What You Need to Know Before Starting Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine has been praised for its ability to rapidly reduce depression symptoms—especially in people who haven’t responded to traditional antidepressants. For many, it has been life-changing.
But ketamine, like any treatment, isn’t risk-free.
Whether you’re considering IV infusions, Spravato®, or oral ketamine, it’s important to understand the potential risks and side effects before you start. At Bella Vida TMS, we believe in transparent, science-based care—so you can make informed decisions about your mental health.
Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know.
What Is Ketamine?
Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine is now used “off-label” to treat major depressive disorder and other mental health conditions. It works on the glutamate system, helping to rewire the brain and reduce symptoms fast—sometimes within hours.
The most common types of ketamine treatment include:
- IV infusion therapy
- Spravato® (nasal spray form of esketamine)
- Intramuscular (IM) injections
- Oral lozenges or capsules
- Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP)
All of these are typically used under the supervision of a medical provider.
Common Side Effects of Ketamine Treatment
Most patients tolerate ketamine well, especially when it’s administered in a clinical setting. But mild side effects are common, especially during or immediately after treatment.
These may include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Elevated blood pressure or heart rate
- Mild dissociation (feeling “outside” of your body)
- Blurred vision
- Confusion or dream-like sensations
These effects usually wear off within 1–2 hours of treatment. Patients should not drive or operate machinery the same day.
Psychological Risks: Not Everyone Feels Good Right Away
While ketamine can open the door to rapid healing, it may also trigger intense emotions. Some people may experience:
- Anxiety or panic during or after dosing
- Unpleasant hallucinations or disorientation
- Emotional flooding, where painful memories surface unexpectedly
This is especially true if ketamine is used without therapeutic support. That’s why combining ketamine with a therapist or mental health professional—like in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)—can reduce psychological risks and improve outcomes.
Long-Term Risks of Frequent or Unsupervised Use
Ketamine is generally safe when administered by a trained provider and taken on a structured schedule. But frequent, unsupervised use can lead to long-term complications, including:
1. Bladder and Urinary Tract Issues
Chronic or high-dose ketamine use can cause damage to the bladder lining, leading to:
- Frequent urination
- Pain during urination
- In severe cases, bladder dysfunction
This is mostly seen in recreational users or people using large doses daily—not in medical patients receiving monitored treatments.
2. Cognitive Changes
Some studies suggest that long-term, repeated use of ketamine can lead to issues like:
- Memory problems
- Slower processing speed
- Difficulty with attention or focus
Again, this is rare in clinical treatment plans but possible in high-frequency, unsupervised use.
3. Addiction and Misuse
While ketamine is not physically addictive in the traditional sense, it can lead to psychological dependence, especially if used outside medical supervision.
Patients who use it to self-medicate emotional distress may:
- Crave the dissociative feeling
- Escalate dose without guidance
- Use more frequently than prescribed
This is why structured treatment and ongoing monitoring are key to safe outcomes.
Medical Conditions That Increase Risk
Ketamine is not safe for everyone. You should avoid or use caution if you have:
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Severe heart disease
- History of psychosis or schizophrenia
- Active substance use disorder
- Severe liver disease
At Bella Vida TMS, we conduct thorough medical and psychiatric screenings before recommending any ketamine-based treatment.
How Bella Vida TMS Minimizes Risk
At our clinics in Phoenix, Gilbert, and Glendale, safety is always the priority. We follow strict protocols to reduce risk:
- All ketamine is administered or overseen by trained medical professionals
- Patients are monitored during and after each session
- We use FDA-approved Spravato® when appropriate
- We collaborate with your primary care or mental health provider
- We never overprescribe or recommend unsafe frequency
We also offer TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)—a completely drug-free, non-invasive alternative to ketamine. It’s FDA-approved, covered by insurance, and has minimal side effects.
Should You Be Worried?
For most people, ketamine is safe and effective when used correctly. If you’re working with a trusted provider and following a structured plan, the risks are low and manageable.
The key is education, support, and supervision.
Risks of Ketamine Treatment for Depression
Ketamine is a powerful tool—but it’s not a cure-all. It works best when combined with professional support, healthy habits, and honest conversations about your mental health.
If you’re considering ketamine therapy, we encourage you to speak with the team at Bella Vida TMS. We’ll help you weigh the benefits and risks, explore covered options like Spravato® and TMS, and guide you toward the best plan for your needs.
References:
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Depression Basics
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression - Harvard Health Publishing – Ketamine for major depression: New tool, new questions
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/ketamine-for-major-depression-new-tool-new-questions-2019052216673 - Mayo Clinic – Ketamine infusion therapy for depression: Benefits and risks
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ketamine-infusion/about/pac-20417354 - Yale School of Medicine – Ketamine for Depression
https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/ketamine-offers-hope-for-people-with-severe-depression/ - PubMed – National Library of Medicine – Adverse Effects of Ketamine: Cognitive, Urologic, and Addictive Risks
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27056749/ - Journal of Affective Disorders – Long-term safety and efficacy of ketamine in depression treatment
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032716301566 - Spravato® Official Website – Safety and Prescribing Information
https://www.spravato.com
