What to Do After Ketamine Treatment Q&A

Ketamine was used as an anesthesia medicine for animals back in the 1960s in Belgium; however, it has since been retrofitted as an anesthetic for people as early as the 1970’s. It was often used to treat the likes of soldiers who were fighting on the battlefields in Vietnam. Ketamine was not like other anesthetics, as it doesn’t slow the individuals breathing or their heart rate, so patients that are on ketamine do not need to be on a ventilator to receive it.

Ketamine causes a feeling of becoming untouched from reality, basically, you lose all sensory and become distorted to the feeling of your body, thoughts and beliefs, and it provides a feeling of euphoria, all of which is temporary. This temporary feeling lasts an average of about 2 hours.

Ketamine has been tested in clinical settings with a controlled atmosphere and is FDA-approved to be used for individual treatment for depression. Often it will be used by doctors to help their patients get relief from other medications.

Many medical clinics and physicians will use ketamine as a medication for their patients to induce loss of consciousness. The effects of ketamine include reduced sensation of pain and sedation.

Ketamine is used for therapeutic uses which often include:

• Inducing general anesthesia
Physicians use ketamine to induce general anesthetics either by itself or with other general anesthetics. It is often used in emergency department settings to provide a short-term sedation when necessary.

• Treating pain
Practitioners will use low doses which do not produce dissociation to relieve their patient’s severe pain from the following:

• Trauma
• Fractures
• Abdominal pain
• Arm or leg pain
• Lower back pain

• Treating status epilepticus
Status epilepticus is when an individual has a seizure and it lasts for longer than 5 minutes or the individual has more than one seizure within the 5-minute timeframe.

• Treating depression
Physicians will often use ketamine as a substance to quickly relieve depression in their patients who are not responding well to other treatment methods.

• Treating anxiety
While it has been noted that ketamine has often made significant effects on reducing anxiety in patients when using it for depression, it is encouraged as a treatment for anxiety.

The key factor when it comes to how quickly ketamine works will depend on how it is administered. While there are many other factors at play as well, this is the main factor.

Ketamine can be administered in one of four ways:

1. Intravenous infusion (IV)
Intravenous infusion is done by directly submitting the ketamine substance straight into the bloodstream through an IV. It provides rapid onset of effects, and it can last up to five hours depending on the physician’s recommendation.

2. Intramuscular infusion (IM)
Intramuscular infusion is administered with a syringe straight into the muscle in the thighs or shoulders. Intramuscular infusion typically takes on average 2 to 4 minutes for the effects to kick in and can last up to 3 hours.

3. Sublingual tablets
Sublingual tablets use rapid dissolving tablets that are placed in the mouth for direct oral absorption and then removed after the maximum point of absorption.

4. Intranasal Spray (IN)
Intranasal spray options are administered through the nose by a spray, this method on average takes 5 to 10 minutes to take effect, and can last up to 3 hours.

After a ketamine treatment, patients should plan to rest and allow time for the effects of the medication to fully wear off. Because ketamine can temporarily affect coordination, perception, emotions, and judgment, patients should not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, or make important decisions for the rest of the day. It is important to have a trusted adult available to drive you home safely after your appointment.

We also recommend having someone supportive stay with you after treatment, not only for transportation but also for emotional comfort. Some patients may speak, feel, or act differently while processing the experience, and having a calm, nonjudgmental person nearby can help them feel safe and supported. Following the provider’s aftercare instructions, staying hydrated, eating lightly, and resting in a quiet environment can help support a smoother recovery after ketamine treatment.

Board-certified Dr. Paul Wender, MD, at Bay Area Ketamine Center, helps patients understand what to do after ketamine treatment by providing clear post-treatment guidance based on their individual needs. After a session, patients may be advised to rest, avoid driving, follow clinic instructions, and allow time to process their experience in a calm and supportive environment.

Dr. Wender’s patient-centered approach focuses on continued support beyond the treatment session. He helps patients understand the importance of follow-up care, emotional reflection, and ongoing communication so their treatment plan can be adjusted when needed. This guidance helps patients feel more confident, supported, and informed throughout their mental health care journey.

Contact us today for more information or visit us to schedule an appointment online. Our clinic is conveniently located at 746 Altos Oaks Drive Suite B, Los Altos, CA 94024. We serve patients from Los Altos CA, Sunnyvale CA, Palo Alto CA, Stanford CA, Atherton CA, Cupertino CA, Santa Clara CA, Mountain View CA, Loyola CA, and surrounding areas.