Do not proceed with ketamine treatment if any of the following apply to you:
* Allergic to ketamine
* Symptoms of psychosis or mania
* Uncontrolled high blood pressure
* CHF or other serious heart problem
* Severe breathing problem
* History of elevated intraocular or intracranial pressure
* History of hyperthyroidism
* Other serious medical illness
* Pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant
Ketamine has been found to cause moderate psychological dependency in some users:
* In rare cases, frequent, heavy users have reported increased frequency of urination, urinary incontinence, pain urinating, passing blood in the urine, or reduced bladder size.
* Ketamine may worsen problems in people with schizophrenia, severe personality disorders, or other serious mental disorders.
* Users with a personal or family history of psychosis should be cautious using any psychoactive substance, including ketamine, and discuss potential risks with your clinician before proceeding with treatment.
* The dissociative effects of ketamine may increase patient vulnerability and the risk of accidents.
To promote positive outcomes and ensure safety, follow these ketamine treatment guidelines:
* Do not operate a vehicle (e.g., car, motorcycle, bicycle) or heavy machinery following treatment until you’ve had a full night of sleep.
* Refrain from taking benzodiazepines or stimulants for 24 hours prior to treatment.
* Continue to take antihypertensive medication as prescribed.
* Do not take ketamine while hungover or with alcoholic beverages.
* Refrain from consuming solid foods within 3 hours prior to treatment and liquids within 1 hour prior to treatment.
* Ketamine treatment should never be conducted without a peer treatment monitor physically present.
* Talk with your doctor before you use alcohol, marijuana or other forms of cannabis, or prescription or OTC drugs that may slow your actions.
SIDE EFFECTS AND RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH KETAMINE TREATMENT
Ketamine can have serious side effects, including sedation, dissociation, and worsening of mental health conditions like schizophrenia or severe personality disorders. It can also lead to dependence, anxiety, increased blood pressure or heart rate, and respiratory depression. Other potential side effects include urinary problems, altered perception of time, dry mouth, confusion, nausea/vomiting, blurred vision, and slurred speech. These effects typically go away once the ketamine wears off.
