What to Expect During Your First Ketamine Infusion

If you've been referred for ketamine therapy, it's completely normal to feel a mix of hope and nervousness before your first appointment. Ketamine is still new to many people as a treatment for depression, anxiety, and chronic pain — even though physicians have used it safely in medicine for decades. Knowing what the day actually looks like can take a lot of the worry out of it.

Here's a clear, step-by-step walk-through of what a first ketamine infusion typically involves, so you can arrive feeling prepared and at ease.

Before your appointment

Your care begins well before the infusion itself. At HILLMED, your first encounter with Dr. Hill is a complimentary teleconference consultation. He'll walk you through how intravenous ketamine infusion works, what the infusion feels like, how long it lasts, and how and when most people begin to feel results. It's also the perfect time to ask questions — no concern is too small.

A few simple things help the day of your infusion go smoothly:

• Eat solid food up to four hours before your infusion, and clear liquids up to two hours before.

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

• Arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home, since you should not drive after an infusion.

• Bring a list of your current medications and any questions you'd like answered.

Settling in

When you arrive, you'll be shown to a calm, private space designed to help you relax. Dr. Hill will personally check your blood pressure and start your IV — hands-on care directly from a board-certified anesthesiologist is at the heart of the HILLMED practice. You'll then be seated in a comfortable recliner for the session.

Many people bring an eye mask to block out the soft ambient light from our essential oil diffusers and the light coming through our frosted glass doors from the hallway. You'll be monitored for the entire duration of the infusion — your safety and comfort are our priority.

During the infusion

Ketamine for mental health and chronic pain is given at a low, carefully measured dose — much lower than the levels used for surgical anesthesia. The medication is delivered slowly through your IV while you're monitored throughout.

As the infusion begins, you may notice a gentle floating or dreamlike feeling. Some people experience a mild sense of detachment from their body, changes in how they perceive time, or drifting, unusual thoughts. These sensations are a normal part of the experience and typically fade soon after the infusion ends.

Session length depends on what's being treated. Sessions for mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD typically last ninety minutes to two hours, while sessions for chronic pain last about four hours.

After your infusion

Once your infusion is complete, you'll continue to be monitored until you're ready to be discharged. This is typically about fifteen to twenty minutes for mood disorders and around forty-five minutes for chronic pain treatment.

You'll still need a trusted adult to drive you home, since the effects can linger and driving isn't safe for the rest of the day. It's a good idea to keep the rest of your day light — relax, hydrate, and avoid demanding tasks or important decisions until the next morning.

Ketamine as part of a bigger picture

At HILLMED, ketamine is rarely used in isolation. Dr. Jerron C. Hill, a board-certified anesthesiologist, takes an integrative approach that pairs treatment with attention to nutrition, exercise, rest, and stress management — and coordinates with your other providers where helpful. The goal isn't only short-term relief, but supporting lasting, whole-person wellness.

Frequently asked questions

Will I be asleep during the infusion? No. Ketamine therapy for mood and pain uses low doses, so you remain awake and aware. You may feel relaxed or dreamlike, but you are not under general anesthesia.

How long does a session take? It depends on your condition. Sessions for mood disorders typically last ninety minutes to two hours, and sessions for chronic pain last about four hours, followed by a short monitored recovery period.

Does the IV hurt? You'll feel a brief pinch when the IV is placed, similar to a routine blood draw. After that, most people are comfortable for the rest of the session.

Can I drive myself home? No. You'll need a trusted adult to drive you, and you should avoid driving for the remainder of the day.

How many sessions will I need? This varies from person to person and depends on your condition and response. Dr. Hill will discuss a personalized plan with you during your complimentary consultation.

Is ketamine therapy safe? Ketamine has a long history of safe medical use, and you are monitored throughout by Dr. Hill, a board-certified anesthesiologist. Your health history is reviewed to determine whether it's an appropriate option for you.

Ready to take the first step?

If you or a loved one is exploring ketamine therapy, the team at HILLMED is here to help you understand your options. Contact HILLMED in Plano, TX at (972) 212-4341 to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Hill.

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Ketamine therapy is provided under medical supervision and on a referral basis. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider to discuss whether this treatment is right for you.

About the author

Jerron C. Hill, M.D. is a board-certified anesthesiologist and the founder of HILLMED, a physician-led wellness practice in Plano, Texas. Drawing on decades of experience administering intravenous medications and managing complex physiology in the operating room, Dr. Hill brings a rigorous, safety-first approach to IV ketamine therapy, IV vitamin therapy, and physician-formulated CBD. At HILLMED, he pairs advanced, doctor-supervised treatments with the fundamentals of whole-person wellness — nutrition, movement, restorative sleep, and stress management — to help patients function and feel better. To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit hillmedstressmanagement.com or call the Plano practice at (972) 212-4341.