Understanding the Side Effects of Ketamine Therapy
In California, the use of ketamine is rising rapidly. A study analyzing data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that ketamine use among U.S. adults increased from 2015-2019, and again from 2021-2022. This growing trend, which includes therapeutic applications, highlights why it’s more important than ever to understand the side effects of ketamine therapy.
Ketamine therapy has emerged as a promising treatment for teens and young adults who are grappling with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, trauma, and even substance use. While its benefits can be transformative (especially when combined with psychotherapy), it’s essential to understand both the potential as well as the risks.
At BNI Clinics, our doctor-led ketamine clinic offers safe and research-driven care in a structured environment, supported by 24/7 nursing staff, individualized psychiatric treatment, and a full continuum of support. We recognize that each teen’s response to treatment is different, which is why our clinical team closely monitors for potential side effects throughout the process.
What to Expect with Ketamine Therapy
Like any medical treatment, ketamine therapy comes with potential side effects – most of which are mild and manageable with proper care. Understanding these effects ahead of time can help families and patients feel more confident and prepared throughout the treatment process.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea is one of the most commonly reported side effects of ketamine therapy, especially when administered intravenously. Some teens may also experience vomiting during or shortly after treatment. While unpleasant, this side effect is typically short-lived and manageable with supportive care. At BNI, we monitor for nausea and provide anti-nausea medication when necessary, especially for those with a history of sensitivity.
Nausea does not typically indicate a problem with the treatment itself, but it’s important for families and providers to track how often it occurs. Our care team takes the time to evaluate each teen’s physical response to ketamine and adjust each treatment plan as needed to ensure a comfortable and safe experience throughout their entire healing journey.
Increase in Blood Pressure
A temporary rise in blood pressure and heart rate is another known side effect of ketamine therapy. This is a normal physiological response to the medication’s stimulation of the central nervous system. While the increase is typically mild and returns to baseline shortly after treatment, teens with a history of high blood pressure or heart conditions require careful screening and monitoring.
At BNI Clinics, each session begins with a comprehensive set of vitals, and our clinical staff remains present throughout the entirety of treatment to respond to any fluctuations in real-time. This heightened monitoring ensures that any cardiovascular changes are addressed promptly and appropriately. In most cases, no additional treatment is needed. But if elevated blood pressure becomes persistent or problematic, the care team will work with families to adjust the approach. Safety remains our top priority during every stage of ketamine therapy.
Slowed Breathing
Slowed or shallow breathing can also occur in some individuals who are receiving ketamine, particularly at higher doses. Though rare in supervised clinical settings, it’s a potential side effect that requires attention and preparation.
Ketamine impacts the brain’s control of respiration, which can momentarily affect how deeply or frequently a person breathes. That’s why ketamine therapy must always be administered in a medically supervised environment. At BNI’s ketamine clinic, we’re equipped with 24/7 nursing staff and continuous monitoring to track respiratory patterns throughout each session. Our team is trained to intervene if breathing slows beyond safe thresholds. Though in most adolescent cases, this side effect remains minor and transient.
Ensuring that teens feel safe and supported during the process helps minimize anxiety, which can also contribute to shallow breathing. With the right safeguards in place, ketamine therapy remains a safe and valuable tool for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges in teens.
Beyond the Basics: Other Ketamine Side-Effects
In addition to the more common side effects like nausea, increased blood pressure, and slowed breathing, ketamine therapy can also cause several other, generally milder side effects. These minor effects typically resolve quickly and are always closely monitored by medical staff during treatment to ensure safety and comfort. A few examples of these side effects include:
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Often felt during or shortly after treatment, usually temporary.
- Headache: Mild headaches that tend to fade within a few hours.
- Fatigue: Feelings of tiredness or drowsiness following a session.
- Confusion or Disorientation: Brief episodes of feeling “out of it” due to ketamine’s dissociative effects.
- Mood Changes: Temporary fluctuations in mood or irritability.
- Blurred Vision: Short-term vision changes during treatment.
- Increased Anxiety or Agitation: Some patients may experience heightened restlessness.
- Urinary Symptoms: Rare but possible with repeated use, including bladder irritation.
While many of these side effects are mild and temporary, it’s important to understand the risks associated with ketamine use, including concerns about addiction.
Can Ketamine Therapy Cause Ketamine Addiction?
Ketamine does carry a risk of misuse, however, research shows that in a structured, clinical setting, that risk is significantly minimized. The doses used in therapy are much lower than those associated with recreational use and are carefully administered under strict medical protocols. For teens and families concerned about dependency, it’s important to understand the difference between therapeutic use and abuse.
When used responsibly, ketamine is a powerful, research-backed tool for helping teens break free from treatment-resistant depression, without triggering an addiction. Education, structure, and clinical oversight make all the difference in ensuring safety and long-term success.
When to Talk to Your Doctor About Ketamine Side Effects
According to a 2022 study called “Ketamine treatment for refractory anxiety: A systematic review,” ketamine therapy offers promising benefits, but like all medical treatments, it can come with side effects that vary in severity from person to person. It’s crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider throughout the treatment process to ensure safety and effectiveness. Mild side effects such as nausea, mild dizziness, or temporary increases in blood pressure often resolve quickly and may not require intervention. However, if you notice that these symptoms are persisting beyond your treatment session or worsen over time, it’s essential to contact your doctor.
Be especially vigilant about more serious symptoms, including difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headaches, confusion, or any unusual psychological changes such as increased anxiety, hallucinations, or feelings of dissociation that don’t subside. These could indicate complications that need immediate attention.
Getting Started with Ketamine Treatment
At BNI Clinics, our ketamine treatment program combines advanced medical expertise with personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique journey. Our board-certified psychiatrists are intimately involved in developing and adjusting your treatment plan, ensuring safe, evidence-based care. With a small, close-knit facility, we provide individualized attention and continuous monitoring supported by 24/7 nursing staff, so you or your teen always feels supported and secure.
Ready to take the next step? Call us today at (310) 691-5005 to schedule a consultation at our ketamine clinic and discover how BNI Clinics can help you or your loved one find lasting relief.
BNI Treatment Centers: Science-based, evidence-backed, compassion-led.
