Ketamine FAQs

Therapeutic Use

How does ketamine help with depression?
Ketamine works by increasing glutamate activity in the brain, helping to rebuild damaged neural pathways and restore healthy brain function. This creates a kind of “reset” effect for the brain, which is why many people feel better after just a few sessions — even if they’ve struggled for years with treatment-resistant depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which take weeks to kick in, ketamine can begin to relieve symptoms within hours or days.

How does ketamine help with anxiety?
Ketamine can calm overactive areas in the brain responsible for worry, fear, and rumination. This gives your mind a break from constant overthinking and allows a greater sense of peace and perspective to emerge. Many clients report feeling a lightness or clarity after sessions — not in a numbed way, but as if the emotional “volume” has been turned down, making everyday stressors easier to manage.

Can ketamine help with social anxiety?
Yes. Social anxiety is often tied to repetitive, self-critical thoughts and heightened fear responses. Ketamine helps quiet these reactive patterns and reduce the emotional intensity of social situations. Over time, many people find themselves more able to engage, connect, and feel present in social settings — without the same fear or self-consciousness.

Can ketamine help with PTSD?
Yes. PTSD involves a heightened fear response and difficulty processing traumatic memories. Ketamine can reduce the brain’s reactivity and help you revisit past experiences with more emotional distance. This can make it easier to work through trauma and move forward with greater resilience.

Can ketamine help with chronic stress?
Ketamine can offer relief from chronic stress by helping your nervous system reset. It softens the “fight or flight” response that keeps your body and mind in survival mode, and allows for deeper rest, emotional resilience, and recovery. For people who feel stuck in a constant loop of tension, overwhelm, or burnout, ketamine can create space to breathe again — mentally and physically.

How long do the effects of ketamine therapy last?
Most people start with a series of sessions spaced out every other day or twice a week, giving the brain time to process and integrate the effects. This cadence tends to strike a balance between momentum and recovery, though we also offer flexible scheduling based on your needs. Some clients feel significant relief within a few weeks. Others may benefit from two to three months of treatment. Some may continue longer — especially when working through chronic depression, long-term anxiety, or PTSD. We’ll help you find a rhythm that feels supportive, sustainable, and tailored to your goals. We don’t push one-size-fits-all protocols. Your treatment plan evolves with you, and we check in regularly to make sure it’s working.

How many ketamine sessions are typically needed for results?
Most clients begin to notice improvements within the first two to three sessions. A typical starting plan includes four to six sessions over two to three weeks, which helps build a strong foundation for change. After that, your treatment may shift to a maintenance plan — like once a week or once a month — based on your progress and personal needs.

What’s the difference between IV, IM, nasal spray, and oral ketamine?
Each method delivers ketamine a little differently:

  • IV (intravenous) is fast-acting and delivered through a vein, typically in a clinic.
    IM (intramuscular) is a single injection into the muscle, used in some clinical settings.
    Nasal spray is self-administered and fast-absorbing.
    Oral lozenges dissolve in the mouth and offer a slower onset and longer-lasting effects — ideal for home use.

Well3 focuses on oral lozenges and nasal spray — safe, effective, and convenient options that support both low-dose and moderate-dose protocols from the comfort of your home.

Can ketamine help with bipolar disorder?
Ketamine may be helpful for people with bipolar depression (the depressive phase of bipolar disorder), but it should be used cautiously and under supervision. It is not typically recommended for those currently experiencing manic or hypomanic symptoms.

Is ketamine effective for chronic pain?
Yes. Ketamine can help manage chronic pain by resetting pain pathways in the brain and reducing inflammation. It’s sometimes used for fibromyalgia, CRPS, and other treatment-resistant pain syndromes, though it is not a replacement for traditional pain management.

Can ketamine therapy be used for substance use disorders?
Emerging research shows that ketamine may help reduce cravings and interrupt the cycle of addiction by creating new neural connections and increasing psychological flexibility. It is most effective when combined with counseling or addiction treatment programs.

How does ketamine affect sleep?
Ketamine can improve sleep for many people by lowering anxiety, reducing intrusive thoughts, and restoring mood. Some report deeper or more restful sleep following treatment.

How does ketamine affect memory or cognition?
Most people experience no negative long-term effects on memory. During sessions, ketamine may create a temporary shift in perception or memory, which fades quickly. Some clients report improved mental clarity over time.

Can ketamine therapy be combined with other types of therapy?
Yes. Combining ketamine therapy with talk therapy or coaching can enhance the overall benefits. Ketamine can help open up emotional insights, while therapy helps integrate those insights into lasting change.

What is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP)?
KAP combines ketamine with a guided psychotherapy session. A trained therapist supports the client during and after the ketamine experience to deepen insights and facilitate healing. This approach can be especially powerful for trauma, grief, or emotional blockages.

Safety & Side Effects

Is ketamine safe?
Ketamine has a long-established safety record and is listed by the World Health Organization as an essential medicine. When used in a clinical or supervised at-home setting, it’s considered very safe for most people. However, it’s not recommended for individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure, serious heart rhythm conditions, or a history of psychosis. Your Well3 provider will review your health history to ensure treatment is safe and appropriate for you.

What are the common side effects?
Most people tolerate ketamine well. Common side effects may include lightheadedness, a feeling of floating or spaciousness, and mild nausea. These effects are usually short-lived and manageable, especially when dosing is gradually adjusted. We’ll help you find a dose that feels comfortable and effective for your needs.

Can I take ketamine if I’m on other medications?
Yes. Many people take ketamine while continuing other medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs. During your consultation, your provider will review your current medications to check for any interactions and make sure ketamine is a safe fit.

Can I take ketamine if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Ketamine is generally not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, we’ll help you determine what’s safest for your situation.

What happens if I stop taking the medication?
Stopping ketamine does not usually cause withdrawal symptoms. If and when you decide to stop, we’ll help you taper gradually or pause safely. Some people take a break and return to treatment later, while others transition off entirely after reaching their goals.

Is ketamine addictive?
Ketamine has a low risk of addiction when used responsibly in a therapeutic setting. It does not create physical dependence like opioids or benzodiazepines. However, we carefully monitor each client to ensure treatment remains healthy and intentional.

Are there long-term effects?
Long-term use of high doses may have risks, but therapeutic ketamine is delivered in low to moderate doses under supervision. We regularly evaluate your progress to ensure treatment remains safe and effective.

Are there any contraindications?
Ketamine is not recommended for people with a history of psychosis, uncontrolled hypertension, or certain heart conditions. Your provider will review your history to ensure you qualify safely.

Can you develop a tolerance to ketamine?
Some tolerance can develop with frequent use. That’s why we space out sessions and reassess regularly to make sure your treatment remains effective.

What should I do if I experience side effects?
Let your provider know. Most side effects are short-lived and manageable. We can adjust your dose or timing to reduce any discomfort.

Getting Started with Well3

Is ketamine right for me?
Start by completing our quick online questionnaire. If our treatment looks like a good match, you’ll schedule a virtual consultation with a licensed provider to confirm eligibility. Once approved, we’ll arrange your prescription with a partner pharmacy and ship your medication — typically within a week.

How quickly will it work?
Many clients notice improvements within hours or days of their first dose. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which may take 4–6 weeks to begin working, ketamine often brings rapid relief. Our approach is designed to deliver both fast-acting results and long-term mental health benefits.

What will it feel like?
Most people describe the experience as calm, introspective, or slightly dreamy. Within 15–30 minutes, you may notice a sense of lightness or emotional distance from negative thoughts. It’s not usually intense — especially at low doses — and you’ll become more comfortable with each session. We’ll help you fine-tune your dose so it feels gentle and supportive.

Is there any preparation needed before taking ketamine?
Yes. It’s best to avoid eating for 1–2 hours beforehand and stay well-hydrated. Create a quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be interrupted.

Can I drive after taking ketamine?
No. You should not drive or operate machinery for at least 4 hours after a session. Plan to rest, relax, and allow your body and mind to fully integrate the experience.

What should I do after a session?
Take it easy. Rest, reflect, or journal about the experience. Many people benefit from meditating, taking a walk, or speaking with a therapist to help process the session.

How do I know if ketamine therapy is working?
You may notice changes in your mood, energy, sleep, or thought patterns. Progress can be subtle at first but builds with consistency. We’ll help you track your outcomes with periodic check-ins.

Are there lifestyle changes recommended while taking ketamine?
Yes. Support your treatment with good sleep, hydration, gentle movement, and stress reduction. Mindfulness or therapy can help deepen the effects.

Treatment Logistics

What form does it come in?
Well3 offers ketamine in two convenient forms: oral lozenges and nasal spray. The lozenges dissolve slowly in your mouth and offer a smooth, longer-lasting experience. The nasal spray is fast-acting and easy to use, with precise dose control. Both options are designed for safe, comfortable use at home.

How often should I take ketamine?
Your dosing schedule is personalized to your needs and goals. Most people begin with 1–3 sessions per week during the first month. As symptoms improve, we may taper your schedule to weekly, biweekly, or monthly sessions. We’ll guide you each step of the way.

How long do I need to take this treatment?
There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Some people experience lasting improvement within a few weeks. Others continue for several months or more — especially when managing long-term conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. You can pause or stop whenever you feel ready. We’re here to support you with regular check-ins and flexible plans.

What conditions can ketamine treat?
Well3 offers ketamine treatment for:

  • Depression (including treatment-resistant depression)

  • Generalized anxiety

  • Social anxiety

  • PTSD

  • Chronic stress and burnout

It may also help with other conditions related to mood, trauma, or emotional regulation.

Pricing & Availability

How much does the Well3 treatment plan cost?
The program is $130/month. That includes:

  • Telehealth consultations

  • Personalized dosing plan

  • Prescription fulfillment

  • Ongoing support from the Well3 care team

There are no hidden fees, and you can pause or cancel after your second month.

Does insurance cover this treatment?
Currently, insurance does not cover Well3’s ketamine therapy. However, we accept HSA and FSA cards for payment, and many clients use these tax-free funds to cover treatment.

What states is Well3 available in?
Well3 is currently available to residents of California. We’re working to expand access soon — join our waitlist to be notified when we launch in your state.

How do I cancel my subscription?
You can cancel anytime after the first two months. Just send us an email — we’ll make the process easy and hassle-free.

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Still have questions?

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Reach out to the Well3 Care Team Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
careteam@well3.care
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