Ketamine Side Effects

Understanding the Side Effects of Ketamine

Ketamine has been drawing interest for its potential benefits in managing mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, as well as for its potential in managing chronic pain. Like any medication, it’s important to understand that ketamine may come with side effects.

While it offers advantages for many patients, these side effects should be considered when starting a regimen that includes ketamine.

Common Side Effects of Ketamine
Ketamine Side Effects by Dosage Form
How to Manage Ketamine Side Effects
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Common Side Effects of Prescribed Ketamine

Some side effects are relatively common across the board. Patients using any form of ketamine may experience the following:

Dissociation: Feeling disconnected from reality or experiencing an “out-of-body” sensation, often temporary and subsides after treatment.
Drowsiness or Fatigue: Some patients feel sleepy or fatigued after ketamine use, especially during and immediately after treatment.
Nausea and Vomiting: Ketamine can cause nausea, though anti-nausea medications are often incorporated to prevent this side effect.
Elevated Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Some patients may experience increased heart rate and blood pressure. Monitoring is crucial, particularly during infusions or high doses.
Headache: Mild headaches can occur following ketamine treatment.
Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy is another possible side effect, especially when standing up after a session.

While these side effects are common, they are usually mild and temporary. Most patients tolerate ketamine well under medical supervision.

Different Forms of Prescribed Ketamine and Their Side Effects

Ketamine can be administered in various forms with unique side effects and considerations. Let’s break down the common forms of prescribed ketamine:

Ketamine Nasal Spray

Nasal spray formulations of ketamine are commonly used for treatment-resistant depression. This form is convenient and non-invasive, but it does come with specific side effects related to its administration route.

Nasal Irritation: Nasal sprays may cause some patients a burning sensation, congestion, or irritation in the nose.
Dissociation: This is more likely with nasal spray due to the quick absorption through the nasal passages.
Sedation: Some patients may feel more drowsy or disoriented shortly after use.

Ketamine Infusions

Intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions are one of the most well-researched methods for treating both chronic pain and mental health conditions. Because this method involves directly introducing the medication into your bloodstream, the effects are rapid and can be profound.

Dissociation: This is more common and can be stronger with infusions. Most patients are monitored during the infusion process to manage this side effect.
Nausea: Infusions are more likely to cause nausea, though pre-treatment with anti-nausea medication can reduce this.
Blood Pressure Spikes: Heart rate and blood pressure increases often occur during infusions, which is why patients are closely monitored.

Ketamine Creams

Ketamine creams are typically used for localized pain relief, particularly in conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or neuropathy. Since the cream is applied topically, the systemic side effects (like dissociation or sedation) are minimal to non-existent.

Skin Irritation: Some patients may experience localized skin irritation or redness at the site of application.
Minimal Systemic Effects: Because the cream works locally, it generally doesn’t cause nausea, dissociation, or other systemic side effects associated with ketamine.

Ketamine Troches

Troches (or lozenges) are placed in the mouth and dissolve over time, absorbing the medication through the oral mucosa. This form is often used for pain management or mental health conditions at home between other treatments.

Dissociation: While less intense than infusions, some patients may still experience dissociation, especially at higher doses.
Taste: Some patients report that the taste of the troches is unpleasant.
Drowsiness: Since the troches dissolve slowly, patients may feel drowsy or fatigued after use.

Ketamine Rapid Dissolve Tablets (RDTs)

Ketamine RDTs are less common but can be used for both mental health and chronic pain. Since this form goes through the digestive system, it takes longer to take effect, and the overall impact may be milder.

Nausea: Oral ketamine can sometimes upset the stomach.
Dissociation: This is less intense than with IV or nasal spray forms but can still occur, especially at higher doses.
Fatigue: Drowsiness may occur since the medication is absorbed over an extended period.

How to Manage Ketamine Side Effects

While many of the side effects of prescribed ketamine are temporary, there are ways to minimize discomfort:

Start with a Lower Dose

Starting at a lower dose will help reduce the presence of side effects. This allows your body to adjust to the medication before moving on to larger doses.

Your healthcare team will help you navigate the dosing schedule and titration during ketamine treatment.

Alleviate Symptoms with Medications

Compounding pharmacies can combine ketamine with medications such as anti-nausea drugs and sedatives. This helps manage nausea and anxiety for the patient.

Additionally, our pharmacy typically combines ketamine creams with other medications, such as muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory agents, or numbing agents. We help patients find the combination that best fits their needs.

Hydration

Staying hydrated and drinking water can help reduce a number of side effects. Proper hydration helps regulate blood pressure and maintain an electrolyte balance.

It also helps reduce headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Drinking water in the days leading up to treatment and the days following will support recovery and reduce fatigue or disoriented feelings.

Take Time to Rest

Rest and recovery are important for patients after taking ketamine. Patients who experience fatigue and dizziness are encouraged to rest to reduce these side effects.

It also helps recover from the dissociative effects of ketamine.

Find Help With Ketamine

Ketamine has helped many people with mental health conditions and chronic pain, but understanding its side effects is essential in managing the treatment experience.

Side effects can vary depending on the form of ketamine you are prescribed, so it’s important to discuss all options with your healthcare provider.

If you have any questions about ketamine treatment, feel free to reach out to our pharmacy.

You can call our Littleton or Cherry Creek locations. We’re here to help ensure your treatment is both effective and comfortable.

We also accept text messages:
Littleton: 303-707-1500
Cherry Creek: 303-333-2010

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Ketamine Side Effects

Understanding the Side Effects of Ketamine

Table of Contents

Common Side Effects of Ketamine