If you’re new to ketamine treatment, you might be wondering if you can drive after ketamine treatment. While you can’t drive directly after ketamine treatment, there are other ways you can prepare for your infusion. Ketamine can be incredibly effective for major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. But, there are certain precautions you need to take before diving headfirst into ketamine therapy. Preparing for your ketamine treatment is key to ensuring a safe and successful experience.
Effects of Ketamine Treatment
Ketamine treatment has several worthwhile benefits, but it also has certain side effects you need to be aware of before engaging in treatment. In addition to wondering “Can you drive after ketamine treatment,” you might also be wondering what occurs during treatment.
Ketamine therapy involves using a small dose of the drug in order to help alleviate symptoms of depression. Dosages and side effects, if any, are always monitored by a team of healthcare professionals in a professional setting.
Ketamine has many benefits backed by research, including:
- Fast relief from depression (within hours)
- Improvement in treatment-resistant depression
- Improvement in bipolar depression
- Reduction of suicidal thoughts
While these benefits can be life-changing, they often come in conjunction with the following side effects:
- Dissociation or feeling disconnected from one’s body or surroundings
- Elevated blood pressure
- Elevated heart rate
- Depersonalization
- Euphoria
- Anxiety
- Out-of-body experiences
While these side effects are temporary and subside after the treatment, it’s important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before beginning ketamine therapy. They can help you understand the potential risks and benefits and determine if this treatment is right for you.
How Long Do Ketamine Effects Last?
The effects of ketamine typically last from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the dose and route of administration. There are several types of routes, including oral, intramuscular, intravenous, and nasal. The route used for ketamine therapy is typically the intranasal or intravenous route.
It’s good to know that even cases of ketamine overdoses are monitored closely for up to six hours. Fortunately, when ketamine therapy is administered by a healthcare professional, the dosage and side effects can be closely monitored and the risk of overdose remains low.
How Long After Therapy Can You Drive After Ketamine Treatment?
While emergency settings might only require monitoring for a few hours after treatment, your health provider will more than likely recommend you avoid driving until after you’ve gotten a full night’s rest.
Even manufacturers of high-quality intranasal ketamine treatment, known as Spravato, recommend waiting a full night after treatment to engage in activities like driving. That’s because research shows that Ketamine’s dissociative and anesthetic effects do affect driving, including leading to swerving outside of lanes.
Preparing For Your Ketamine Therapy Appointment
Now that you know you can’t drive immediately after your appointment, let’s take a look at some helpful tips for preparing for your ketamine therapy appointment. Doing so can help make your first or recurring ketamine treatments more comfortable and ensure you remain safe before, during, and after your ketamine treatment.
Prepare Transportation Home
Because you won’t be allowed to drive after your ketamine treatment, it’s important to make transportation arrangements beforehand. You can either have a trusted friend or family member provide you with a ride home or use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Public transportation might not be the best option, since you might still be a bit disoriented or experiencing side effects from the treatment.
Avoid Alcohol Before Treatment
Alcohol can interact negatively with ketamine, potentially increasing its effects on the central nervous system. Therefore, it’s essential to avoid consuming alcohol or other substances before your appointment. When in doubt, ask your health provider for advice on prior medications or substances to avoid before your treatment.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
During your ketamine therapy session, you’ll want to be as comfortable as possible. This includes the clothing you wear. Choose loose-fitting and comfortable clothing that won’t restrict movement or make it difficult for you to relax during the session.
Follow Your Doctor’s Guidance
Your health provider will let you know what guidance to follow beforehand, such as:
- Following a clear liquid diet for several hours before the treatment
- Keeping a record of your mood and symptoms to discuss with them during the session
- Not eating for a few hours before the treatment to decrease nausea risk
It’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, as they are tailored specifically to your ketamine treatment. This includes their guidance before and after your ketamine therapy.
Experience the Difference of Ketamine Treatment Today
Knowing the proper preparation steps before your ketamine treatment can help make your journey less stressful and more effective. At Pacific Mind Health, it’s our job to give you the right tools and information you need for effective ketamine treatment in Los Angeles. Our staff is on standby to provide answers to all of your ketamine therapy questions, including “Can you drive after ketamine treatment,” “Is ketamine treatment right for me,” and much more.
Contact us to schedule your consultation today and experience the benefits of ketamine for yourself. We’re excited to join you on the journey toward recovery from depression, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and much more. Call us today so you can feel better, live better, and be better.
