Aftercare Guide
Taking care of yourself after treatment
Practical aftercare instructions for the hours and days following your ketamine infusion — and how to make the most of the post-treatment neuroplasticity window.
Right after
The first 24 hours
Rest
Your body has just undergone a neurological shift. Sleep is your best ally — ketamine's antidepressant effects are thought to work partly through enhanced slow-wave sleep. Nap if you feel like it.
Hydrate
Drink plenty of water. Ketamine can be mildly dehydrating, and good hydration supports your body's recovery.
No driving
Your coordination and reaction time may be impaired for several hours. Don't drive or operate machinery until tomorrow morning.
Eat light
If you feel like eating, start with bland, easily digestible foods. Your appetite may be reduced for a few hours.
Integration
The week after your infusion
Journal
Write down anything that came up during the dissociative window — images, memories, feelings, or insights. Even fragments are valuable for integration.
Talk to your therapist
If you have a therapist, share your experience with them. The post-ketamine window is a prime time for therapy — new neural connections are forming rapidly.
Notice small changes
The shift may be subtle — a morning where you don't dread the day, a moment where you feel present. Note these micro-improvements; they often precede larger shifts.
Be patient with yourself
Not every infusion produces immediate relief, and that's normal. Some patients feel a shift after the first; others after the third or fourth. Progress isn't always linear.
Aftercare
What to avoid in the days after
- Alcohol — avoid for at least 24-48 hours. Ketamine can make you more sensitive to alcohol's effects.
- Major life decisions — your neurochemistry is still shifting. Wait at least 48 hours before making big choices.
- Recreational substances — including cannabis. These can interfere with the neuroplasticity window.
- Intense exercise — light walking is fine, but skip the gym for 24 hours.
- Isolation — stay connected with people you trust. The post-infusion window can bring up emotions.
The science
Making the most of the neuroplasticity window
Ketamine's antidepressant effects are thought to work by triggering a surge of glutamate, which drives the growth of new neural connections — a process called neuroplasticity. Research suggests this window of heightened plasticity is most active in the 6 to 72 hours following each infusion.
What you do during this window matters. Activities that promote new learning, emotional processing, or positive behavioral change can take advantage of your brain's heightened ability to rewire. This is why we often recommend pairing ketamine treatment with therapy, journaling, or other forms of psychological work.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How will I feel right after the infusion?
Most patients feel calm, clear-headed, and sometimes a bit tired. The dissociative effects fade within 30-60 minutes of the infusion ending. You'll rest in our recovery area until you feel ready to leave. Some feel immediate relief; others feel nothing initially — both are normal.
Do I need to take the rest of the day off work?
We recommend taking it easy for the remainder of the day. Most patients go home and rest. Some return to work the next day; others take 1-2 days. Listen to your body.
Can I exercise after a ketamine infusion?
Light walking or gentle stretching is fine. Avoid intense exercise for at least 24 hours — your body needs energy for the neurological work happening in the background.
Should I see my therapist after ketamine?
If you have a therapist, yes — ideally within 24-72 hours while the neuroplasticity window is active. Many patients report breakthroughs when processing their ketamine experience in therapy.
When will I feel the antidepressant effects?
Some patients feel a shift during or immediately after the first infusion. For others, it takes 2-4 infusions. The median response time in clinical trials is about 24 hours, but individual variation is significant.
How do I know if it's working?
Look for: reduced mental chatter, improved sleep, renewed interest in activities, better energy, or a feeling of 'lightness.' Small improvements often precede larger ones. We track your progress with validated measures at each visit.
The ketamine resource center
Keep exploring ketamine therapy
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