Ketamine therapy can be life-changing for many patients seeking relief from their mental illness. However, like most treatments, ketamine therapy doesn’t come without side effects, and it’s important for patients to be knowledgeable about these effects before diving right in.
So, let’s talk about ketamine therapy side effects: from what the treatment feels like to some immediate effects and long-term considerations, we’re covering it all.
Key Takeaways:
- Defining Ketamine Therapy: Ketamine therapy uses low doses of ketamine to target NMDA receptors in the brain, helping to regulate mood and treat mental health conditions like depression and PTSD.
- What Does Ketamine Therapy Feel Like? Many patients describe ketamine therapy as a surreal, dream-like experience with sensations of detachment, floating, and visual distortions.
- Common Side Effects of Ketamine Therapy: Immediate side effects can include dissociation, nausea, drowsiness, and elevated blood pressure, which typically subside after the treatment session.
- Less Common Side Effects: Some patients experience dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, or headaches, which are usually short-lived and resolve as ketamine leaves the body.
- Managing Side Effects: Techniques like practicing mindfulness, avoiding heavy meals, and allowing time for rest can help manage ketamine therapy side effects.
- Patient Considerations: Long-term considerations include the potential for mild memory issues and dependency, which can be mitigated with a structured treatment plan and mental health check-ins.
What is Ketamine Therapy?
Plain and simple, ketamine therapy is a type of therapy that utilizes low doses of ketamine. This administration works by targeting NMDA receptors in the brain, which helps reset neural pathways linked to mood regulation.
This unique mechanism often provides relief for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD — where other medications often fall short.
Ketamine is known for its more dissociative properties, making it a wonderful option for those looking for treatment in more unconventional ways.
Learn more about understanding ketamine therapy in our blog post, or specifically about ketamine therapy for anxiety.
What Does Ketamine Therapy Feel Like?
How ketamine therapy feels will differ slightly from person to person. However, many people describe it as a surreal and dream-like experience.
During the treatment, the dissociative effects of ketamine can create a sense of detachment from one’s body or surroundings, leading to feelings of floating, lightness, or being in an altered state of consciousness.
Many report visual distortions, such as seeing vibrant colors or shapes, while others may experience a shift in time perception or feel like they are outside their bodies.
The effects usually peak about 20-40 minutes into the session, gradually wearing off within an hour or two. Afterward, many patients feel drowsy or fatigued, requiring some time to rest and reorient themselves.
While the treatment can feel intense in the moment, most people describe the overall experience as therapeutic and emotionally beneficial once the immediate effects wear off.
Common Side Effects of Ketamine Therapy
When you go into ketamine therapy, it’s crucial to understand that there are several common side effects that could happen after treatment. Of course, these side effects depend on the person, but understanding that they may occur can help bring reassurance.
Let’s start with some of the most immediate side effects after treatment.
Immediate Side Effects After Treatment
Below are some common immediate side effects that many people report after ketamine therapy:
- Dissociation and Hallucinations: One of the most common side effects of ketamine therapy is dissociation, where patients may feel detached from their body or environment. While these sensations can be disorienting, they typically subside as the ketamine leaves the system.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting can occur during or shortly after a ketamine infusion. These effects are most common in individuals sensitive to anesthesia or prone to motion sickness.
- Drowsiness and Fatigue: Drowsiness is a frequent side effect, and many patients feel fatigued after a session. This is a normal response to the therapy, as ketamine has sedative properties that can linger for a few hours post-treatment.
- Elevated Blood Pressure and Heart Rate: Ketamine can cause temporary increases in blood pressure and heart rate. This side effect is usually short-lived and monitored closely during treatment, but individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions should consult their doctor before starting ketamine therapy.
Less Common Side Effects
Now, let’s talk about some of the less common side effects that you could experience after ketamine therapy.
Some people report feeling dizzy, confused or even disoriented after therapy. Thankfully, these feelings typically subside as the ketamine leaves the system.
Other people may experience headaches or blurred vision post-ketamine therapy. The drug affects the brain’s sensory processing systems, occasionally causing strange effects like problems with vision.
But, again, these less common side effects tend to go away as ketamine exits your body.
For more information, explore our blog: Who Is Not A Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?
Managing Side Effects and Long-Term Considerations
If you do experience ketamine therapy side effects, there are several ways you can manage them to make them easier to work through.
To cope with dissociation and hallucinations during ketamine therapy, for example, it’s essential to approach the treatment with preparation.
You could easily benefit from focusing on calming breathing techniques and practicing mindfulness before and during the session to get you prepped and ready.
If you’re prone to nausea, you should avoid heavy or greasy meals before treatment. Clinics may also administer anti-nausea medication before the session, ensuring the experience is smoother. Plus, hydration before and after can help further minimize this.
Finally, given the fatigue and drowsiness that follow ketamine therapy, it’s important to allow time for rest after each session. You take the time to arrange for a comfortable, quiet space to recover and avoid tasks that require intense focus or physical exertion.
Gentle activities like reading or listening to calming music can aid in relaxation, while taking a nap may help restore energy levels.
Patient Considerations
Of course, ketamine therapy offers various long-term benefits — however, there are also long-term considerations that you should be aware of.
Some individuals may experience mild cognitive issues, such as memory lapses, particularly after repeated treatments.
Also, there is a risk of dependency with prolonged or frequent use.
To mitigate this, you should follow a structured treatment plan and maintain regular mental health check-ins. This helps avoid over-reliance on ketamine while ensuring that you’re still effectively managing underlying conditions.
Is Ketamine Therapy Right For You?
Ketamine therapy can be complicated for those just beginning to explore it, but its unique potential to manage mental health symptoms makes it an appealing option for many.
At Therapy Unlocked, not only are our services more affordable than most, but we also offer expert guidance with 2-4 clinical support sessions per month to ensure you receive the best care possible. Our team is here to answer any questions you have about this treatment and guide you through every step of the process.
If you think that ketamine therapy is right for you, the first step is to contact us. Then, our experts will answer any questions you have about this form of therapy and how it could benefit your health and wellness.
