What Are the Contraindications for Ketamine Infusions?

Ketamine is a medication that has been used for decades as an anesthetic and pain reliever. In recent years, it has also been investigated for its potential to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Ketamine infusions are generally safe, but there are some contraindications, meaning that they should not be given to people with certain conditions. These contraindications include:

1. History of psychosis or schizophrenia: Ketamine can worsen these conditions.
2. Uncontrolled hypertension: Ketamine can raise blood pressure, so it is unsafe to give to people with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
3. Pregnancy or breastfeeding: It is not known if ketamine passes into breast milk, so it is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
4. Elevated intracranial pressure: Ketamine can increase intracranial pressure, so it is not safe to give it to people with this condition.
5. Elevated intraocular pressure: Ketamine can increase intraocular pressure, so it is not safe to give it to people with this condition.
6. Active substance abuse: Ketamine can interact with other drugs, so it is important to tell your doctor if you are using other medications or substances.

If you have any of these conditions, you should talk to your doctor before receiving a ketamine infusion. They can help you determine if ketamine is safe for you.

Here are some other factors that may be considered as contraindications for ketamine infusions, depending on the individual patient:

• Age. Ketamine infusions are generally not recommended for children under the age of 18.
• Heart disease. People with heart disease should be carefully monitored during ketamine infusions.
• Mental health conditions. Ketamine infusions may not be safe for people with certain mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder.

A medical professional wrote this article at Florida Medical Pain Management. Florida Medical Pain Management is proud to offer comprehensive pain management services to a diverse group of patients. Patients at Florida Medical Pain Management can get help managing hip, knee, leg, and neck pain. The practice also offers comprehensive arthritis management, along with treatments for auto accidents, sports, and work injuries as well as ketamine infusion therapy.