Ketamine infusion therapy is an increasingly popular treatment for chronic pain and other conditions, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While ketamine infusion can be effective in managing symptoms, some individuals may experience side effects, including headaches.
Short-Term Effects
High blood pressure, nausea, vomiting and headache are the most common side effects I see. Some people consider this a side effect. Patients may also dissociate. Personally, I don’t think that is a side effect. We do need some dissociation during the Ketamine Infusion.
You can reduce side effects such as nausea or vomiting by taking IV Toradol or IV Zofran after, during or before infusions.
Long-Term Effects
Studies that focus on long-term side effects of ketamine are rare. The data were extrapolated from studies that looked at chronic ketamine users, which is patients who take a lot of ketamine every day at multiple grams. There have been cases of memory loss, liver dysfunction, liver failure and liver inflammation in this extreme situation. There is also a condition called ketamine-induced interstitial cystitis, which is similar to having symptoms of a urinary tract infection but without the bacteria.
We recommend that you stop using ketamine if you have any of these symptoms. These are extreme cases and may occur in people who have taken higher doses. The doses in ketamine clinics are more tightly controlled.
Know Your Symptoms
Ketamine is a powerful drug, but there are pros and cons. Talk to your doctor about whether it is a good choice for you. To determine if you have any health issues, monitor your symptoms. You might want to have your liver enzymes and kidney function tested. If you notice any problems in your bladder, let your doctor know.
A medical professional wrote this article at Florida Medical Pain Management. Florida Medical Pain Management is proud to offer comprehensive pain management services to a diverse group of patients. Patients at Florida Medical Pain Management can get help managing hip, knee, leg, and neck pain. The practice also offers comprehensive arthritis management, along with treatments for auto accidents, sports, and work injuries as well as ketamine infusion therapy.