Ketamine was approved by the FDA as an anesthetic in 1970 and it has been on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines since 1985.
In the 37th meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Drug Dependence Dr. Marie Paule Kieny emphasized that ketamine is one of the most commonly used anesthetic and veterinary medicines in large part because of its high safety margin.
However, as with any medicine or medical treatment, it's important to be aware there are potential side effects. This post will explore both the short-term and long-term side effects associated with ketamine therapy, with a focus on low-dose ketamine treatment.
Short-Term Side Effects of Ketamine
Ketamine is increasingly being used off-label in low doses to treat various mental health conditions, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders. When administered at low doses ketamine can cause some temporary side effects that typically resolve within a few hours. The most common short-term side effects are related to the psychoactive nature of ketamine[1]:
- Feel strange, weird, or bizarre
- Spacey
- Woozy/loopy
- Dissociation
- Visual distortions
- Floating
- Numbness
- Difficulty speaking
- Delayed verbal response
- Confusion
When receiving a dose of ketamine some of the more common physical side effects are[1][2]:
- Increase heart rate
- Increase blood pressure
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dry mouth
Rare side effects include allergic reactions, bladder inflammation, and respiratory complications. Qualified care providers monitor heart rate and blood pressure before, during, and after administration and provide anti-nausea medication as needed to mitigate side effects and ensure a comfortable experience. In clinical studies, side effects were generally mild and brief, peaking within an hour of administration and resolving within 2-4 hours.
Long-Term Side Effects of Ketamine Treatment
Research on the long-term effects of repeated ketamine treatments is still ongoing. Some potential concerns that have been raised include[3][4]:
- Cognitive impairment: Some studies have found memory and attention deficits in chronic, high-dose ketamine users. However, these effects have not been observed with low-dose medical use.
- Bladder issues: Frequent high-dose ketamine use has been associated with urinary tract problems. This appears to be rare with low-dose therapeutic use.
- Addiction potential: While ketamine can be addictive when abused recreationally, addiction has not been reported with supervised medical use at low doses.
- Liver effects: There is a theoretical risk of liver damage with long-term use, but this has not been observed in clinical studies of low-dose intermittent therapy.
It's important to note that most studies on long-term ketamine effects have focused on recreational users taking much higher doses than those used medically. The long-term safety profile of low-dose ketamine therapy appears to be favorable based on current evidence.
Conclusion
While ketamine therapy can cause some short-term side effects, they are generally mild and resolve quickly with low-dose treatment protocols. Long-term side effects appear to be minimal with supervised medical use, though more research is still needed. As with any treatment, it's important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of ketamine therapy with your healthcare provider.
Ketamine treatments should always be administered and monitored by qualified medical professionals in a clinical setting. This allows for proper dosing and management of any side effects that may occur. With appropriate medical oversight, ketamine therapy can be a safe and effective option for those struggling with treatment-resistant mental health conditions or chronic pain.
Remember, everyone responds differently to medications. Your experience with ketamine therapy may vary, and it's crucial to keep your healthcare provider informed of any side effects you experience.
Please note: Intended for educational and informative purposes only and not intended to serve as medical or professional advice. For medical attention or advice you should consult your physician or other health care professional.
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Citations:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8457026/
[2] https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/ips/ketamine-trd/risks-benefits/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35416105/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6236511/