How to Prepare for Your Ketamine Infusion: Tips for a Calm and Successful Experience

What Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy and Who Is It For?

Ketamine infusion therapy is an innovative and fast-acting treatment option for individuals experiencing treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or major depressive disorder (MDD). Administered via IV in a medically supervised setting, ketamine helps restore brain connections and alleviate depressive symptoms—even when traditional antidepressants have failed. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we guide our patients through a calm, supportive process designed to maximize comfort and therapeutic benefit.

Why Preparing for Ketamine Therapy Is So Important

Preparing properly isn’t just about logistics; it can directly affect how you feel during and after your infusion. A calm mindset and intentional preparation can help reduce side effects, enhance the emotional insight you experience, and make the overall treatment more comfortable and effective.

The Night Before Your Ketamine Infusion

• Get a good night’s sleep: Being well-rested helps your mind and body relax during your infusion.
• Avoid emotional overstimulation: Skip intense news, emotional films, or violent media.
• Hydrate well (but stop 6 hours before your infusion).
• Set intentions: Meditation, journaling, or preparing a calming mantra can help.

What to Do (and NOT Do) Before Your Appointment

• No food or drink: Stop eating and drinking at least 6 hours before your appointment to avoid nausea and vomiting.
• Dress comfortably: Wear loose-fitting clothes and short sleeves to make IV access easy.
• Avoid alcohol or recreational drugs: These can interfere with treatment and safety.
• Update your provider: Notify your care team of any changes in medication or health.

What to Bring to Your Ketamine Infusion Appointment

• Comfort items: Blanket, spa socks, or a handheld fan—bring whatever helps regulate your temperature.
• Noise-canceling headphones or your own earbuds.
• Eye mask: Provided in clinic or bring your own for deeper relaxation.
• Journal: To document insights post-session or share thoughts in our communal journals.
• Supportive ride: You will not be permitted to drive yourself home.

Best Music for Ketamine Therapy: How Sound Shapes the Journey

Music can be a powerful part of the infusion process. Choose instrumental, ambient, or binaural playlists that:

• Have no lyrics
• Are calming or uplifting
• Last 60–90 minutes uninterrupted

Some patients enjoy playlists from the Calm App or Spotify options like "Ambient Forest" and "Dreamscape." Others find that looping instrumental tracks from artists like Brian Eno or Jon Hopkins enhances their emotional insights.

What to Expect Right After the Infusion

Your infusion will last 40 minutes to 2 hours. Afterward:

• You’ll rest in a recovery area
• Most patients feel tired, calm, or slightly disoriented
• Nausea, dizziness, or high blood pressure may occur but resolve within hours
• You must have someone take you home—you cannot drive or operate machinery the rest of the day

Enhancing the Integration Phase Post-Treatment

• Rest the remainder of the day
• Journal your thoughts and feelings
• Schedule a therapy appointment within 24–48 hours for emotional integration
• Talk with a trusted friend or support person to help process your experience

Common Side Effects and Safety Monitoring

Possible side effects include:

• Dissociation or floaty sensations
• Blurry vision
• Heightened sensitivity to light/sound
• Nausea or vomiting

These effects are temporary and typically subside within a few hours. Your care team will monitor your vitals and keep you safe throughout the experience.

Still Have Questions? Contact Us for Personalized Support

If you're preparing for your first ketamine infusion or still have questions, we're here to help. Call Axis Integrated Mental Health at (720) 400-7025 or visit our page to schedule a consultation.