Quick Answer: Many people report during ketamine therapy that they feel dissociated, dizzy, nauseous, sleepy, anxious, have a change in blood pressure, and may experience temporary confusion. There are also reports of persisting dizziness, emotional upset, headaches, and strange perceptions on Reddit. But this varies from person to person, and medical supervision can help to improve safety.
Understanding Ketamine Therapy Side Effects
Ketamine treatment is emerging in the spotlight for traditionally unresponsive depression and other psychological issues.
But there are side effects that should be taken into careful consideration before beginning treatment.
NIMH research suggests that ketamine can trigger an antidepressant effect in a very short period of time.
Meanwhile, the dangers and long-term impact of its use are still being studied.
The side effects of ketamine are dizziness, nausea, sedation, dissociation, and hypertension.
Others may vomit, feel anxious, have a headache, or be dizzy or intoxicated.
What Reddit Users Say About Ketamine Side Effects
Personal insights that clinical summaries might not mention can be given in Reddit discussions.
- That should not, however, be a replacement for a medical professional’s recommendations.
- For instance, in the r/KetamineTherapy subreddit, one user mentioned experiencing extreme nausea and dizziness following Spravato.
- The patient stated symptoms persisted for about 24 hours.
- Another r/TherapeuticKetamine post mentioned continued dissociation, feeling dizzy, feeling sick, and feeling confused.
- The user also said that post-infusion, they feel that they are out of the circumstances.
- At the same time, one other Reddit user noted headaches and brief grogginess following ketamine infusions.
- Other commenters referred to dissociation as not always bad and meaningful.
As such, experiences may vary considerably from person to person.
Side Effects People May Not Expect
- Some patients may be anticipating temporary dizziness or sedation.
- But feelings and emotions can be a shock too.
- A few people report feeling anxious, having strange thoughts, or having changes in how long things seem to last or how things affect them.
- Some people have found that they are not able to concentrate after treatment.
- In addition, the issue is raised in online discussions again and again in a longer-term perspective.
Cognitive changes and urinary issues have been reported by some Reddit users.
That does not mean that these symptoms were the result of ketamine.
However, if symptoms do not improve or persist, active symptom assessment by professionals should be sought.
How Medical Supervision Can Help
Ketamine must be used in a suitable clinical setting.
For instance, sedation, dissociation, and respiratory depression are side effects that need to be monitored with Spravato.
Moreover, Ketamine can have some interactions with medications and medical conditions as well as substance use.
Thus, a thorough medical and psychiatric history should be obtained before treatment.
The FDA also cautions against risks associated with compounded products containing ketamine.
Patients can talk to psychiatric experts about ketamine treatment at Orlando Premier Psychiatry. If you are looking for psychiatric treatment in Orlando, call (407) 565-3546 to talk with Orlando Premier Psychiatry; they offer IV ketamine infusion therapy and other psychiatric services.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most common ketamine therapy side effects?
Common effects include dissociation, dizziness, nausea, sedation, vertigo, anxiety, headache, vomiting, and increased blood pressure.
Most effects occur around treatment and require appropriate monitoring.
2. Can ketamine therapy cause dissociation?
Yes. Dissociation is a recognized ketamine effect.
Some patients find it uncomfortable, while others consider it meaningful.
However, significant or prolonged dissociation should always be discussed with the treating clinician.
3. Can ketamine cause nausea after treatment?
Yes. Nausea and vomiting can occur with ketamine therapy.
Reddit users frequently discuss nausea during or after treatment.
Persistent vomiting, dehydration, or severe symptoms require prompt medical attention.
4. Can ketamine therapy cause anxiety?
Yes. Ketamine may temporarily increase anxiety in some people.
Therefore, clinicians should review psychiatric history before treatment.
Patients should also report severe anxiety or distress after sessions.
5. Are ketamine side effects permanent?
Most recognized treatment-related effects are temporary.
However, persistent symptoms require medical evaluation.
Online reports cannot determine whether ketamine caused long-term cognitive, emotional, or physical problems.
6. Is ketamine therapy safe?
Ketamine therapy carries potential risks and requires appropriate clinical assessment.
Safety depends on the medication, route, dosage, health history, monitoring, and treatment setting.
Disclaimer
This article provides educational information and does not replace personalized medical advice.
Reddit comments represent individual experiences, not clinical evidence.
Speak with a qualified psychiatric professional before starting, changing, or stopping ketamine treatment.
References and Sources
- Cleveland Clinic: Ketamine Therapy and Side Effects
- National Institute of Mental Health: Ketamine Side Effects Research
- National Institute of Mental Health: Rapid-Acting Depression Treatment
- FDA: Compounding Risk Alerts
- Reddit: r/TherapeuticKetamine Discussion
- Reddit: r/KetamineTherapy Discussion
- Orlando Premier Psychiatry, Ketamine Therapy and Psychiatric Services.
