Ketamine infusion therapy can feel unfamiliar because the medication may temporarily change perception, body awareness, and sense of time. For treatment-resistant depression, psychiatrists use doses below those used for surgical anesthesia, so patients can remain awake during the infusion. Experiences vary from person to person. An evaluation and medical screening help determine whether treatment is appropriate before the first session.
Before treatment, the psychiatrist reviews current symptoms, medications, medical history, and safety considerations. An intravenous (IV) line delivers ketamine gradually while the team monitors physiologic measures. Sessions commonly last 40 to 60 minutes, although protocols vary. Still, patients remain in the office throughout ketamine infusion therapy. This way, the team can respond if nausea, anxiety, blood pressure changes, or other side effects occur. This monitoring is one reason ketamine for mental health treatment should not be approached as an unsupervised experience.
Some patients describe feeling light, floaty, spacey, or disconnected from their usual surroundings. Sounds, colors, distance, or time may seem different for a short period. Others report a dreamlike sensation or a feeling that the body is unusually light or far away.
These experiences are often described as dissociation. They vary between patients, and a stronger perceptual experience does not necessarily mean the treatment will work better. The clinical team can explain what is expected and help patients remain oriented if the sensations feel uncomfortable.
While ketamine infusion therapy rarely raises a cause for alarm, it is necessary to be aware of potential physical side effects, such as:
Some patients feel calm during treatment, while others may feel anxious or unsettled. Regardless, the psychiatrist and their team will monitor side effects during the session and recovery period. However, patients should tell the clinical team about any uncomfortable sensation rather than trying to push through it silently. Medication, changes to the infusion, or other supportive measures may be appropriate depending on the situation.
Perceptual effects generally lessen after the medication stops, but patients may still feel tired, foggy, or unsteady for a period afterward. The practice may observe the patient until physiologic measures and mental status are stable enough for discharge. That said, patients need transportation home and should follow the psychiatrist's instructions about driving, work, and other activities after treatment.
Feeling different during the infusion is separate from experiencing improvement in depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or anxiety symptoms. Some patients notice mood changes relatively quickly, while others need multiple sessions to notice any improvement. The psychiatrist monitors symptoms over time rather than judging effectiveness only by how the infusion itself feels.
Ketamine infusion therapy can involve temporary changes in perception and physical sensation, but patients remain under clinical observation throughout the process. Our psychiatrist can explain what to expect, review candidacy, and place ketamine within a broader plan for treatment-resistant depression or other conditions. To learn more about ketamine infusion therapy or to schedule an evaluation, contact our office.
Request an appointment here: https://futurepsychsolutions.com or call Future Psych Solutions at (803) 335-5232 for an appointment in our Columbia office.
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