, comfortable reclining chair
Adjustable lighting
Temperature control
Calm, peaceful environment

IV Placement:

Small IV catheter placed (usually in hand or arm)
Brief momentary discomfort
Secured comfortably
Connected to infusion line

Medical Monitoring:

Blood pressure cuff in place
Pulse oximeter on finger
Continuous monitoring throughout
Medical staff present

During Your Infusion

What Happens

Infusion Start:

Medication begins flowing slowly
Takes 45-60 minutes total
Gradual onset of effects
Can be adjusted if needed

What You Might Feel

Physical Sensations:

Relaxation and heaviness
Tingling sensations (sometimes)
Warmth or coolness
Changes in body awareness
Feeling of floating

Mental/Perceptual Changes:

Mild dissociation (detachment from surroundings)
Time may feel different
Visual changes with eyes closed
Dreamlike state
Peaceful, calm feeling
Enhanced introspection

Emotional Experience:

Varies widely between individuals
Some feel profound peace
Some experience emotional releases
Some have meaningful insights
Most find it pleasant overall

What You Won’t Feel

You won’t be “unconscious” or “asleep”
You won’t be in pain
You won’t lose complete awareness
You won’t be unable to communicate if needed
You won’t feel “high” in recreational sense

Managing the Experience

If Uncomfortable:

Tell your provider immediately
Infusion rate can be slowed
Music can be adjusted
Staff will help you through it
Remember effects are temporary

Maximizing Benefits:

Surrender to the experience
Let go of control and resistance
Stay present with whatever arises
Breathe deeply and relax
Trust the process

Options During Infusion

Music:

Bring your own playlist
Use clinic’s music options
Classical, ambient, or nature sounds popular
Headphones available

Environment:

Adjust lighting (dim or bright)
Use eye mask or keep eyes open
Control temperature (blankets available)
Request anything for comfort

Interaction:

Can talk if needed
Staff checks on you regularly
Many prefer quiet contemplation
Whatever feels right for you

The Infusion Ends

Immediate After-Effects

Physical Return:

Effects fade gradually over 15-30 minutes
Physical sensations normalize
Mental clarity returns
May feel tired or energized

Recovery Time:

Rest in treatment chair 15-30 minutes
Staff monitors until stable
Vital signs checked
Ensure you feel ready to leave

What You’ll Notice:

Most effects completely resolved
May feel a bit “dreamy”
Some tiredness possible
Often feel calm and peaceful
Sometimes immediate mood improvement

Going Home

Safety Precautions:

Do not drive for rest of day
Avoid operating machinery
No important decisions today
Have someone with you if possible

Activity Recommendations:

Rest and relax remainder of day
Light activities okay
Avoid strenuous exercise today
Return to normal activities next day
No alcohol for 24 hours

After Your First Infusion

First Few Hours

Common Experiences:

Continued sense of calm
Mild fatigue or energized feeling
Better mood
Reduced anxiety
Improved sleep that night

Self-Care:

Drink plenty of water
Eat nourishing food
Rest if tired
Journal if desired
Process experience gently

First Few Days

What to Notice:

Changes in symptom levels
Improvements in mood or energy
Better sleep quality
Reduced pain or anxiety
Enhanced clarity

Journaling:

Track your symptoms daily
Note any improvements
Document side effects
Record questions for next visit
Helps optimize treatment

Integration

Making the Most of Treatment:

Continue therapy sessions
Practice mindfulness
Maintain healthy routines
Stay connected to support
Build on insights gained

Follow-Up:

Contact clinic with any concerns
Report significant changes
Prepare for next appointment
Stay committed to treatment series

Common Questions and Concerns

”Will it feel scary?”

Most patients find the experience peaceful and pleasant. While the dissociative state feels unfamiliar at first, it’s typically described as relaxing. Knowing it’s temporary and having medical staff present helps most people feel safe.

”What if I have a bad reaction?”

Medical staff continuously monitor you and can adjust the infusion immediately. Most “uncomfortable” experiences resolve quickly with slowed infusion rate. Serious reactions are extremely rare in clinical settings.

”When will I feel better?”

Some people notice improvement immediately or within hours. Others need several treatments. Most significant improvement occurs after completing the initial 6-session series over 2-3 weeks.

”What if it doesn’t work?”

Ketamine helps 65-75% of patients. If you don’t respond, your provider will discuss alternative approaches. Sometimes dose adjustment or additional sessions help.

”Can I work the next day?”

Most patients return to normal activities the next day. Some people even go to work the afternoon of their infusion. Listen to your body and take it easy if needed.

Maximizing Your Results

Before Each Infusion

Stay hydrated
Get adequate sleep
Maintain consistent medication schedule
Practice stress management
Set positive intentions

During Treatment Series

Complete all recommended sessions
Don’t judge early results
Stay engaged in therapy
Maintain healthy lifestyle
Trust the process

Long-Term Success

Continue maintenance infusions as recommended
Keep up with therapy
Build sustainable coping skills
Address lifestyle factors
Stay connected to support

Red Flags: When to Contact Your Provider

Call your provider if you experience:

Severe or worsening symptoms
Suicidal thoughts
Unexpected physical symptoms
Concerning side effects
Questions about your treatment

For emergencies, call 911.

Your Treatment Team is Here for You

What We Provide

Before Treatment:

Thorough consultation
Answering all questions
Customized treatment plan
Clear preparation instructions

During Treatment:

Safe, comfortable environment
Continuous monitoring
Compassionate care
Immediate response to needs

After Treatment:

Follow-up support
Outcome tracking
Ongoing communication
Adjustment of protocol as needed

Our Commitment

At Klarity Clinic, we understand that trying a new treatment can feel overwhelming. Our experienced team has guided thousands of patients through their first ketamine infusion. We’re here to ensure you feel:

Informed and prepared
Safe and supported
Comfortable and cared for
Confident in your treatment

Ready to Begin?

Your first ketamine infusion is an important step toward feeling better. With proper preparation and the support of our expert team, most patients find the experience surprisingly comfortable and the results remarkably effective.

You’re not alone in this journey. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Schedule Your Consultation → | Call 844-552-7489

Have questions? Our friendly staff is happy to help.

Helpful Checklists

Pre-Appointment Checklist

Post-Appointment Checklist

Rest for at least 30 minutes
Have ride home (do not drive)
Drink water and eat light meal
Rest or take it easy remainder of day
Journal about experience (optional)
Schedule next appointment
Contact clinic with any concerns

About the Author: Dr. Henry Liang, DO, Medical Director at Klarity Clinic, has administered thousands of ketamine infusions and specializes in helping patients have safe, comfortable, and effective treatment experiences.