Ketamine therapy, while showing promise for treating various mental health conditions, can have side effects. Common side effects reported during and shortly after ketamine infusion or administration include:
- Dissociative symptoms: Patients may experience perceptual disturbances, feelings of detachment, or a sense of unreality during the infusion. These effects usually resolve shortly after the treatment ends.
- Nausea and vomiting: Some patients may experience nausea or vomiting during or after ketamine administration.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: Ketamine can cause dizziness or lightheadedness during and after treatment.
- Elevated blood pressure and heart rate: Ketamine can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate during the infusion, which typically returns to normal after the treatment.
- Cognitive disturbances: Some patients may experience transient mental disturbances or confusion after ketamine administration.
- Anxiety: Ketamine may cause anxiety or agitation during or after the treatment.
- Headache: Some patients may experience headaches following ketamine therapy.
- Tolerance: Over time, you may become tolerant of ketamine, or more importantly, tolerant of other anesthesia.
- Ego-Death: At high doses one might undergo the experience of ego-death.
Most of these side effects are short-lived and resolve independently after the treatment. However, long-term or frequent use of ketamine may lead to other potential side effects, such as bladder dysfunction, liver toxicity, or dependence. It is essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits of ketamine therapy with a healthcare provider.
Sanacora, G., Frye, M. A., McDonald, W., Mathew, S. J., Turner, M. S., Schatzberg, A. F., … & Nemeroff, C. B. (2017). A Consensus Statement on the Use of Ketamine in the Treatment of Mood Disorders. JAMA psychiatry, 74(4), 399-405. Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2605202