Last Updated on 28 My 2025
Safety-information
Intravenous, intramuscular, oral, and sublingual forms of ketamine are not FDA-approved for the treatment of psychiatric or pain disorders. However, they are widely used in clinical settings as an effective option for individuals with treatment-resistant conditions. The only FDA-approved form of ketamine for depression is the intranasal version known as Spravato® (esketamine), approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression.
At Klearmind Clinics, we do not prescribe Spravato®. Instead, we focus on intravenous (IV) ketamine therapy, which delivers both forms of ketamine (R-and S-enantiomers) in a controlled and measurable way-allowing for a more comprehensive and research-aligned approach.
Off-label use refers to the practice of prescribing a medication for a purpose that has not yet been formally approved by the FDA. This is a legal and common practice in medicine when there is strong clinical evidence or expert consensus supporting its safety and effectiveness for a particular condition. IV ketamine for mental health treatment is considered off-label, but it is supported by decades of research and clinical outcomes for depression, PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain.
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
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