Safety Information
Intravenous, intramuscular, oral, and sublingual forms of ketamine are not an FDA-approved form of treatment for psychiatric and pain disorders. Recently a nasal form of ketamine was approved for the treatment of medication-resistant depression (Spiriva). We do not prescribe Spiriva and believe in the intravenous administration of ketamine because both types of ketamine are present in the infusion. What is an off-label use.
Potential Side-Effects of Ketamine Treatment
- An altering sense of time (expected as part of the treatment)
- Anxiety
- Blurring vision
- Confusion/Disorientation (Patients are easily reoriented to location and time)
- Temporary loss of senses (vision, sound)
- Increase in blood pressure and/or heart rate
- Increase in intraocular and intracranial pressure
- Nystagmus (horizontal movement of the eye-very common)
- Nausea and/or vomiting
Do Not Proceed with Ketamine Treatment If Any of the Following Apply to You:
- Allergic to ketamine
- Symptoms of psychosis or mania
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- CHF or other serious heart problem
- Severe breathing problem
- History of elevated intraocular or intracranial pressure
- History of hyperthyroidism
- Other serious medical illness
- Pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant
Ketamine has been reported to produce issues including, but not limited to, those described below. However, lasting adverse side-effects are rare when medical protocols are carefully followed.
While ketamine has not been shown to be physically addictive, it has been shown to cause moderate psychological dependency in some recreational users.
In rare cases, frequent, heavy users have reported increased frequency of urination, urinary incontinence, pain urinating, passing blood in the urine, or reduced bladder size.
Ketamine may worsen problems in people with schizophrenia, severe personality disorders, or other serious mental disorders.
Users with a personal or family history of psychosis should be cautious using any psychoactive substance, including ketamine, and discuss potential risks with your clinician before proceeding with treatment.
To promote positive outcomes and ensure safety, follow these ketamine treatment guidelines:
- Do not operate a vehicle (e.g., car, motorcycle, bicycle) or heavy machinery following treatment until you’ve had a full night of sleep
- Refrain from taking benzodiazepines or stimulants for 24 hours prior to treatment
- Continue to take antihypertensive medication as prescribed
- Avoid hangovers or alcohol intake