# Ketamine Safety, Side Effects, and Who Should Avoid It > Is ketamine therapy safe? Side effects, screening, the conditions that rule treatment out and who should avoid ketamine, by Seda A. Port, NP. - Type: post - URL: https://zenintegrativecare.com/ketamine-safety-side-effects/ - Updated: 2026-08-29T01:16:53+00:00 ## About this page Is ketamine therapy safe? Side effects, screening, the conditions that rule treatment out and who should avoid ketamine, by Seda A. Port, NP. ## Key facts - Phone: +1 (516) 610-0604 - Email: info@zenintegrativecare.com - Location: Carle Place, NY - Serving: Long Island, NY · New York City, NY · Nassau County, NY · Suffolk County, NY - Logo: /storage/projects/30/files/assets/852c08b1aec16f9a.webp ## Page content ## Ketamine Safety, Side Effects, and Who Should Avoid It By Seda A. Port, NPApr 20, 2026 If you are exploring alternative treatments for treatment-resistant depression or you have likely asked one vital question (If you are exploring ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety or PTSD, you have probably asked one important question: is ketamine therapy safe?) As awareness of this… ## The Core Question When asking if ketamine therapy is safe, it is important to distinguish between recreational misuse and supervised clinical administration. In a controlled medical environment, ketamine is administered at sub-anesthetic doses—meaning the dosage is significantly lower than what is used in surgical settings. Medical… Safety also hinges on the method of delivery and the purity of the medication. Clinical ketamine therapy involves pharmaceutical-grade medication administered via intravenous (IV) infusion or intramuscular (IM) injection, allowing for precise titration. This precision ensures the patient receives exactly what they… ## Background and Context Ketamine has been used in medical settings for over fifty years, originally gaining FDA approval in 1970 as a general anesthetic. Its safety profile is so well-established in emergency medicine and pediatrics that it is often referred to as an “essential medicine” by the World Health Organization. Because it does not… Over the last two decades, numerous clinical studies have investigated the efficacy and safety of low-dose ketamine for mood disorders. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks or months to reach therapeutic levels, ketamine works on the glutamate system to promote neuroplasticity relatively quickly… ## The Key Facts Before beginning any new medical regimen, it is essential to understand the specific safety parameters and potential reactions associated with the treatment. Here are the key facts regarding the safety and side effects of ketamine therapy: - Vital Sign Fluctuations: It is common for patients to experience a temporary, mild increase in blood pressure and heart rate during an infusion. This is why… - Dissociation: Many patients experience a feeling of “detachment” from their body or surroundings. While this is a known side effect of the medication, it is… - Nausea Management: Some individuals may experience nausea or dizziness during or after treatment. Clinical providers typically have anti-nausea medications on… - Medical Contraindications: Certain conditions, such as uncontrolled hypertension, active substance use disorders, or a history of psychosis, may make ketamine… ## Related - [What to Expect at Your First Ketamine Therapy Session](https://zenintegrativecare.com/first-ketamine-therapy-session-what-to-expect/) - [How Ketamine Works in the Brain: A Patient-Friendly Guide](https://zenintegrativecare.com/how-ketamine-works-brain/) - [The Role of Integration Therapy After Ketamine Treatment](https://zenintegrativecare.com/integration-therapy-after-ketamine/) - [IV Ketamine vs. Spravato: Which Is Right for You?](https://zenintegrativecare.com/ketamine-vs-spravato/) - [Long Island Mental Health Resources: A 2026 Directory](https://zenintegrativecare.com/long-island-mental-health-resources/)