A Guide to Ketamine Therapy Aftercare
A Step-by-Step Guide for Your Aftercare Journey
Learn how to maximize the benefits of ketamine treatments with effective ketamine therapy aftercare. As one of the fastest-growing treatments for mental health conditions in the United States, ketamine is recognized for its ability to rewire the brain. In turn, this innovative therapy can boost adaptability and promote healing.
Ketamine therapy can be transformative. When administered by experienced professionals, this therapy can lead to significant improvement in debilitating symptoms. However, achieving these results often depends on proper ketamine therapy aftercare. Explore our guide and discover how to optimize your healing journey and make the most of your infusion experience.
Schedule A Free Consult
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via text/email/phone. Reply “stop” to opt-out at any time.
What is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy is a medical treatment that helps people struggling with mental health challenges. The most common challenges include depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Ketamine works by affecting certain brain chemicals to create new connections. In particular, ketamine works on the glutamate system. Glutamate can help make the brain more adaptable and open to positive changes. Additionally, it can help reduce symptoms by calming overactive parts of the brain tied to stress and fear.
For example, many people experience relief within hours. This is unlike traditional medications, which can take weeks to kick in. Meanwhile, ketamine’s effects often last longer when paired with therapy or proper ketamine therapy aftercare. In fact, studies show that ketamine can offer hope for those who haven’t responded to other treatments. Overall, it’s a safe, proven option when administered by trained professionals. When combined with ketamine therapy aftercare, this medication can have a profound impact on mental wellness.
How to Prepare for Ketamine Therapy
Preparing for ketamine treatment is essential for long-term success. It helps set clear goals and creates a positive mindset. Furthermore, it ensures you get the most from each session. Read the section below to learn about how to prepare for ketamine therapy.
Finding the Best Ketamine Clinic
Before Treatment
Practice mindfulness
Spend time meditating or focusing on relaxation. In addition, try to avoid stressful environments or situations on the day of your appointment.
Avoid harmful media
Stay away from stressful or negative content to maintain a calm mindset. Furthermore, refraining from all social media on the day of treatment can help.
Fast for 4-8 hours
Refrain from eating and drink only water before treatment. On occasion, ketamine can cause nausea. However, fasting can help decrease this symptom.
Set an intention
Setting an intention before ketamine therapy can provide focus and direction. This helps ensure your treatment aligns with your personal goals. However, it’s not required. Ketamine naturally works to repair and strengthen neural pathways. Even without an intention, the treatment promotes healing and creates opportunities for positive mental health changes.
Bring a calming playlist
Choose commercial-free, soothing music to enhance your relaxation during the session. The best ketamine playlist should be about two hours long. Because music can elicit strong emotions, it is important to choose calming and relaxing music. For the best results, we suggest lyric-free music. Lyrical music can be distracting. For ketamine music recommendations, contact Andala Health for our favorite ketamine playlists.
Get plenty of rest
Arrive well-rested to help your body and mind respond optimally.
Dress comfortably
Wear loose, cozy clothing for added comfort. For ketamine infusions and IM ketamine shots, shirt sleeves should be loose and easy to roll up or down. Consequently, this is so we can properly place the IV in the arm or insert the IM shot into the shoulder.
Bring a favorite blanket
A familiar, soft blanket can help you feel more at ease. If you don’t have a blanket, we provide a variety of blankets at Andala Health. Your comfort is our first priority.
Arrange a safe ride home
Because of the effects of this medication, you mustn't operate heavy machinery for 24 hours afterward. Arranging a safe ride home from your ketamine treatment is mandatory. At Andala Health, we can authorize our patients to use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft with prior consent.
Aftercare Tips
Many patients feel immediate relief after ketamine treatment. However, proper ketamine therapy aftercare plays a vital role in optimizing the results of ketamine therapy. For optimal results, Andala Health suggests six treatments over 2-3 weeks. Here are ketamine therapy aftercare tips to help maximize the effectiveness of your treatments:
Get ongoing therapy and support
Combining ketamine treatment with therapy can make it more effective by helping you work through emotional and mental challenges. Ketamine rewires the brain and eases symptoms. However, a therapist can help you process feelings, build coping skills, and apply what you learn. Together, they support lasting healing and better mental health.
Practice mindfulness and meditation
Mindfulness and meditation can boost the effects of ketamine sessions by calming the mind and lowering stress. They help you stay focused on the present and process emotions more clearly. Additionally, these practices support the brain’s healing and reinforce positive changes. As a result, they can lead to longer-lasting benefits.
Create new and positive experiences
Creating new and positive experiences after ketamine therapy can improve its benefits. Ketamine promotes neuroplasticity, helping the brain form new connections. For example, activities like learning new skills or spending time with loved ones encourage healthy neural pathways. Additionally, these experiences replace negative thought patterns with positive ones. As a result, emotional healing and mental wellness are more likely to last.
Maintain a healthy diet and exercise
Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise can greatly improve mental health after ketamine treatments. Eating nutritious foods supports brain function. Furthermore, it provides the energy needed for healing. Additionally, exercise releases endorphins, which boost mood and reduce stress. For example, walking, yoga, or strength training can help regulate emotions and improve overall well-being. As a result, combining a balanced diet with physical activity strengthens the effects of ketamine and promotes long-term mental wellness.
Arrange a safe ride home
Because of the effects of this medication, you mustn't operate heavy machinery for 24 hours afterward. Arranging a safe ride home from your ketamine treatment is mandatory. At Andala Health, we can authorize our patients to use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft with prior consent.
How Much Does Ketamine Cost?
The cost of ketamine treatment varies depending on which delivery method is used. Andala Health works with most insurance companies to provide the lowest rates. If insurance does not cover the treatment, affordable self-pay rates are available. The average cost of ketamine is:
IM Ketamine
Insurance $125*
Self-pay $200
IV Ketamine Infusion
Insurance $175*
Self-pay $250
Spravato Esketamine Nasal Spray
Insurance $28*
Self-pay N/A
Ketamine Longezes (Troches)
Insurance N/A*
Self-pay $600
KET+
Insurance $275*
Self-pay $350
Ketamine Therapy Aftercare Q&A
What should I do immediately after ketamine therapy?
What should I do when I get home after ketamine therapy?
We recommend taking the day off from commitments and responsibilities on the day after treatment. Additionally, ketamine can make patients more sensitive to stimuli and negativity on the day of treatment. Avoid hard conversations, work tasks, and social media on this day. Activities like journaling, resting, reading a book, watching a light-hearted movie, or taking a light walk are helpful. A well-balanced, nutritious meal can be beneficial after treatment as long as any symptoms of nausea have subsided. The first few days after ketamine is the most important time to exercise proper ketamine therapy aftercare.
What is ketamine integration?
Ketamine integration involves processing and applying insights from ketamine therapy into daily life. It can include journaling, mindfulness, or working with a therapist or ketamine integration specialist. Additionally, it helps patients understand emotions, thoughts, or experiences. Over time, this supports meaningful, lasting changes in behavior and emotional well-being.
What if I have a “bad trip” on ketamine?
Generally, ketamine is well tolerated for most people. Rarely “bad trips” on ketamine can happen. Nevertheless, it is important to inform your ketamine provider if you had a negative experience. They can help you navigate the emotions. “Bad trips” on ketamine can be uncomfortable. However, they can lead to profound healing by uncovering deeply buried emotions and thoughts. These challenging experiences allow you to face unresolved issues. Furthermore, they can provide an opportunity for understanding and growth. Additionally, processing these difficult moments with a therapist can help reframe them into meaningful insights. This can foster emotional healing and resilience. With proper ketamine therapy aftercare, bad trips on ketamine can be manageable and insightful.
What supplements can I take to enhance my ketamine experience?
Supplements like magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D can support brain health and enhance the effects of ketamine therapy. Additionally, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may help regulate glutamate levels. Also, probiotics can improve the gut-brain connection. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplements alongside ketamine treatment. Supplementing with vitamins is an excellent way to optimize ketamine therapy aftercare.
Why do I have to fast before ketamine therapy?
Fasting before ketamine treatment helps reduce nausea, a common side effect. Vomiting is riskier with food in the stomach. Additionally, it minimizes complications during treatment. This ensures a safer, more comfortable experience. Always follow your provider’s fasting guidelines for the best results. If you are prone to nausea, Andala Health provides a proprietary blend of ketamine called KET+ to manage symptoms.
Ketamine Therapy Near Me | San Antonio, Texas
Schedule A
Free Consult
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via text/email/phone. Reply “stop” to opt-out at any time.