The Safety of Ketamine Infusion: Ketamine’s Side Effects
What is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
A newer, innovative approach to treating mental health concerns, ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic. Originally used as an anesthetic for pain management during invasive procedures, ketamine is now being explored for its remarkable effects on Treatment Resistant Depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Targeting a separate part of the brain than typical antidepressants, Ketamine can bolster growth of synapses between neurons, allowing for more plasticity, openness and relaxedness.
Ketamine is an up and coming approach to mental wellness, and there is still a lot to discover. Thus, there are some important precautions to know about. We will discuss the potential side effects of ketamine to understand its risks and ensure you can receive the best care possible.
Common Ketamine Side Effects
Any medication or drug has side effects. Ketamine is no exception to this rule. Ketamine’s most common effect is dissociation. Other common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, anxiety, and hallucinations. However, if a trained professional is nearby, these effects are very minimal, as the provider can stop the infusion as and when the patient wants.
If you are in the Philadelphia area and looking for a supervised setting to receive ketamine infusion from a clinical provider, Mindstream Medicine is a great option, as a professional will monitor you during your infusion to ensure a safe procedure.
How long do Ketamine Infusion Side Effects Last?
The more minimal side effects as aforementioned typically last for only around 1-3 hours after administration. Wondering how long the positive, antidepressant effects of ketamine last? This depends on the person. Some patients will see effects of a single infusion that last for a couple weeks; others may find they need more sessions for longer lasting results. Speaking to your provider to figure out the appropriate cadence and timeline for your infusions is the best approach.
Rare and More Severe Side Effects
Another common but more severe side effect of ketamine is nausea. Nausea can cause vomiting, but this is a minimal problem with proper preparation and administration of a drug. Namely, many providers will advise not to consume food for up to 12 hours before a session, which alleviates a majority of the concern for nausea.
Another side effect is increased blood pressure. However, 80% of people receiving ketamine do not need blood pressure medication. Furthermore, a trained professional monitoring will be able to handle the situation, if it occurs.
One crucial side effect to be aware of is ketamine’s reaction to alcohol. Ketamine mixed with alcohol is incredibly dangerous and can even be fatal. It is strongly advised not to consume alcohol the night before a ketamine infusion. Otherwise, if a trained clinician is present, ketamine can be administered safely.
In conclusion, ketamine, like all medications and drugs, has side effects. The severity and frequency of these side effects vary. Knowing the side effects and taking the recommended steps before infusion can significantly mitigate any unwanted consequences from the treatment. Most importantly, having a medical professional on standby is key to ensuring the best possible health outcome. At Mindstream Medicine in Philadelphia, you are guaranteed to have a professional monitoring your status.
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