Should Everyone Get Ketamine? We believe ketamine is a truly amazing and transformative medicine. However, we also believe that not everyone should get ketamine. In this post we will discuss 10 reasons to NOT get ketamine infusion treatments.
Reason #1: Lack Of Long-Term Studies
Although the evidence for ketamine is very strong there's not a lot of data that looks at patients many years out after their ketamine infusion treatments. As of this writing, the longest study looked at 30 months, but there are no 5 or 10 year studies looking at what the effects are to those who get long-term ketamine treatments. In medical school doctors are taught about medications that were used more years, even decades only later to find out there were adverse effects that later the healthcare profession decides to stop using or alter the way they use it. Could ketamine be one of those medications? So far ketamine has proven to be very safe, but no one knows what chronic use over a long period of time will look like.
Reason #2: Not 100% Effective In All Patients
Ketamine can be effective. Depending on the studies and the different clinics you go to, there can be anywhere from 60-90% of patients who do very well. But it’s not 100% effective. If you want something that will work 100% of the time, then ketamine may not be for you. But honestly can you think of any treatment or medication that is 100% effective? Sometimes the need for certainty comes from a place of fear or worry about not getting better, or for some the uncertainty of what to do once they feel better. Whatever the reason you have for wanting the certainty that ketamine will work for you, we have found in our clinic that those who are certain they want to give ketamine a try do well. So we recommend, wait until you are willing to accept the possibility of it not working.
Reason #3: Costs
As of this writing, the majority of health insurance companies do not cover ketamine infusions because they consider it experimental or “off-label.” This means that you are likely going to have to pay out-of-pocket. Even if ketamine does end up working for you, you might be a patient who needs boosters for maintenance. Boosters can be very effective, but will add costs that you might have several months and potentially years later. In other words, ketamine could be a long term cost for you. If the initial initiation series of infusions (usually six) are going to be a financial burden, the boosters too can add to it.
Curious why most clinics recommend starting with six ketamine infusions? Find out the answer at our Should I Get One or Multiple Ketamine Infusions? blog post.
Reason #4: Ketamine Is Considered “off-Label: Use for Treating Mood Disorders and Chronic Pain
This means that there are no FDA trials that have gone through phase I, II, or III for the use of ketamine infusions for the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain syndromes (as of this writing). Although ketamine has used for over 50 years, it is FDA approved only for a very specific indication, specifically for the use of anesthesia in the operating room and emergency room. If you feel it is important to undergo a treatment only if the FDA has approved it for the condition you have, then right now ketamine infusions aren’t for you.
Reason #5: Risk of Addiction
Although the risk of addiction is very low, addiction is possible in certain individuals. Some places use ketamine to treat addiction, and could potentially aid in treating the underlying depression related to the addiction. However, if you have a serious concern about addiction you may want to think twice before pursuing ketamine infusions.
Learn more about ketamine and addiction at our Are Ketamine Infusions Addictive? blog post.
Reason #6: Risk of Psychosis, Mania, or Schizophrenia
If someone has undiagnosed schizophrenia, ketamine infusions could potentially trigger an acute psychotic episode and possibly even long term schizophrenia. Ketamine is known as a "schizophrenomimetic”, meaning that it can mimic schizophrenia-like conditions. If you have a risk for this, such as a 1st degree relative with a history of schizophrenia there may be a possible risk of causing psychosis, mania, and/or unmasking schizophrenia.
Reason #7: Ketamine Can Affect The Liver, Kidney, And Bladder
Typically issues with these organs are rarely seen when ketamine is used in the therapeutic clinical setting because of the amount of ketamine given during an infusion. However, it has been reported that more commonly amongst people who use recreational chronic daily high use of ketamine. They can develop problems, such as cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), liver inflammation, and other kidney disorders. So if you already have issues with your liver, bladder, or kidney, ketamine may be something to seriously consider avoiding.
Reason #8: Ketamine Can Increase Your Heart Rate and Your Blood Pressure
If you have hypertension, untreated coronary artery disease (CAD), uncontrolled arrhythmias, or exquisitely sensitive pulse (e.g. tachycardia to minimal stressors), then ketamine may not be for you. Ketamine can increase both blood pressure and heart rate, which means it can increase the demand on your heart. If your heart is already compromised, additional demand could potentially harm your heart. That being said, it is possible to undergo ketamine infusions if your heart condition is controlled, but you would definitely want to touch base with your primary care doctor or heart doctor as you get your ketamine infusions.
Reason #9: Ketamine Can Cause Psychedelic Non-Ordinary Types of Reality
Psychedelic experiences can be very amazing and enlightening but at the same time they can be frightening. Some people have described heavenly-like experiences but others have had hell-like experiences. If you aren’t willing to chance experiencing a dark, challenging, but potentially healing experience then it may not be the time right now for you to pursue ketamine infusions. You will know the medicine calls you when you feel ready.
Learn more about ketamine and psychedelic experiences at our The Importance of The Psychedelic Experience During Ketamine Infusions blog and What Does A Ketamine Infusion Feel Like blog posts.
Reason #10: You Don’t Want To Be Judged
Ketamine has a very interesting and colorful history. It's been known as a club drug and a horse tranquilizer. Often, when you tell other people about your ketamine treatments they might become judgemental or have a negative opinion of you because of its reputation. If you're someone who cannot tolerate having other people judge you and you depend highly upon the opinion of others, this might be a reason to stay away from ketamine infusions.
So Many Reasons To Not Try Ketamine, But Maybe You Should Check It Out
Ketamine is an amazing medicine but it's only a tool. You really have to work with a clinic that knows this tool in and out. You have to do your research. You have to know the pros and cons plus the risks and the benefits so that you can make a fully informed decision. Hopefully these 10 reasons have helped you. If you want to check out more about ketamine, explore more of our blog and YouTube channel.
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IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS SUFFERING FROM ANXIETY, PTSD, DEPRESSION, OCD, MIGRAINES, FIBROMYALGIA, OR CHRONIC PAIN, PLEASE CONTACT US NOW FOR A CONSULTATION TO SEE IF YOU WOULD BE AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR KETAMINE INFUSIONS.
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Learn what to expect during ketamine therapy, including key preparation steps, emotional responses, and tools to navigate your ketamine infusion experience.