What Are the Side Effects of Ketamine Therapy?
Like all medical treatments, FDA-approved ketamine therapy can cause side effects that vary in timing, severity, and duration. Most side effects from ketamine are temporary and manageable, occurring primarily during the treatment session and resolving within hours afterward. Understanding these potential effects helps patients prepare for treatment and know what to expect throughout their therapy journey.
Health care professionals carefully monitor patients during and after ketamine sessions to ensure safety, address any concerning symptoms promptly, and to prevent ketamine misuse. The benefits of ketamine therapy often outweigh the risks for patients with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions, but informed consent requires a thorough understanding of all potential side effects.
To learn more about how ketamine may be used to treat your condition, including suggestions for managing side effects, contact Balanced Mind of New York for a complimentary 15-minute consultation.
Immediate/Acute Ketamine Side Effects (During Ketamine Treatment)
The most common immediate side effects occur while the ketamine is actively working in the system and typically last 30 to 60 minutes. Dissociative effects are the most characteristic, causing patients to feel detached from their body or surroundings, often described as a dreamlike or floating sensation. Physical symptoms frequently include nausea, dizziness, temporary increased blood pressure, and short-term increases in heart rate that require continuous monitoring by the clinical team in the ketamine clinic. Many patients experience blurred vision, difficulty with coordination, and a sense of time distortion during the treatment session. These acute effects are generally well-tolerated and are considered part of the therapeutic process, though they can be unsettling for first-time patients.
Short-term Ketamine Side Effects (Hours After Ketamine Treatment)
After the immediate effects subside, patients may experience lingering side effects for several hours following treatment. Fatigue and drowsiness are very common, which is why patients cannot drive themselves home and should plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Headaches, mild confusion, and difficulty concentrating may persist for two to four hours after the session ends. Patients may experience mild pain or bruising at the injection site for intramuscular ketamine or at the IV site for ketamine infusions. Some patients report increased emotional sensitivity or feeling more tearful than usual in the hours following the ketamine administration.
These short-term effects typically resolve completely within 24 hours, and most patients feel back to their normal baseline by the next day. However, if the side effects of ketamine persist or intensify, the healthcare providers at the ketamine clinic should be contacted for further evaluation and recommendations.
Potential Long-term Concerns
While ketamine therapy is generally safe when used as prescribed, there are some potential long-term concerns that require ongoing monitoring. Frequent or prolonged ketamine use has been associated with bladder and urinary tract problems, including inflammation and difficulty urinating, though these adverse events are more common with recreational abuse than medically-supervised ketamine therapy. Some studies suggest that chronic ketamine exposure might affect cognitive function, particularly memory and attention, though research in therapeutic doses is still limited. There is also a potential for tolerance development, where patients may need higher doses over time to maintain the same therapeutic effect. Additionally, while rare in clinical settings, there is a risk of psychological dependence, especially in patients with a history of substance abuse.
Pre-treatment Preparation to Minimize Side Effects of Ketamine
Physical preparation plays a crucial role in reducing the likelihood and severity of ketamine side effects. Patients should get adequate sleep the night before treatment and maintain good nutrition in the days leading up to their session, as being well-rested and properly nourished helps the body handle the medication more effectively. Most clinics require fasting for three to four hours before treatment to reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting during the session. Staying well-hydrated in the days before treatment is important, though patients should avoid drinking large amounts of fluids immediately before their appointment. Some health care providers also recommend avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs for several days before treatment, as these substances can interact with ketamine and increase side effects.
Logistical and mental preparation are equally important for a successful ketamine experience. Patients must arrange reliable transportation to and from the clinic, as they will not be able to drive for the remainder of the day due to lingering effects on coordination and judgment. Taking time off work or clearing the schedule for the rest of the treatment day allows patients to rest and recover without pressure or stress.
Mental preparation involves setting realistic expectations about the dissociative effects and viewing them as part of the therapeutic process rather than something to fear. Creating a calm, supportive environment at home for after treatment, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, and discussing any concerns with the health care team beforehand can significantly improve the overall ketamine therapy experience and reduce anxiety about potential side effects.
Monitoring and Management of Side Effects
Professional monitoring and management of side effects is a fundamental component of safe ketamine therapy that helps ensure patient safety and treatment success. Health care providers use systematic approaches to track vital signs, assess symptoms, and respond quickly to any concerning changes during and after treatment sessions. This comprehensive monitoring includes both immediate interventions during treatment and ongoing assessment strategies that help providers adjust treatment plans based on individual patient responses. Effective side effect management involves not only medical supervision but also patient education, so individuals know what to expect and when to seek additional help. The goal is to minimize discomfort while maximizing therapeutic benefits through careful observation and proactive care.
Ketamine Clinics
Specialized ketamine clinics provide structured environments designed specifically for safe administration and monitoring of ketamine therapy. These facilities are equipped with medical monitoring equipment, comfortable treatment areas, and trained staff who understand the unique aspects of ketamine treatment and side effect management. Most clinics maintain detailed protocols for handling common side effects like nausea or elevated blood pressure, with medications and interventions readily available if needed. The clinical setting allows for immediate response to any unexpected reactions, and many clinics offer amenities like calming music, comfortable seating, and private rooms to help patients feel relaxed during their sessions. Additionally, ketamine clinics typically provide thorough pre-treatment consultations and post-treatment follow-up calls to monitor recovery and address any delayed side effects that might occur after patients return home.
Licensed Health Care Providers
Licensed healthcare providers who administer ketamine therapy undergo specialized training in both the medication’s effects and comprehensive side effect management techniques. These professionals, which may include physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants, are qualified to assess patient responses in real-time and make immediate adjustments to treatment protocols when necessary. They monitor vital signs continuously during sessions, evaluate mental status changes, and are prepared to intervene with supportive medications or other treatments if complications arise. Beyond the treatment session itself, licensed providers develop individualized care plans that account for each patient’s medical history, current medications, and risk factors for specific side effects. They also coordinate with patients’ primary care physicians and mental health providers to ensure comprehensive care and can provide guidance on managing any side effects that persist between treatment sessions.
Weighing Side Effects Versus Mental Health Symptoms
When weighing the side effects of ketamine therapy against its potential benefits for severe mental health conditions, it’s important to consider both the severity and treatability of your baseline symptoms versus the nature and duration of ketamine’s side effects. For individuals experiencing treatment-resistant depression, suicidal thoughts, severe PTSD, or other intense psychiatric symptoms that have not responded to other interventions, even notable side effects like dissociation, nausea, or temporary high blood pressure may be considered acceptable trade-offs if the therapy provides meaningful relief from life-threatening or severely debilitating symptoms. The key is assessing whether the side effects interfere with your daily functioning and quality of life less than your underlying mental health condition does.
This evaluation should always be done in close collaboration with your health care providers, who can help you monitor both therapeutic benefits and adverse effects over time. Many ketamine side effects are dose-dependent and may diminish with treatment adjustments or as your body adapts to the medication. Your provider can work with you to optimize dosing, timing, and supportive care to minimize problematic side effects while preserving therapeutic benefits. It’s also worth noting that side effects should be weighed against the risks of untreated severe depression or PTSD, which can include acute suicidal ideation and risk of self-harm, relationship deterioration, job loss, and overall life impairment. Regular check-ins with your treatment team allow for ongoing reassessment as your symptoms and response to treatment evolve.
How Do I Pay For My Ketamine Therapy?
Balanced Mind of New York is a private pay practice and does not accept insurance. We believe in providing individualized, high-quality care without the restrictions or limitations often associated with insurance-based treatment.
If you have out-of-network benefits, we’re happy to provide a superbill upon request, which you can submit directly to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement. Please consult your provider to understand your coverage and eligibility for out-of-network mental health services.
Contact Details for Balanced Mind of New York Ketamine Therapists
Please contact us at [email protected] or 646-883-5544 to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a healthier you.