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Your Consultation Guide
What to Expect During Ketamine Infusion Therapy
We created this guide to help you feel prepared and informed before your consultation. Take a few minutes to learn about the process, what to expect, and how we'll support you every step of the way.
Begin
The Science
How Ketamine Helps Your Brain Heal
Ketamine works differently than traditional antidepressants. Instead of targeting serotonin, it stimulates the growth of new neural connections — helping your brain form healthier pathways for mood and thought.
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Neuroplasticity
Promotes growth of new brain connections
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Fast Acting via Glutamate
Works on the glutamate system — a different pathway than SSRIs — which is thought to account for the rapid onset of relief
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Quiets the DMN
Calms the default mode network, reducing negative thought loops and suicidal ideation
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Pain Reset
Can reset sensitized pain receptors, offering relief for chronic pain conditions
Conditions Treated
Who Can Benefit from Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine infusion therapy has shown significant promise for several mood and pain disorders, especially when other treatments haven't provided adequate relief.
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Depression
Including treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
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Anxiety
Generalized anxiety and PTSD
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Suicidal Ideation
Rapid relief from acute symptoms
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Chronic Pain
CRPS, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain
Your Visit
What Happens During Your Infusion
Each visit typically lasts about 75–90 minutes. Here's a step-by-step look at what your visit will look like.
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Arrival
Welcome & Check-In
You'll be greeted by our team, settle into a comfortable private room, and review your vitals.
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~15 min
IV Placement & Setup
A small IV is placed and pre-medications for nausea or other symptoms are administered. The infusion then begins at a carefully calibrated dose.
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~45 min
The Infusion
Relax with music or an eye mask. You may feel a gentle floating sensation. Our team monitors you via cardiac monitoring and camera throughout.
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15+ min
Coming Back
The infusion ends and effects begin to fade. Most people feel clear-headed within 15–20 minutes. We'll make sure you're comfortable before you go.
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Departure
Heading Home
You'll need a ride home — no driving for the rest of the day. Plan for a quiet, restful evening.
During the Infusion
What You May Experience
Every person's experience is unique, but here are common sensations people describe. Remember — you'll be monitored the entire time and we can adjust the infusion at any point.
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Floating Sensation
A gentle, dreamy feeling of lightness — the most commonly reported experience
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Visual Changes
Soft colors, patterns, or enhanced perception with eyes closed
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Altered Time Sense
Time may feel like it slows down or speeds up
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Deep Reflection
Some experience meaningful thoughts or emotional processing
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Deep Relaxation
A profound sense of calm and ease throughout the body
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Dissociation
Mild feeling of detachment — this is temporary and expected
Being Prepared
Not Every Moment Will Feel Easy
While many people have deeply positive experiences, it's important to know that ketamine can also bring up difficult emotions or uncomfortable sensations. This is a normal part of the process.
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Difficult Emotions
Sadness, grief, or anxiety may surface — this can be part of the healing process
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Feeling Overwhelmed
The intensity of the experience may feel like a lot at times — this passes
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Brief Anxiety
Some moments may feel unsettling, especially early in the infusion
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Unfamiliar Sensations
Feeling "different" or outside of your usual self can be disorienting at first
💜 You Are Never Alone in This
Our team monitors you throughout the entire infusion via non-recorded cameras and cardiac monitoring. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, we can adjust the dose, offer reassurance, or slow things down. Many people find that even challenging moments lead to meaningful breakthroughs. There are no "wrong" experiences — just your experience.
Safety Information
Possible Side Effects
Side effects are generally mild and short-lived, resolving within 1–2 hours after the infusion. Our clinical team is trained to manage any discomfort you may experience.
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Nausea
Mild; we provide anti-nausea medication preventatively
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Dizziness
Light-headedness that passes shortly after the session
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Blood Pressure & Heart Rate
Temporary mild elevation, which is normal and expected
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Drowsiness
Tiredness afterward — plan for a restful evening
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Blurred Vision
Brief visual changes that resolve quickly
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Vivid Thoughts
Heightened imagination; can be meaningful for healing
Before Your Visit
How to Prepare
A little preparation goes a long way. Follow these simple guidelines to ensure your infusion is as comfortable and effective as possible.
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Food & Drink
For your first infusion, we recommend no food or drink for 2 hours before treatment. Avoid eating anything heavy beforehand.
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Medications
Continue regular medications unless your provider says otherwise. Bring a current medication list.
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Comfort
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. We provide headphones, eye masks, and blankets — but feel free to bring any items from home that might bring you comfort.
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Transportation
Arrange a ride home. You cannot drive for the rest of the day after your infusion.
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Mindset
Come with an open mind. Set a positive intention for your session. There are no wrong experiences.
We're Here For You
Ready for Your Consultation?
Our team at Imagine Healthcare is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care. If you have any questions before your visit, don't hesitate to reach out.