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.
Key Takeaways
- Ketamine therapy uses low doses of ketamine to target NMDA receptors in the brain
- Most side effects are temporary and subside after treatment
- Medical monitoring helps ensure safety during sessions
- Proper preparation can minimize discomfort
- Regular check-ins help manage long-term considerations
Understanding Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine therapy utilizes low doses of ketamine that target NMDA receptors in the brain, helping reset neural pathways linked to mood regulation. This unique mechanism provides relief for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD – where other medications often fall short.
Learn more about understanding ketamine therapy in our blog post, or specifically about ketamine therapy for anxiety.
The 12 Most Common Ketamine Therapy Side Effects
1. Dissociation
Dissociation is the most common and notable side effect of ketamine therapy. During treatment, you might feel disconnected from your body or surroundings, as if you’re observing things from a distance. This surreal, dream-like experience typically peaks about 20-40 minutes into the session and gradually wears off within an hour or two.
What to expect: Many patients describe floating sensations, feeling outside their body, or a dreamlike state. While this might sound concerning, it’s actually a normal part of the treatment process and can contribute to the therapeutic benefits. The medical team is prepared for this effect and will guide you through the experience.
Management: The best approach is to remain calm and remember this is temporary. Your treatment team will provide grounding techniques if needed. Most patients find this effect completely resolves within a few hours after treatment.
2. Visual Changes
Visual distortions are a direct result of how ketamine affects your brain’s sensory processing. Patients commonly report seeing colors more vividly, noticing patterns, or experiencing mild visual hallucinations during treatment.
What to expect: You might see enhanced colors, geometric patterns, or changes in how objects appear. Some patients report lights seeming brighter or colors appearing more intense. These changes are temporary and part of the normal treatment experience.
Management: Wearing an eye mask during treatment can help if the visual changes feel overwhelming. The effects naturally subside as the medication wears off, typically within a few hours after treatment.
3. Time Perception Changes
Ketamine can significantly alter how you experience time during treatment. Minutes might feel like hours, or time might seem to flow differently than usual.
What to expect: You might feel like time is moving slower or faster than normal, or have difficulty tracking how much time has passed. This is normal and directly related to how ketamine affects brain function.
Management: Your treatment team will track time for you, so there’s no need to worry about this effect. Having a clock visible after treatment can help you reorient to normal time perception.
4. Nausea and Vomiting
About 15-25% of patients experience some degree of nausea during or after ketamine treatment. This side effect is more common in people who are sensitive to motion sickness or anesthesia.
What to expect: Nausea typically begins during treatment or shortly after, and usually resolves within a few hours. Some patients might experience vomiting, though this is less common when proper precautions are taken.
Management:
- Avoid eating for 4-6 hours before treatment
- Stay well-hydrated with clear fluids
- Anti-nausea medication can be provided before treatment if needed
- Focus on steady breathing during treatment
- Start with small sips of water after treatment
5. Blood Pressure Changes
Ketamine typically causes a temporary increase in blood pressure during treatment. This effect is usually mild and closely monitored by medical staff.
What to expect: Your blood pressure might rise by 10-20 points during treatment. The medical team will monitor your blood pressure before, during, and after treatment to ensure your safety.
Management:
- Blood pressure is checked regularly throughout treatment
- Inform your doctor about any heart conditions before starting therapy
- Report any chest pain or severe headaches immediately
- The effect usually resolves within 1-2 hours after treatment
6. Heart Rate Fluctuations
Changes in heart rate commonly occur during ketamine treatment, typically manifesting as a mild increase in heart rate.
What to expect: Your heart rate might increase by 10-20 beats per minute during treatment. This is monitored closely by medical staff and usually returns to normal shortly after treatment ends.
Management:
- Regular monitoring throughout treatment
- Deep breathing exercises can help regulate heart rate
- Report any chest pain or palpitations immediately
- Effects typically resolve within 1-2 hours
7. Drowsiness and Fatigue
Most patients experience some level of drowsiness or fatigue after ketamine treatment. This is a normal response to the medication and typically lasts several hours.
What to expect: You might feel very tired or sluggish after treatment. Many patients describe it as similar to the feeling after a long, deep sleep.
Management:
- Arrange for transportation home after treatment
- Plan to rest for the remainder of the day
- Avoid driving or operating machinery for 24 hours
- Keep your schedule clear for recovery time
- Gentle activities like reading or listening to music are ideal
8. Dizziness
Dizziness is common during and after treatment, affecting about 30% of patients. It results from ketamine’s effects on your balance system and usually resolves as the medication wears off.
What to expect: You might feel unsteady or lightheaded, particularly when moving or changing positions. This effect is most noticeable when standing or walking.
Management:
- Move slowly and carefully after treatment
- Stay seated or lying down until steady
- Use assistance when walking if needed
- Stay hydrated
- Effects typically resolve within 4-6 hours
9. Confusion
Temporary confusion or disorientation is normal during and shortly after treatment. This side effect reflects ketamine’s impact on cognitive function.
What to expect: You might feel mentally foggy or have difficulty following complex thoughts. Some patients report mild confusion about time or place immediately after treatment.
Management:
- Rest in a quiet, calm environment
- Avoid complex decisions or tasks
- Have a support person present
- Effects usually clear within 2-4 hours
- Maintain simple conversation if desired
10. Blurred Vision
Visual disturbances, including blurred vision, are relatively common during treatment and can persist briefly afterward.
What to expect: Your vision might seem unfocused or slightly blurry. Some patients report difficulty reading or focusing on close objects.
Management:
- Avoid reading or screen time during treatment
- Rest your eyes as needed
- Effects typically resolve within 1-2 hours
- Wear glasses if prescribed
- Report any severe or persistent vision changes
11. Headaches
About 20% of patients experience headaches after ketamine treatment. These are typically mild and resolve without intervention.
What to expect: Headaches usually develop after treatment and may feel like a mild tension headache. They rarely last more than a day.
Management:
- Stay hydrated before and after treatment
- Rest in a quiet environment
- Over-the-counter pain relievers can help if approved by your doctor
- Report severe or persistent headaches
- Cold or warm compresses might provide relief
12. Memory Effects
Some patients experience temporary memory effects, particularly with repeated treatments. These effects are usually mild and reversible.
What to expect: You might have difficulty recalling specific details from the treatment session or experience slight haziness with short-term memory immediately after treatment.
Management:
- Keep important information written down
- Have a support person help track important details
- Regular monitoring by your healthcare team
- Effects typically improve between treatments
- Report any persistent memory concerns
Managing Side Effects
Proper preparation and knowing what to do at each stage of treatment can help minimize discomfort and make your ketamine therapy experience smoother. Here’s what you need to know:
Before Treatment
- Stay well-hydrated
- Avoid heavy or greasy meals
- Practice calming breathing techniques
- Prepare a quiet recovery space
During Treatment
- Focus on steady breathing
- Communicate any discomfort to medical staff
- Follow treatment team instructions
- Stay in recommended positions
After Treatment
- Allow time for rest and recovery
- Avoid driving or operating machinery
- Engage in gentle activities like reading or listening to music
- Have someone present for support
Long-Term Considerations
While ketamine therapy offers various benefits, there are important long-term considerations:
- Potential for mild cognitive effects with repeated treatments
- Risk of dependency with prolonged use
- Need for regular mental health check-ins
- Importance of following structured treatment plans
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for ketamine therapy. Learn more about who should consider alternative treatments in our guide: Who Is Not A Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?
Is Ketamine Therapy Right for You?
Ketamine therapy can be complex 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, we offer affordable services with expert guidance through 2-4 clinical support sessions monthly. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through every step of treatment.
If you think ketamine therapy might be right for you, contact us to learn more about how this treatment could benefit your health and wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine Therapy Side Effects
How long do ketamine therapy side effects typically last?
Most side effects from ketamine therapy are temporary. The most intense effects, like dissociation and visual changes, peak around 20-40 minutes into treatment and gradually wear off within 1-2 hours. Fatigue and mild confusion might last 4-6 hours after treatment. By the next day, most patients return to their normal state.
What does dissociation during ketamine therapy actually feel like?
Dissociation during ketamine therapy typically feels like a dreamlike state where you might feel disconnected from your body or surroundings. Many patients describe floating sensations or feeling like they’re observing things from a distance. While this can feel strange, it’s a normal part of treatment and is monitored by medical staff. The feeling gradually fades as the medication wears off.
Can I drive home after receiving ketamine therapy?
No, you should not drive after ketamine therapy. The side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, and altered perception, can make driving dangerous. You should arrange transportation home and avoid driving or operating machinery for at least 24 hours after treatment. Having a support person present is recommended.
What can I do to minimize nausea during ketamine treatment?
To reduce nausea during ketamine treatment:
- Avoid eating for 4-6 hours before your session
- Stay well-hydrated with clear fluids
- Ask about anti-nausea medication before treatment
- Practice steady breathing during treatment
- Start with small sips of water after treatment ends
Are there any long-term side effects I should worry about?
While most ketamine therapy side effects are temporary, some considerations for long-term use include potential mild memory effects and the possibility of psychological dependence. These risks are minimized through structured treatment plans and regular monitoring by your healthcare team. Regular mental health check-ins and following prescribed treatment schedules help ensure safe, effective therapy.
