There are several good reasons to avoid eating or drinking before a ketamine treatment — including what we call ‘the burrito effect.’
Anesthesia Guidelines
Ketamine is an anesthetic drug.
We follow American Society of Anesthesiologists fasting guidelines. These state that patients should refrain from eating for 6-8 hours and drinking for 2-4 hours before any anesthesia or sedation is given. These guidelines are designed to ensure a more safe and more uniform experience for patients.
Nausea
Ketamine can make people nauseous. We have a variety of tools, including medications, to limit its impact on your treatment and to help ensure that your experience is as comfortable as possible. It is a short-lived side effect, and fades rapidly after the treatment is complete.
Having food on the stomach may or may not make you more nauseous, but it can certainly make things messier. By having ketamine treatments on an empty stomach, you can reduce potential negative outcomes in the event of nausea.
The burrito effect
Some people respond to spicy or heavy food, like a burrito, by having very weird dreams at night. Similarly, some foods may cause weird feelings or thoughts or experiences during a ketamine treatment. By fasting before an appointment, you can eliminate this variable to limit its impact on your experience.
About Us
Wells Medicine is a Houston-based practice designed to provide meaningful care for mental health. Providing targeted interventional treatments for Depression, Anxiety, OCD, PTSD and other conditions, with Ketamine Treatments, Stellate Ganglion Blocks, TMS, and Nitrous-Oxide Treatments. Focused on comprehensive care and integration with Psychiatry, Psychology, and Support Services. We are evidence-based, patient-focused and mission-driven.
The content here is for informational purposes and should not be relied upon for medical decisions. For the details of your specific medical conditions and treatments consult your doctors or other qualified healthcare professionals.
