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What Should You Do Before and After a Ketamine Infusion

Starting your first ketamine infusion can feel overwhelming, but with proper preparation, the experience can be more manageable and reassuring. This guide will help you understand how to prepare for treatment, what typically happens before, during, and after each session, and what you may feel along the way.

We’ll also go over possible side effects and important safety considerations so you can approach the process with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re just exploring ketamine therapy or getting ready for your first session, having the right information can make a significant difference in your overall experience.

At ketamine center of ct goal is to help you feel informed, prepared, and supported as you take this step toward improving your well-being.

This naturally raises important questions:

What is Ketamine Therapy

Councelling Room

Ketamine is a fast-acting medication originally developed as a general anesthetic. In recent years, it has been studied and used in controlled medical settings as a treatment option for depression, particularly for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. Research has shown that ketamine may reduce depressive symptoms and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts within hours after treatment.

Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine works through a different pathway in the brain. It affects N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which are involved in communication between brain cells. By blocking these receptors, ketamine triggers the release of glutamate, an important neurotransmitter that helps regulate brain activity and supports communication between neurons.

Glutamate plays a major role in learning, memory, and overall brain function. Increased glutamate activity may help strengthen neural connections and improve the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize, a process known as neuroplasticity. These changes may contribute to the rapid antidepressant effects observed in some patients.

Researchers continue to study ketamine to better understand the biological processes involved in its effects on mood and mental health. In addition to its neurological impact, ketamine has also been associated with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

As with any medical treatment, ketamine therapy may cause side effects. Some individuals may experience temporary symptoms such as dissociation, changes in perception, elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, nausea, dizziness, headaches, or vomiting. Because of these potential effects, ketamine treatments are typically administered under medical supervision.

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Initial Ketamine Infusion Consultation

Every treatment journey should begin with a comprehensive consultation guided by an experienced mental health professional. This step is essential to determine whether ketamine therapy is appropriate based on your medical history, current medications, and overall condition.

It’s also recommended to involve your existing healthcare provider in the process. A collaborative approach helps ensure that all aspects of your care are considered, leading to a safer and more effective treatment plan.

Patients should be mindful when choosing where to receive treatment. Clinics that prioritize proper evaluation, monitoring, and clinical oversight provide a higher level of safety and care. Working with a trusted medical team ensures that each session is handled with precision and attention to your individual needs.

We provide specialized ketamine infusion therapy designed to support both pain management and mental health treatment. Our team of trained medical professionals delivers carefully monitored sessions in a controlled and supportive environment.

Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific condition and goals. Our focus is not only on the procedure itself, but on providing compassionate care throughout the entire process from consultation to recovery.

If you have questions or would like to learn more about how ketamine therapy may help, you can reach out through our contact form. Our team is ready to assist you and guide you through the next steps at your convenience.

Taking the first step toward treatment can feel uncertain, but with the right support and guidance, it can also be the beginning of meaningful improvement and recovery.

Preparing for Your First Ketamine Infusion

To get the most out of your treatment, it’s important to prepare both physically and mentally. The 24 hours leading up to your session can influence how your body responds, so taking a few simple steps can help improve your overall experience.

The Day Before Your Treatment

 

  • Get enough rest
     Try to get a good night’s sleep. While sleep challenges are common especially for those seeking treatment doing your best to rest can help your body respond more positively.
  • Stay hydrated
     Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body well-hydrated.
  • Avoid alcohol and recreational substances
     These can interfere with how ketamine works and may affect both safety and effectiveness.
  • Review your medications
     Follow your clinician’s guidance regarding any medications you are currently taking. Some may need to be adjusted or paused temporarily to avoid unwanted interactions.
  • Alcohol and Substance Restrictions Before Your Session

    To ensure your total physical safety and to maximize the psychological benefits of your treatment, you must refrain from consuming alcohol or any recreational substances for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment.

    Alcohol and other substances alter brain chemistry and can introduce unpredictable chemical interactions with ketamine. Consuming them close to your session can actively blunt the neuroplastic effects of the medication, cause severe nausea, or trigger unstable cardiovascular readings that could force our medical team to postpone your infusion for safety.

  • Practice Media Fasting: Ketamine puts your brain in a highly sensitive, adaptive state. We strongly advise avoiding violent, highly stressful, or negative media—such as intense news cycles, horror movies, or high-conflict social media feeds—for 24 hours before your session to keep your mindset calm and receptive.

The Day of Treatment

It’s recommended to arrive with someone who can accompany you, as you may feel slightly tired after the session. Wearing comfortable clothing can also help make the process easier.

  • Arrival
     You may receive medication beforehand to help prevent nausea, as some individuals can experience mild discomfort.
  • Setup
    You will be placed in a comfortable and private setting where your vital signs are monitored continuously. Unlike standard clinical setups that rely on loud, squeezing arm cuffs every few minutes, the Ketamine Center of CT utilizes advanced, continuous Caretaker® wireless monitoring technology. This medical-grade system tracks your vitals silently and in real-time, allowing you to remain completely relaxed, peaceful, and deeply immersed in your therapeutic experience.
  • Infusion
     A small intravenous (IV) line is inserted, typically in the arm or hand. The process is generally well-tolerated and allows the medication to be delivered steadily.
  • Duration
     Sessions typically last around 45 minutes for mood-related treatments, while other conditions may require longer infusion times.
  • After the Session
     Most of the immediate effects wear off shortly after the infusion. However, it’s normal to feel slightly tired or relaxed for a few hours afterward.

Eating and Drinking Restrictions (Fasting Window)

To minimize the risk of nausea or an upset stomach during your infusion, you must follow these strict fasting guidelines on the day of your appointment:

  • No Solid Foods: Do not eat any solid food or heavy meals for at least 6 hours before your scheduled session.

  • Clear Liquids Only: You may drink clear liquids (water, black coffee, or plain tea without any milk, cream, or sugar) up until 2 hours before your appointment, at which point you must fast completely.

Supporting Your Recovery After Treatment

What you do after your first ketamine session plays an important role in how effective the treatment will be over time. Supporting your recovery in the days that follow can help maximize the benefits and create more lasting results.

In the Days After Your Session

  • Take time to reflect
     Processing your experience can be valuable. Writing your thoughts down or speaking with a therapist can help you better understand any insights or emotional shifts.
  • Stay consistent with your care
     Ketamine therapy is often most effective when combined with ongoing support, such as therapy, healthy routines, and structured mental health care.
  • Prioritize rest
     Quality sleep allows the brain to process and integrate the effects of the treatment, supporting recovery and overall well-being.
  • Follow your treatment plan
     Multiple sessions are typically recommended to achieve the best results. Staying consistent with your schedule helps build and maintain the therapeutic effects over time.

Important Post-Treatment Safety: Strictly No Driving

Because ketamine temporarily alters your perception and relaxes your body, you are strictly prohibited from driving or operating machinery for the rest of the day following your infusion.

For your safety and absolute peace of mind, you must arrange for a trusted friend, family member, or ride service to take you home after your session. Your safety is our highest priority, and we require this plan to be in place before your treatment begins.

Conclusion

Starting ketamine therapy can feel like a big step, especially if it’s something new to you. But with the right preparation, guidance, and support, it can also be a meaningful step toward improving your overall well-being.

Understanding what to expect before, during, and after treatment helps reduce uncertainty and allows you to approach the experience with greater confidence. From proper consultation to post-treatment care, each part of the process plays a role in achieving the best possible results.

Consistency, open communication with your care team, and a commitment to your overall health are key factors in maximizing the benefits of treatment. While every individual’s experience is different, having the right structure in place can make a significant difference over time.

If you’re considering ketamine therapy, taking the time to learn and prepare is the first step toward a more informed and supported journey.

 

Frequently Asked Question

 

Yes, but only up until 2 hours before your appointment. You must stop all clear liquids (water, black coffee, or plain tea without milk or sugar) exactly 2 hours prior to your session to prevent nausea.

 

Please contact our team immediately. For your physical safety, we will likely need to push your appointment back by a few hours or reschedule it. Eating too close to your session significantly increases the risk of severe nausea and vomiting.

 

You must have a responsible adult chaperone accompany you. Because ketamine temporarily affects your motor skills and reflexes, we cannot discharge you to a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft alone. Your driver can wait in our comfortable reception area during your session.

 

Yes. You should maintain your routine medication schedule exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take your morning doses at their regular time with a very small sip of water.

 

If you need to change your appointment time or have a specific question about your routine prescriptions, please reach out directly through our contact page. If you are a new patient looking to get started, you can also learn more about our medical team and our clinical safety standards by visiting the biography page for Dr. Gino Ang, MD.

Is ketamine available at Ketamine Center of Connecticut?

KetamineCenterOffice

Ketamine treatment is available at our two Connecticut locations:

232 Boston Post Rd Suite 13, Milford, CT 06460
 1720 Post Rd E Suite 222, Westport, CT 06880

Treatments are strictly supervised by a board-certified physician, Dr. Gino Ang. Ketamine is prescribed only for adults with major depressive disorder who have not responded adequately to at least two different antidepressants. All treatment sessions are conducted in a controlled clinical environment, and Ketamine is administered under the physician’s direct supervision.

Patients must follow strict protocols:

  • Ketamine is prescribed and monitored only by a qualified physician.
  • Treatment is delivered in-office with continuous medical oversight.
  • Use of ketamine outside this controlled setting is unsafe and not permitted.

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression and want to explore ketamine treatment, please contact us to schedule a consultation at our Milford or Westport clinic. All care is personalized to ensure safety, efficacy, and adherence to clinical guidelines.

Doctor-Ang

Dr. Gino Ang MD 

Board-Certified Anesthesiologist 

Medical Review & Disclaimer

This content was reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Gino of the Ketamine Center of CT. This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Use of this site does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Take the Next Step Toward Relief

If you’ve been searching for a treatment that offers real, rapid, and lasting improvement even when other options haven’t helped ketamine therapy may be the answer. Our team is here to guide you with compassion, expertise, and personalized care every step of the way.
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