Ketamine is a medication used in lower doses to treat mental health conditions like depression and PTSD. However, like any medication, it can have side effects, including what some people describe as a “hangover” effect. Here are some steps you can take to minimize these effects:
- Hydrate: Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your ketamine session. Dehydration can exacerbate feelings of fatigue and headache, which are common symptoms of a “ketamine hangover.”
- Magnesium Glycate: the supplement magnesium glycate has been known to potentiate ketamine and reduce hangover effects. Take 400mg the morning of a dose.
- Eat a Healthy Meal: Eating a balanced meal before your session can help your body better process the medication. Avoid heavy or greasy foods, which can make you feel sluggish.
- Rest: Make sure to get plenty of sleep the night before your session, and plan to take it easy for the rest of the day after your session. Your body needs time to recover.
- Swallowing vs. Spitting: See Swallowing vs. Spitting to see how the different absorption methods affect hangovers.
- Avoid Alcohol and Other Substances: Alcohol, caffeine, and other substances can interact with ketamine and worsen its side effects. It’s best to avoid these before and after your session.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for and recover from your ketamine session. Make sure to follow these instructions closely.
- Mental Preparation: Understanding that you might feel a bit off after the session can help you mentally prepare for it. This understanding can reduce anxiety and make the experience less distressing.
Remember, everyone’s body reacts differently to medication, so what works for one person might not work for another. If you’re having trouble managing the side effects of ketamine, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you come up with a plan to manage these effects.
You may want to consider carbon supplements, as they have been shown to filter out toxins and tannins in alcohol preventing hangovers, so any toxic metabolites would, in theory, be absorbed by the carbon.
Here are four sources that provide additional information on how to minimize a hangover from a therapeutic ketamine session for mental health:
Healthline: What Does Ketamine Do? This source provides a comprehensive overview of the effects of ketamine, including its use in treating depression and other mental health conditions. It also discusses the potential side effects and risks associated with ketamine use.
Mayo Clinic: Ketamine Infusion Therapy This source from Mayo Clinic provides detailed information on ketamine infusion therapy, including what to expect during and after the procedure. It also provides tips on how to prepare for the therapy and manage potential side effects.
WebMD: What is Ketamine? How it Works and Helps Severe Depression This article from WebMD provides an in-depth look at how ketamine works in the brain and its potential benefits for treating severe depression. It also discusses the potential risks and side effects of ketamine use.
Medical News Today: Date rape drugs: Types, symptoms, side effects, and prevention While this article primarily focuses on the misuse of ketamine and other drugs in the context of sexual assault, it provides useful information on the effects of ketamine and how to recognize and manage them.