Preparation Guide
Getting ready for your first infusion
A practical, step-by-step guide to preparing for ketamine treatment — from what to eat and avoid to what to bring and how to set an intention.
Your preparation guide
Preparing for your first infusion
24 hours before
- ✓No alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment
- ✓No recreational drugs or cannabis
- ✓Get a good night's sleep
- ✓Stay well hydrated
- ✓Arrange your ride home
The morning of
- ✓Eat a light meal 2-3 hours before (avoid greasy or heavy foods)
- ✓No caffeine for 4 hours before your appointment
- ✓Take your regular medications (unless we tell you otherwise)
- ✓Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
What to bring
- ✓A trusted person to drive you home
- ✓Headphones for music (we have playlists or bring your own)
- ✓A light blanket or comforting item if you'd like
- ✓Your insurance card and ID
Food and drink
What to eat before your infusion
Do eat
- ✓Light, easily digestible foods 2-3 hours before: toast, crackers, broth-based soup, a small bowl of oatmeal
- ✓Clear fluids up to 1 hour before (water, herbal tea)
- ✓Bland, low-fat meals in the day before your appointment
Don't consume
- —Alcohol for 24 hours before treatment
- —Caffeine (coffee, energy drinks) for 4 hours before
- —Heavy, greasy, or high-fat meals for 3 hours before
- —Recreational substances (including cannabis) for at least 24 hours
- —Cold or allergy medications unless approved by your provider
Fasting is not required for ketamine infusions, but eating a light meal 2-3 hours before can help prevent nausea.
Mindset matters
Setting an intention for your treatment
Why intention-setting helps
Research consistently shows that patients who approach treatment with a clear intention — a question to sit with or a goal to move toward — tend to report better outcomes. Your intention doesn't need to be profound.
How to set yours
Before your appointment, consider journaling on one question: 'What do I want to understand, feel, or move toward?' Bring it with you. After treatment, reflect on what came up for integration with your therapist.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I eat before my ketamine infusion?
Yes — we recommend a light, easily digestible meal 2-3 hours before your appointment. Avoid heavy, greasy, or high-fat foods. Fasting is not necessary, but eating too close to your appointment can increase nausea risk.
Do I need to stop taking my antidepressants before ketamine?
Usually not. Most patients continue their regular psychiatric medications during ketamine treatment. Some medications (particularly PRN benzodiazepines) may interact. We'll review your full medication list during your consultation.
Can I have my phone during the infusion?
No. We ask that you leave your phone with us or your driver for the duration of the infusion. The goal is to be present with the experience.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Think 'yoga class' — sweatpants or soft leggings, a t-shirt, no tight waistbands. The room may be cool, so layers are a good idea.
Can someone stay with me during the infusion?
For your safety and to respect your privacy, we ask that your trusted person waits in reception. You'll be with our provider throughout. We allow one support person to join you for the first few minutes if that helps you settle in.
What if I'm anxious or nervous before my first infusion?
Completely normal. Most patients feel some apprehension before their first ketamine treatment. We can start with a slightly lower dose for your first session, and many patients report their anxiety was much worse than the actual experience.
The ketamine resource center
Keep exploring ketamine therapy
Ketamine Infusion Therapy →
The main guide to IV ketamine at The Practice — conditions, research, and booking.
Near Ponte Vedra →
Ketamine infusions for Ponte Vedra patients — ~25 min to our San Marco clinic.
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Ketamine infusions for Jacksonville Beach patients — ~25 min to our San Marco clinic.
Near Southside →
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Near Westside →
Ketamine infusions for Westside patients — ~20 min to our San Marco clinic.
Near Riverside / Avondale →
Ketamine infusions for Riverside / Avondale patients — ~10 min to our San Marco clinic.
Near Orange Park →
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Ketamine infusions for St. Augustine patients — ~40 min to our San Marco clinic.
Near Nocatee →
Ketamine infusions for Nocatee patients — ~30 min to our San Marco clinic.
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Ready to get started?
Start with a consultation — in person at our San Marco clinic or via Zoom. The provider who will direct your care will review your history and goals and give you an honest recommendation.