Laryngospasm is a rare but possible side effect of therapeutic ketamine use for mental health. It is characterized by the involuntary contraction of the laryngeal muscles, which can lead to difficulty breathing or complete airway obstruction. Laryngospasm is more commonly associated with ketamine administration in anesthesia rather than low-dose treatment for mental health purposes. However, it is essential to be aware of this potential side effect and to monitor patients accordingly. Many clinics employ an o2 sensor placed on a finger to ensure the respiratory system functions correctly during infusion/treatment.
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Green, S. M., Roback, M. G., Kennedy, R. M., & Krauss, B. (2011). Clinical practice guideline for emergency department ketamine dissociative sedation: 2011 update. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 57(5), 449-461. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.2010.11.030