Question 1

Is my ketamine medication FDA-approved?

Accepted Answer

Ketamine has been FDA-approved since 1970 and has a well-established safety record in medicine. Your medication is prescribed by a licensed provider under that approval. The specific compounded formulation you receive is custom made for you by a licensed compounding pharmacy. Our pharmacy is accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB), the highest standard of quality and safety in compounding.

Question 2

What are the side effects of ketamine?

Accepted Answer

Most side effects are mild, temporary, and resolve shortly after your dose. Physical effects can include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and a temporary increase in blood pressure. Some people also notice temporary psychological effects such as mild dissociation or changes in thinking and perception. With the microdoses used in our program, these effects are typically mild if they occur at all. In a medical emergency, call 911.

Question 3

Can I become addicted to ketamine?

Accepted Answer

Ketamine is Schedule III — it has recognized medical use and a lower potential for dependence than Schedule I or II drugs, but it is not without risk. In supervised therapeutic settings, addiction risk is considered low. Your dose is carefully prescribed and monitored, and your pharmacy does not dispense early refills. If you have a personal or family history of substance use, let your provider know before starting treatment.

Question 4

Can I drink alcohol while on ketamine treatment?

Accepted Answer

Do not drink alcohol around the time of your dose. Alcohol and ketamine both affect the central nervous system, and combining them can increase sedation and compromise your safety. Alcohol can also blunt the neuroplasticity benefits of ketamine treatment. If you drink regularly or have questions, talk to your provider.

Question 5

When can I drive after taking my ketamine dose?

Accepted Answer

Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking your dose until you are fully alert and clear-headed. This is especially important early in treatment, before you know how your body responds to ketamine. Talk to your provider about timing around driving based on your dose and individual response.

Question 6

How long until I notice results?

Accepted Answer

Ketamine works differently than traditional antidepressants, which can take 6-8 weeks before you notice any change. Many people report noticing a difference sooner, though individual responses vary. Because your medication is compounded, your clinician can tailor your dose specifically to your needs, adjusting over time based on how you respond.

Question 7

Is ketamine treatment a long-term commitment?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily — our goal is to get you to a place where you may not need medication at all. Many patients experience durable improvements that allow them to taper off over time. Your treatment length will depend on how you respond. Some people complete a shorter course, others benefit from continued support longer term.

Question 8

Who is ketamine treatment appropriate for?

Accepted Answer

Ketamine treatment may be appropriate for adults experiencing depression, treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, or related mood disorders who have not found adequate relief through other treatments. You will not be eligible if you have schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, active psychosis, active mania, active suicidal ideation with a plan or intent, a history of ketamine misuse, or if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

Question 9

How does ketamine work?

Accepted Answer

Ketamine acts on NMDA receptors in the brain to block excess glutamate activity. Glutamate is the brain's primary excitatory neurotransmitter, and in depression and related conditions, its signaling can become dysregulated. By modulating this system, ketamine rapidly promotes the growth of new neural connections. Many people notice a difference within days rather than weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know you have questions. Here are the ones we hear most

About Ketamine:

Before your dose (preparation and safety)

During and After Your Dose

Your Treatment Journey

Practical and Logistics

Ready to feel like yourself again?

Ready to feel like yourself again?

Ready to feel like yourself again?