Who Shouldn’t Try Ketamine Therapy?

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.