How to Prepare (and Recover) From a Ketamine Session

Ketamine therapy is a powerful tool for healing — but your experience can be greatly influenced by how you prepare beforehand and care for yourself afterward.

At Mosaic Infusions & Wellness, we want every patient to have a smooth, meaningful, and effective journey through treatment. Whether you're receiving ketamine infusions for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, or PTSD, these preparation and recovery tips will help you maximize your results.

Before Your Ketamine Session: How to Prepare

1. Set Your Intention

Ketamine therapy often brings about introspective, emotional experiences.

Before your infusion, take a few minutes to reflect on your goals:

• What would you like to heal or understand?

• What emotions or patterns are you ready to release?

• What type of experience are you open to receiving?

  
  

Tip: Write down your intention in a journal or simply hold it in your mind as you arrive at Mosaic Infusions & Wellness.

2. Plan for Transportation

Ketamine can temporarily affect your:

• Reaction time

• Coordination

• Cognitive clarity

You will not be able to drive yourself home after your infusion. Please arrange for a trusted friend or family member to pick you up from our Fairfax clinic.

3. Know Food and Drink Restrictions

To minimize nausea:

• Eat a light meal around 4-6 hours before the infusion and then do not eat after that.

• Avoid heavy, greasy foods.

• Stay well-hydrated surrounding infusions but don't consume liquids 4 hours before your infusion.

  
  

4. Wear Comfortable Clothing

Loose, cozy clothing helps you feel physically at ease. Many patients describe the infusion experience as meditative or dreamlike — so you'll want to be as comfortable as possible.

5. Manage Expectations

Every ketamine journey is unique. You may experience:

• Visual imagery

• Emotional insights

• Deep relaxation

• Temporary dissociation

Trust the process. No two sessions are the same, and that's okay.

After Your Ketamine Session: How to Recover

1. Rest and Take It Easy

Give yourself permission to rest for the remainder of the day after your session. Your brain is processing a lot beneath the surface — a period of quiet integration helps solidify the benefits.

Tip: Avoid scheduling work meetings, social events, or stressful activities post-infusion.

2. Journal or Reflect

Many patients find it valuable to:

• Write down thoughts, images, or emotions that surfaced

• Reflect on any realizations or shifts in perspective

• Notice how symptoms evolve over the next few days

Even small insights can lead to big changes over time.

3. Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Supporting your body with nutrient-dense foods and good hydration can enhance your mental recovery and physical well-being.

Focus on:

• Lean proteins

• Fruits and vegetables

• Healthy fats (like avocado, nuts, olive oil)

  
  

4. Avoid Alcohol and Recreational Substances

For at least 24–48 hours after your session, it’s best to:

• Avoid alcohol

• Avoid cannabis or other recreational substances

• Skip anything that could dampen your brain's healing response

Your neuroplasticity is at its peak right after ketamine—protect it!

5. Consider Gentle Movement

Light activities like:

• Yoga

• Stretching

• A slow nature walk

...can help ground your body and calm your mind after the dissociative effects wear off.

Healing Is a Process — and You’re Not Alone

At Mosaic Infusions & Wellness, we believe ketamine therapy is most powerful when combined with compassionate support and mindful aftercare. Our Fairfax team is always here to guide you — from your very first consultation to your ongoing wellness journey.

Serving Fairfax, Vienna, Falls Church, and Northern Virginia

If you have questions about preparing for ketamine therapy or are curious whether it’s right for you, we invite you to reach out.

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