If you’re considering ketamine treatment for depression, you probably have questions about what happens during an infusion. Will you feel disconnected from your surroundings? Will you remain awake? How long will it take before you can return to your usual activities?
An IV ketamine session is a medically supervised treatment that can produce temporary changes in perception, awareness and physical sensations. Understanding these effects beforehand can make the experience less intimidating.
At Sun Health Center, we provide IV ketamine therapy for adults with severe or treatment-resistant depression. Treatment takes place in our Deerfield Beach outpatient clinic following a psychiatric assessment and physician approval.
Ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic. Its use for depression is considered off-label, meaning a physician prescribes it for a purpose outside its approved labeling. That’s one reason a thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation comes before any treatment.
Preparing for Your First IV Ketamine Session
Before your appointment, you’ll complete an intake and eligibility assessment. IV ketamine treatment at Sun Health Center is available to adults following a review of their medical history, mental health symptoms and current medications. This assessment helps determine whether ketamine is appropriate and whether additional precautions or adjustments are necessary.
You’ll also receive instructions about fasting, drinking and taking medications before your appointment. Follow these carefully rather than making changes to your usual medications independently. Plan ahead for the trip home, too: you’ll need a responsible adult to drive you after treatment.
At check-in, the clinical team will check your vital signs and explain what to expect. They’ll then place a small IV catheter in your hand or arm. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions before treatment begins and will be monitored throughout treatment.
At Sun Health Center, infusions typically take around 40 minutes, although appointment times and treatment protocols can vary. Allow additional time for check-in and recovery afterward.
How Is the Ketamine Dose Determined?
Ketamine dosing depends on several factors, including body weight, medical history and clinical response.
In research involving treatment-resistant depression, a commonly studied intravenous dose is 0.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, often administered over 40 minutes. A 2024 randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 34 patients with treatment-resistant depression used this dosing approach, given twice a week for two weeks, to evaluate ketamine’s effectiveness and safety.
Your clinician determines the appropriate dose and infusion rate. You shouldn’t expect your treatment to follow a research protocol exactly.
What to Expect During a Ketamine Infusion
One of the most distinctive aspects of ketamine is its dissociative effect. Dissociation describes a temporary change in how you experience your body, thoughts or surroundings.
During the infusion, some patients feel relaxed or detached, while others describe floating sensations or the perception that time is passing faster or slower. You may prefer to listen to calming music or wear an eyeshade, depending on what’s available and comfortable for you.
You might experience:
- Altered perception. Colors, sounds or physical sensations may seem different.
- A floating sensation. Some people feel disconnected from their bodies or surroundings.
- Changes in thinking. Thoughts may become less structured or harder to follow.
- Visual disturbances. Blurred vision or unusual visual experiences can occur.
- Physical discomfort. Dizziness, nausea or temporary anxiety is possible.
These experiences vary considerably. Some patients have noticeable dissociative effects, while others experience relatively mild changes.
Importantly, dissociation isn’t a requirement for successful treatment. A particularly intense experience doesn’t necessarily mean the medication is working better.
Will You Be Conscious During Treatment?
At the lower doses typically used for depression treatment, patients generally remain conscious, although awareness and communication may be altered.
You may find conversation difficult, but clinical staff remain available to monitor you and provide reassurance. If anything feels uncomfortable, tell your treatment team so they can assess whether additional support is needed.
How Are Patients Monitored During Treatment?
Ketamine can temporarily increase blood pressure and heart rate. It may also affect coordination, alertness and perception.
During treatment at Sun Health Center, our medical team monitors vital signs and observes how patients respond to the infusion. This supervision allows clinicians to identify concerning changes and respond appropriately. Monitoring is particularly important for patients with medical conditions that could make ketamine unsuitable.
Commonly reported side effects include headache, nausea, dizziness and drowsiness. Although many side effects resolve relatively quickly, ketamine isn’t risk-free. Potential concerns include cardiovascular effects, distressing psychological experiences and complications associated with repeated exposure.
Our clinicians consider these risks when assessing patients for treatment and developing an appropriate care plan.
What Happens After an IV Ketamine Session?
Once the infusion ends, the medication’s immediate effects usually begin to diminish. However, you may continue feeling tired, lightheaded or slightly disconnected from your surroundings.
You’ll spend time recovering under observation while staff check that you’re sufficiently alert and stable to leave. Grogginess and mild nausea may persist after the infusion.
For the rest of the day, plan to rest. By the following day, you may feel closer to your usual self. Some patients find it helpful to journal about their mood, sleep and experiences to discuss during follow-up appointments. Contact your treatment team if symptoms persist or concern you.
How quickly people respond varies widely. Some notice changes over the course of several sessions, while others don’t experience meaningful relief. Your treatment team will track your progress and discuss what they’re seeing with you.
Can You Drive Home After Ketamine Treatment?
No. You must arrange for a responsible adult to take you home after an IV ketamine session. Even when you feel relatively normal, your reaction time, judgment and coordination may remain impaired.
Avoid driving, operating machinery, drinking alcohol or making important decisions for the remainder of the day. Follow your clinician’s instructions about when you can safely resume normal activities. It’s sensible to keep your schedule clear after treatment and allow yourself time to rest.
How Many Ketamine Sessions Will You Need?
IV ketamine treatment generally involves a series of infusions rather than a single appointment. A commonly studied initial course includes six infusions over 2 to 3 weeks, although individual protocols differ.
Your clinician will assess your response throughout treatment. Some patients improve relatively quickly, others respond gradually and some experience little benefit. No particular outcome can be guaranteed after one session or a complete course.
At Sun Health Center, we evaluate whether ketamine treatment for depression is suitable and consider how it fits into a broader mental health care plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an IV Ketamine Infusion Hurt?
You may feel a brief pinch when the IV catheter is inserted, but the infusion itself generally isn’t painful. Your clinical team will be on hand, so tell them if you experience any discomfort.
Will I Lose Control During Treatment?
Most patients remain conscious, although ketamine can temporarily alter perception and awareness. You may feel detached or find communication difficult. Medical staff will monitor you throughout your infusion treatment.
Can I Bring Someone to My Appointment?
You should arrange for someone to drive you home. Ask Sun Health Center whether your companion can accompany you during check-in, treatment or recovery, as clinic policies can vary.
Explore IV Ketamine Treatment at Sun Health Center
If depression hasn’t improved with conventional treatments, IV ketamine may be an option worth discussing with a qualified clinician.
At Sun Health Center, treatment begins with a candidacy assessment to determine whether IV ketamine is appropriate. We also offer free insurance verification to help you understand potential coverage before proceeding. Contact Sun Health Center to request an eligibility screening and insurance verification.
