Ketamine therapy is gaining popularity as a treatment option for mental health conditions such as severe depression and anxiety. However, ketamine therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Some medical conditions, medications, substance abuse, addiction history, and previous adverse reactions to ketamine can make a person an unfit candidate for the treatment.
This article will discuss the drugs that can interact with ketamine, such as antihypertensive drugs, corticosteroids, propranolol, and benzodiazepines.
Key Takeaways
New research came out in 2021 about ketamine therapy. The study found that 64.7 percent of patients felt much better after only one week of treatment. Here’s what you need to know about ketamine therapy:
- Ketamine therapy may be unsafe for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions.
- Ketamine can interact with some medications, including antihypertensive drugs, corticosteroids, propranolol, and benzodiazepines.
- Inform your healthcare provider of any medications you are taking before undergoing ketamine therapy.
- People with a medical history of substance abuse may not respond well to ketamine therapy.
If you are struggling with addiction, contact Indiana Center for Recovery. We provide compassionate and evidence-based addiction treatment. Call (844) 650-0064 today to learn more!
Who Isn’t a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy can be a treatment option for people with specific mental health issues. However, it may not be safe for everyone. People with psychotic conditions, heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, and bladder problems may not be good candidates for ketamine therapy.
Medical Conditions that May Make Ketamine Therapy Unsafe
Psychotic conditions, like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, can be worsened by ketamine use. People with heart conditions, including a history of heart attacks, slow/fast heart rate, or heart failure, may face complications during ketamine therapy. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can also be a risk factor for using ketamine.
People with liver or kidney disease may not be able to metabolize ketamine properly, which can lead to complications. Bladder problems, such as interstitial cystitis, can be worsened by using ketamine.
Discuss the potential risks and benefits of ketamine therapy with your healthcare provider. They can help you choose if ketamine therapy is right for you or if another treatment option may be more suitable.
Medications That Can Interact with Ketamine
Ketamine can interact with some medications, which can cause harmful side effects. Following are some medications that can interact with ketamine:
- Antihypertensive drugs manage high blood pressure. They can increase the effects of ketamine and lead to dangerously low blood pressure.
- Corticosteroid is a type of anti-inflammatory medication. It can increase the risk of ketamine-induced psychosis.
- Propranolol is an antidepressant medication used to treat heart conditions and anxiety disorders. It can increase the sedative effects of ketamine.
- Benzodiazepines are a type of drug used to treat anxiety and insomnia. They can increase the sedative effects of ketamine and lead to excessive sedation or respiratory depression.
If you take any medication, tell your doctor before getting ketamine treatment. Your doctor can help you decide if it’s safe to use ketamine with your prescription. Your doctor can help you decide if the benefits of ketamine are greater than any side effects from mixing it with your medication.
Substance Abuse and Addiction
Substance abuse and addiction can affect the safety and effectiveness of ketamine therapy. People with a history of addiction may be at a higher risk of developing ketamine dependence.
Using ketamine with other substances, such as alcohol or opioids, can increase the risk of respiratory depression, coma, or even death. Also, people with a history of recreational drug abuse may not respond as well to ketamine therapy. This is because their brain chemistry may have been altered by their addiction, making them prone to becoming addicted to ketamine.
Ketamine itself has the potential for abuse and addiction. If you use ketamine without a doctor’s supervision, your body can get used to it and might need more and more to feel better. This can be a problem; when you stop taking it, you might feel sick from withdrawal.
If you’ve had problems with drugs before, it’s important to tell your doctor before trying ketamine therapy. They can help you understand what might happen and observe you to ensure you’re okay.
If you are struggling with substance abuse, get medical advice before undergoing medical treatment. Your healthcare provider can refer you to resources and support to help you manage your addiction and improve your overall health.
Previous Adverse Reactions
Individuals who have experienced adverse reactions to ketamine may not be suitable candidates for ketamine therapy. Adverse reactions to ketamine may include nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, and dissociation. In rare cases, ketamine can also cause:
- Seizures.
- Respiratory depression.
- Cardiovascular complications.
If someone didn’t feel good after taking ketamine, they might have the same problem when trying the treatment a second time. That could be because they’re sensitive to it or have a health problem that makes them more likely to feel sick.
Before you use ketamine, tell your doctor if you have had problems with it before or if you take any other medication. The medical practitioners will check if it’s safe for you to use ketamine. They want to make sure it’s a good idea for you and won’t cause any harm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is ketamine infusion therapy like?
Ketamine infusion therapy is for people with major depression and chronic pain. During the procedure, ketamine is administered through an IV. The effects of ketamine are fast-acting, and patients may feel relief within hours.
The treatment is usually done in a medical setting, and patients are closely monitored by medical experts. Sometimes, people need different doses and infusion times to feel better. Ketamine infusion therapy can help some people who haven’t felt better with standard treatments.
What are some tips for finding the right ketamine therapy clinic?
When searching for a ketamine therapy clinic, it is essential to consider the following tips:
Look for a reputable clinic with experienced medical experts.
Check if the clinic has proper licensing and certifications.
Read patient reviews and testimonials to gauge their satisfaction.
Find out if the clinic offers tailored treatment plans based on the person’s needs.
Ask about alternative treatments, the cost of treatment, and whether insurance covers it.
Confirm if the clinic provides follow-up care and support after treatment.
By considering these tips, you can find a reliable ketamine therapy clinic that offers safe and effective treatment options.
What is ketamine therapy good for?
Ketamine therapy is a treatment that can provide relief for people with symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic pain. Doctors have discovered that ketamine can help people feel better quickly, sometimes in just a few hours!
It changes how the brain cells work to help improve people’s moods and stop them from feeling pain. Ask your doctor if you could be a candidate for ketamine therapy.
Find Hope and Healing: Let Indiana Center for Recovery Help You
If you’re looking for a new treatment option for major depressive disorder, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain, consider ketamine therapy at Indiana Center for Recovery. Our staff of compassionate professionals offers a range of services to support you throughout the process.
We take an integrated care approach, combining ketamine therapy with evidence-based therapies like EMDR and CBT to provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan. We offer detox services to help you safely and comfortably manage any side effects, as well as residential and outpatient programs to fit your needs.
We understand the impact mental illness can have on every family member, which is why we offer family programs to provide education, support, and healing. We also verify insurance to ensure that you can access the care you need.
If you’re ready to explore this type of therapy as a treatment option, contact us at (844) 650-0064 today to learn more about how we can support you in your journey toward recovery.