How Long Does a Ketamine Infusion Take?

Ketamine isn’t only a new treatment for depression; it’s also a dissociative medication for anesthesia, which most people would consider a very different type of treatment. Because of these reasons, many people worry about the side effects they might experience during a ketamine infusion treatment. People can take comfort in knowing that the drug is administered in a controlled environment according to a personalized plan predetermined by a medical professional based on their particular physical traits (height and weight) and medical history. The experience is nothing like it would be if you were taking the drug recreationally or as an anesthetic. 

People have many questions regarding ketamine depression therapy. Here, we’ll get into how long a ketamine treatment takes and what you can expect during your first treatment.  

Consultation Appointment

The first step in the treatment process is to make a consultation appointment and discuss your medical history with the clinical team. This appointment should last approximately 30 minutes to an hour. At the end of the visit, the nurse practitioner will prepare a treatment plan that will include the amount of ketamine you’ll receive, the duration of the treatment, and any other specific information that will be necessary for the treatment. 

Preparation

When you arrive for your first infusion treatment, a medical professional will guide you to a private room and give you some time to relax and get comfortable. They will connect you to monitors that keep track of your vitals throughout the treatment. When everyone is ready to begin the treatment, an IV will be inserted into your arm. From the time you enter the room, the rest of the treatment process should take about 60 to 90 minutes. 

During the Infusion

Almost instantly, after the ketamine drip enters your bloodstream through the IV, you’ll feel a sensation of cool liquid and then a feeling of deep relaxation. During the next 40 minutes or so, you will rest comfortably as you receive the treatment. You’ll have the option of listening to music through headphones, lying down, or sitting with your eyes closed. A medical professional will be with you throughout the process.  

After the Infusion

After the infusion, you’ll have some time to relax, reflect, and wait for the effects of ketamine to wear off. Some patients feel drowsy or groggy during this time, while others feel slightly distorted. You will not be allowed to drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 12 hours following the treatment, so you will need to have someone there to drive you home. It is important to follow the discharge instructions provided by our healthcare provider following every treatment.