Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about ketamine therapy, what to expect during treatment, and whether it may be right for you.
Ketamine therapy uses carefully administered, low doses of ketamine in a medically supervised setting. IV ketamine is used off-label for certain mental health conditions, with the strongest research supporting its use for treatment-resistant depression. Research is also exploring its potential benefits for anxiety, PTSD and other difficult-to-treat mental health conditions.
Ketamine primarily affects the brain’s glutamate system, including NMDA and AMPA receptor activity. Researchers believe these effects may influence neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and form new neural connections—which may contribute to improvements in mood and emotional processing. The exact mechanisms are still being studied.
For mental health treatment at K Plus Clinics, the IV ketamine infusion itself typically lasts about 40 minutes. Additional time is needed before and after the infusion for preparation, monitoring and recovery, so patients should plan for a longer overall appointment.
You’ll relax in a comfortable treatment setting while ketamine is administered gradually through an IV. Some patients experience temporary changes in perception, relaxation, lightheadedness or a dreamlike feeling. Our medical team monitors your vital signs and overall well-being throughout the infusion. After treatment, you’ll have time to recover before leaving with your designated driver.
Ketamine is known for its potential to work more quickly than many conventional antidepressants. Some patients notice changes in their symptoms within hours or days, while others may require several infusions before noticing improvement. Every patient responds differently, and results cannot be guaranteed.
The duration of improvement varies considerably from person to person. Some patients experience benefits for days or weeks following treatment, while others may require ongoing maintenance. After the initial loading series, your response can be evaluated to determine whether booster infusions may be appropriate.
Ketamine has been used in medical settings for decades and is FDA-approved as an anesthetic. Its use for psychiatric conditions is considered off-label. When ketamine is administered in an appropriate clinical setting, patients can be screened beforehand and monitored throughout treatment. Temporary side effects can include dizziness, nausea, changes in perception, dissociation and increases in blood pressure or heart rate. Ketamine is not appropriate for everyone, which is why a medical evaluation is required before treatment.
