Any procedure has possible risks and discomforts. This procedure may cause all, some, or none of the risks or side effects listed. Rare, unknown, or unforeseeable (unexpected) risks may also occur. Side effects typically depend on the dose. The dose administered may last for 30-60 minutes. Common side-effects (greater than 1% and less than 10%: between 1 out of 100 and 10 out of 100)
· Vivid dreams, psychedelic experience
· Nausea and vomiting- rare
· Increased saliva production with lozenge
· Blurred vision in deep part of session
· Dizziness/light-headedness during 90 min session possible.
· Out-of-body experience during the 30-60 minute effect
· Disrupted motor skills (difficult to move arms and legs)
· Increased blood pressure and increased heart rate
(approx. 20% of the normal rate is usual)
· Mild discomfort at site of injection
· Increased pressure in the eyes.
· If you are female and think you could be pregnant or are not sure, please inform the staff. A pregnancy test must be done if unsure before your appointment, as pregnancy is a contraindication to this treatment.
· Untreated hypertension is a contraindication to ketamine use as ketamine can bump blood pressure by 10 points. Similarly, a history of heart disease may make you ineligible to participate. We can give you a blood pressure medicine, Clonidine to lower it prior to session if needed. Be sure to take your blood pressure medication if prescribed regularly and on day of procedure.
· On the day of treatment, you should NOT engage in any of the following: Driving, alcohol, marijuana, recreational drugs, conducting business, or participating in activities that require you to rely on motor skills and memory.
· Because of the risk of nausea and vomiting, please refrain from eating and drinking for at least 3 (best is 4) hours preceding the session. Eat lightly when you do. Make sure you are well hydrated in that same time frame.
· Repeated, high dose, chronic street abuse of ketamine has caused urinary tract symptoms and even permanent bladder dysfunction in individuals abusing the drug. This has not occurred within the framework (low, calculated dose) employed by clinicians for therapeutic benefit in a medical setting.
· If you have any worsening depression, concerning side-effects, or suicidal thoughts after treatment, you agree to call your doctor, therapist, or go to the ER