Ketamine therapy is rapidly gaining traction as an effective way to help combat mental health conditions, such as anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, and depression. Its unique mechanism of action offers immediate relief for those who have tried traditional treatments with no results.
If you are considering ketamine therapy or are about to get it, you may have some questions regarding the treatment. For example, can you drive after ketamine treatment?
Understanding how ketamine influences your daily activities, particularly driving, is important for your safety.
Here, we are going to explore the immediate effects of ketamine, why driving post-treatment is risky, and some expert recommendations to keep you safe after your treatment.
- Ketamine therapy can result in side effects that can impair motor skills and judgment.
- Driving immediately after a ketamine session is not recommended.
- The effects of ketamine therapy can last several hours, and recovery times may vary.
- Consulting with experts like those at Ketamine Wellness NY ensures you receive personalized care.
Ketamine therapy is the medical administration of ketamine, which is a dissociative anesthetic. It helps treat several mental conditions like OCD, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.
One of the biggest benefits of ketamine therapy is its rapid-acting effects, providing relief within days and, in some cases, within only a couple of hours after the treatment. That is why more and more people are choosing this therapy over traditional treatments, which may take up to weeks to notice any results.
Once administered, ketamine binds to NMDA receptors in the brain, leading to increased glutamine levels. This triggers a cascade of events that promote neural growth and connectivity, helping alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.
During a ketamine session, patients may experience some side effects like vivid imagery, altered perception of time, and sensory changes. While these effects typically last only a few hours, some residual effects may linger.
Ketamine therapy offers countless benefits for people who are struggling with mental health conditions. Here are some of the benefits you may experience.
- Rapid Relief: Many patients experience significant improvements in symptoms within hours of treatment.
- Efficacy for Treatment-Resistant Conditions: Ketamine has shown effectiveness in cases where traditional antidepressants have failed.
- Reduction in Suicidal Thoughts: It seems that ketamine can rapidly decrease suicidal thoughts in people who are at risk.
- Minimal Side Effects: Ketamine therapy is generally well-tolerated with fewer side effects compared to many conventional medications.
The immediate effects of ketamine therapy can vary from person to person, but it generally encompasses a range of sensory and psychological experiences. While these effects often manifest during a short period of time, it’s important to acknowledge them.
Here is a list of some of the immediate effects you may experience after ketamine therapy.
- Dissociation: Many patients report feeling detached from their surroundings or themselves. That is why some people feel like they are floating or having a dreamlike experience.
- Altered Perception of Time: People may notice time passing differently, with minutes feeling like hours or vice versa.
- Increased Emotional Awareness: Patients may find that their emotional responses are heightened, allowing for deeper introspection or processing of feelings.
- Visual and Auditory Distortions: Some patients experience changes in visual perception, such as enhanced colors or patterns, as well as altered auditory sensations.
- Relaxation and Calmness: A significant number of patients report a profound sense of relaxation, helping to mitigate anxiety and stress.
- Euphoria: Some people may experience mild euphoria, resulting in an uplifting mood that can contrast sharply with their usual mental state.
- Physical Sensations: Bodily sensations can be amplified or altered, leading to a unique experience of physical awareness.
These immediate effects can play a crucial role in the therapeutic process, allowing patients to access different mental states and allowing breakthroughs in their mental health journey. But it can also affect their everyday chores, like driving.
Driving immediately after a ketamine session is generally unsafe. It’s important to wait until the drug’s effects have entirely worn off before you get behind the wheel. Keep in mind that the duration of these effects can vary depending on factors such as dosage, individual response, and overall health.
Most patients find that it takes anywhere from 4 to 24 hours for the effects of ketamine to wear off. That is why it’s essential to err on the side of caution and avoid driving until you are sure you are fully recovered.
So, if you are getting ketamine treatment, ask someone to drive you home or call a cab for you to safely get home.
To ensure you have a smooth recovery after ketamine treatment, consider the following tips:
- Give time to rest and recover: Allow yourself enough time to rest and recover. Avoid strenuous activities until you feel fully alert.
- Check for any symptoms: Monitor yourself for persistent symptoms such as dizziness or dissociation (call your healthcare provider if the symptoms don’t go away).
- Keep hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out any remaining ketamine from your system.
- Consult with a health professional: Reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and any other post-treatment recommendations.
At Ketamine Wellness NY, our team of experienced professionals, led by Dr. Pervaiz Qureshi, is dedicated to providing high-quality care. We understand the importance of addressing each patient’s unique needs and concerns.
That is why our staff is available to answer any questions and assist you in booking your initial consultation.
Hearing from those who have undergone ketamine treatment can provide valuable insights into the experience and outcomes. Here are some patient testimonials that can give you some peace of mind about ketamine therapy over at Ketamine Wellness NY.
“I had an incredible experience at Ketamine Wellness NYC. The entire team took the time to answer all my questions and ensure I felt completely at ease throughout my treatment. Dr. Qureshi and the staff were compassionate and attentive, which made a world of difference in my recovery. I’m so grateful for their support!” — Amanda
“From my first consultation to the end of my treatment, I felt safe and cared for. The staff was exceptionally knowledgeable and patient, providing detailed answers to my concerns. I highly recommend Ketamine Wellness NYC for anyone seeking help and genuine care.” — Roger
Ketamine therapy can be a great treatment option for those struggling with mental health conditions. However, it’s crucial to prioritize safety in the hours following treatment. That is why it’s recommended to avoid driving until you are confident that the effects of ketamine have fully worn off.
Remember, consulting with professionals like those at Ketamine Wellness NY can provide you with the personalized care and advice you need. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for guidance on your post-treatment plan.
Ready to take your next step? Book a consultation with Ketamine Wellness NY today and discover how our expert team can help you achieve your best self.
- Jilka, Sagar, et al. “Ketamine Treatment for Depression: Qualitative Study Exploring Patient Views.” BJPsych Open, vol. 7, no. 1, Jan. 2021, https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2020.165.
- Mandal, Suprio, et al. “Efficacy of Ketamine Therapy in the Treatment of Depression.” Indian Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 61, no. 5, Sept. 2019, p. 480, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6767816/, https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_484_18.
- Pan, Yiheng, et al. “Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempt Following Ketamine Prescription in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Nation-Wide Cohort Study.” Research Square, 7 Aug. 2023, pp. rs.3.rs3207199, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37609161/, https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3207199/v1. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.
- Walsh, Zach, et al. “Ketamine for the Treatment of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders: Comprehensive Systematic Review.” BJPsych Open, vol. 8, no. 1, 23 Dec. 2021, www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/36E261BFA62CDA6459B88F7777415FDA/S2056472421010619a.pdf/ketamine-for-the-treatment-of-mental-health-and-substance-use-disorders-comprehensive-systematic-review.pdf, https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2021.1061.
- Zorumski, Charles F., et al. “Ketamine: NMDA Receptors and Beyond.” The Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 36, no. 44, 2 Nov. 2016, pp. 11158–11164, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5148235/, https://doi.org/10.1523/jneurosci.1547-16.2016.