Many patients ask, “What will my body feel like after ketamine treatment or esketamine (Spravato)?” Most effects are short-lived, expected, and carefully monitored in a supervised Spravato clinic like Lumin Health. What follows is a thorough walkthrough of common sensations, why they happen, and how your care team supports you so Spravato treatment and other ketamine treatment options remain safe.
What you might feel the day of, after clinical ketamine dosing
Tiredness and slower reflexes
Drowsiness is common for a few hours after ketamine treatment or esketamine (Spravato) treatment. Your reaction time can be reduced, which is why we ask you to plan a ride and avoid driving the rest of the day.
Dizziness or feeling “floaty”
Many people describe mild dizziness, light disequilibrium, or a gentle “floaty” quality. Sitting up slowly, hydrating, and keeping stimulation low (dim lights, soft music) usually helps as this settles. This is a big part of why it’s imperative to not operate heavy machinery after ketamine or esketamine (Spravato) sessions.
Subtle changes in perception
Eyes may feel heavy; colors or sounds can seem a bit more vivid. Some patients describe a comfortable sense of “spaciousness” or detachment that fades within the observation period.
Nausea or blood-pressure shifts (less common but normal)
A small subset of patients notice nausea or temporary changes in blood pressure or heart rate. In a Spravato clinic, these are anticipated and managed with positioning, anti-nausea options when appropriate, blood pressure management, and quiet monitoring.
Why these sensations happen after ketamine
Ketamine briefly alters glutamate signaling and network activity in the brain; that shift can change balance, perception, and stimulus processing for a short window. The exact feel depends in part on Routes & Bioavailability — for example, intranasal esketamine (Spravato) often has a faster rise and predictable offset under supervision, while other routes used in off-label ketamine treatment may have different timing. Either way, your Lumin Health team times observations to the route you’re receiving.
How Lumin Health monitors and supports you through ketamine therapy
Before ketamine dosing
- Review of your medical history, medications, and day-of wellness check
- Baseline vitals and a reminder about no driving and a light schedule
During ketamine dosing
- On-site clinicians observe comfort, blood pressure, and overall response
- A quiet, low-stimulus room; staff guide position changes slowly to reduce dizziness
After ketamine dosing (observation period)
- Continued vitals and symptom check-ins for a set interval specific to Spravato treatment or your chosen route
- Hydration, snacks when appropriate, and simple grounding strategies
- Clear discharge criteria and instructions for the rest of the day
This structured approach — standard at Lumin Health — keeps ketamine treatment and Spravato treatment safe while allowing you to notice any early lift without pressure.
Practical ways to feel steadier after ketamine
- Hydrate and eat lightly once appetite returns.
- Move slowly when standing; hold railings or ask staff for support.
- Keep the day simple: fewer decisions, low-stimulus activities.
- Wind down early — sleep is part of recovery and learning.
