Starting ketamine therapy or Spravato treatment can stir up many questions — and fears. That’s normal. Below are some of the most common concerns patients share before their first session, with clear and compassionate answers.

Is a “bad trip” common in Ketamine therapy?

Not in the way most people imagine.

The phrase “bad trip” comes from a recreational context that is applicable in a clinical setting as well, especially in the context of ketamine and Spravato. Anxiety, unsettling imagery, or strong emotions can all arise. These moments are usually brief, always temporary, and always supported by Lumin Health’s team of experts.

At Lumin Health, clinicians stay nearby to help reframe difficult sensations, provide grounding techniques, or adjust the environment. For some, even these challenging moments become meaningful stepping stones in recovery.

Will I lose control?

You may feel different, but not unsafe.

Ketamine and Spravato create a dissociative state — a sense of stepping back from yourself and your surroundings. That can feel like “losing control,” but in reality, you remain conscious and responsive. Many patients describe it as sharing control with the medicine, not surrendering to it.

And unlike at-home use, in a clinic setting you have clinicians monitoring your vital signs (like blood pressure and oxygen) and checking in. If something feels too intense, you can always ask to pause ketamine treatment or have your dose adjusted in future sessions.

What if I panic?

Support is built into the room.

Panic can happen — but staff are trained to help you through it. Grounding techniques like focusing on breath, noticing the body in the chair, or re-orienting to the room often reduce anxiety quickly. Clinicians may also offer medications to ease nausea or anxiety if needed.

Knowing that support is present and practiced often makes the difference between panic taking over and panic subsiding.

Can I bring someone?

Yes — with guidance.

Many patients feel safer bringing a trusted friend or family member. At Lumin, companions are welcomed but also coached: their role is to be a comforting presence, not to guide or interrupt the session. That balance ensures support without distraction.

How soon might I feel better?

Relief is possible — but timelines vary.

Some patients notice shifts in mood within hours or days, while others need multiple sessions to see changes. Research shows ketamine and esketamine can rapidly improve depression symptoms in some patients, but it is not instant for everyone.

What matters most is patience and ongoing dialogue with your care team. Each person’s process unfolds differently, and treatment plans are adjusted based on individual response.

Lumin Health will help soothe worries before ketamine treatment 

It’s natural to feel scared before your first ketamine or Spravato treatment. Questions about control, panic, or whether it will work are part of preparing for something new. In a professional setting like Lumin Health, you are not alone: monitoring, hospitality, warm and understanding, and clear options to pause or adjust are always part of the process.

This FAQ is here to reassure without pressuring: your concerns are valid and you deserve answers you can trust.

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