Ketamine infusion therapy has become a valued option for people living with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and certain chronic-pain conditions. Like any medical treatment, it can cause side effects — but in a monitored clinical setting these are usually mild, short-lived, and carefully managed. Understanding what to expect helps you feel prepared and confident before your first appointment.
This guide explains the most common ketamine therapy side effects, how long they typically last, the rare risks worth knowing about, and the specific steps our team at Integrated Neurohealth takes to keep every infusion as safe and comfortable as possible.
Are Side Effects From Ketamine Therapy Common?
Most patients experience some mild, temporary effects during or shortly after an infusion. That is expected — ketamine works quickly on the brain and body, and the sensations it produces are part of how the medicine acts. The key difference between clinical ketamine and non-medical use is dose and supervision: in our clinic, doses are low, carefully calculated for your weight and history, and delivered while a provider monitors your vital signs the entire time.
Common Short-Term Side Effects During Treatment
The following effects are the ones patients notice most often. They generally appear during the infusion and fade within an hour or two of finishing:
- Dissociation — a floaty, dreamlike, or “disconnected” feeling. For many people this is a comfortable, even therapeutic part of the experience.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when first standing up afterward.
- Drowsiness or fatigue that can linger for the rest of the day.
- Nausea — usually mild and preventable with anti-nausea medication when needed.
- Temporary rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which we monitor throughout.
- Blurred or double vision and mild changes in coordination.
- Brief anxiety or emotional intensity as feelings surface.
Because balance and alertness can be affected, patients are never allowed to drive after an infusion — you will need someone to take you home. You can read more about the visit itself on our What to Expect page.
How Long Do Ketamine Side Effects Last?
For the large majority of patients, the noticeable effects wear off within 30 to 90 minutes after the infusion ends. Grogginess or tiredness may last into the evening, which is why we recommend keeping the rest of your day light and restful. By the next morning most people feel completely back to normal. We keep you in the clinic until you are stable and ready to leave.
Less Common and Rare Risks
Serious problems are uncommon at the low, controlled doses used in supervised therapy, but it is important to understand the full picture:
- Prolonged or intense dissociation in sensitive individuals, which resolves as the medication clears.
- Significant blood-pressure elevation — the reason we screen your cardiovascular health in advance and monitor you closely.
- Bladder and urinary irritation, a concern linked mainly to frequent high-dose or recreational use rather than periodic medical infusions.
- Dependence or misuse, which is why ketamine is only provided in a structured, monitored program — not for at-home, unsupervised use.
Our Safety page explains the protocols we follow to keep these risks low.
Who Should Be Cautious?
Ketamine therapy is not appropriate for everyone. During your consultation we review your full medical history, because extra caution or additional evaluation may be needed for people with:
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure or certain heart conditions
- A history of psychosis or schizophrenia
- Current pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Untreated substance-use concerns
- Severe liver disease
This is exactly why an honest, thorough screening matters — it lets us confirm ketamine is a safe fit for you before we ever begin. See how to prepare on our Before Your Treatment page.
How We Minimize Side Effects
A comfortable experience is not left to chance. Our team reduces side effects through careful, individualized care:
- Thorough medical and psychiatric screening before your first infusion
- Low, weight-based dosing tailored to your response over a recommended series
- Continuous monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels
- Anti-nausea and blood-pressure support on hand when needed
- A calm, private setting with an eye mask and curated music to ease dissociation
- Integration support to help you process the experience afterward
When to Contact Your Provider
Call your care team if you notice effects that are severe, that do not improve within a day, or that concern you — for example persistent confusion, chest discomfort, painful urination, or worsening mood. We would always rather hear from you than have you wait. If you are in crisis or think you may harm yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room right away.
The Bottom Line
For most patients, ketamine therapy side effects are mild, brief, and well controlled in a supervised clinic. The dissociation, dizziness, and fatigue that some people feel typically fade the same day, while the potential benefits for mood and pain can last much longer. The safest way to experience ketamine is exactly the way it is intended: with proper screening, precise dosing, and continuous monitoring by a trained medical team.
If you are considering treatment and want a clear answer about whether it is right for you, our providers are happy to talk it through. Learn more about our approach to ketamine therapy for depression or schedule a consultation.
Related reading: Ketamine for Fibromyalgia: What the Research Shows.
Medically reviewed by Brent Boyett, DMD, DO, DFASAM. This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult a qualified provider about your specific situation.
