What Are the Side Effects of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy?

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT) is reshaping how we view mental health treatment. For individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and severe anxiety, KAT offers rapid relief where traditional methods often fail. But, as with any medical treatment, it’s natural to ask about the side effects of ketamine therapy.

In this article, we’ll break down the potential side effects of ketamine therapy - but more importantly, we’ll explore why these temporary experiences pale in comparison to the life-changing benefits KAT can provide for those who have exhausted other options.

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Common Side Effects of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

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Ketamine is a powerful treatment that alters brain function and perception. While generally well-tolerated, it can produce temporary side effects during and shortly after a session. Here’s what patients may experience:

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1. Dissociation (Feeling “Detached” or “Floaty”)

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One of the most well-known effects of ketamine is dissociation, where patients feel disconnected from their body, thoughts, or surroundings. Some describe it as an "out-of-body" experience or like floating in space.

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Why It Happens:

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• Ketamine temporarily disrupts connections in the brain’s default mode network (DMN), which is involved in self-reflection and negative thought loops.
• This effect is not harmful and typically fades within an hour after treatment.
• Many patients find this dissociative state therapeutic, as it allows them to step outside their habitual thought patterns and gain new perspectives.
  
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2. Nausea & Dizziness

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Some individuals experience mild nausea or dizziness during or shortly after their session.

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Why It Happens:

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• Ketamine can affect the inner ear and vestibular system, leading to a temporary sense of imbalance.
• Staying hydrated and avoiding heavy meals before treatment can reduce this side effect.
• Clinics often provide anti-nausea medication if needed.
  
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3. Temporary Increase in Blood Pressure & Heart Rate

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Ketamine can cause a brief rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which typically normalizes after the session.

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Why It Happens:

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• Ketamine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system (the "fight or flight" response).
• It is closely monitored by medical professionals, making it safe for most patients.
• Those with uncontrolled hypertension or heart conditions should consult a specialist before starting KAT.
  
  

4. Vivid Dreams or Hallucinations

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During treatment, some patients report seeing colors, geometric patterns, or dream-like visions. Others may feel as though they are in a different place or time.

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Why It Happens:

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• Ketamine alters the way the brain processes sensory information.
• Many patients describe these experiences as insightful, peaceful, or even spiritual.
• Any hallucinations fade quickly after the session ends.
  
  

5. Fatigue or Mild Headache Post-Treatment

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Some people feel tired, foggy, or experience a mild headache after treatment.

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Why It Happens:

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• Ketamine briefly alters neurotransmitter levels, and the brain needs time to readjust.
• This is short-lived and typically resolves within a few hours.
• Many patients find that after resting, they wake up feeling mentally refreshed and emotionally lighter.
  
  

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Why Side Effects Shouldn’t Deter You - Especially If Other Treatments Have Failed

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While these effects may sound concerning at first, they are temporary and mild compared to the long-term suffering of untreated mental health conditions.

Let’s compare it to traditional antidepressants:

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• SSRIs and SNRIs (like Prozac or Zoloft) often take weeks or months to work, if they work at all.
• They can cause weight gain, emotional numbness, or sexual dysfunction - side effects that last for as long as you take the medication.
• Many people with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) have cycled through multiple medications with no success.

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Ketamine therapy, on the other hand:
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• Works within hours or days for many patients.
• Helps rewire the brain by promoting neuroplasticity - the formation of new, healthier neural connections.
• Can provide rapid relief from suicidal thoughts, often within a single session.
• Does not need to be taken daily, reducing long-term exposure to side effects.

For individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, or PTSD, the risks of doing nothing often outweigh the short-lived effects of KAT.

Ketamine Is an Indispensable Option for Treatment-Resistant Cases

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If traditional treatments have failed you, Ketamine-Assisted Therapy might help and here’s why:

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It Works When Other Methods Don’t

• Studies show that  50% - 70% of treatment-resistant depression patients experience improvement after undergoing KAT.
• It helps individuals who have been stuck in cycles of anxiety, depression, or trauma for years.
  
  

It’s Fast-Acting & Long-Lasting

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• Relief from depression and suicidal thoughts can happen within hours to days, not weeks.
• Many patients experience lasting benefits after just a few sessions.
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It Enhances Therapy Effectiveness

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• Many patients combine KAT with psychotherapy, using the dissociative state to process trauma and rewire negative thought patterns.
• It can accelerate breakthroughs that take months or years with talk therapy alone.
  
  

Minimal Risk Compared to Traditional Medications

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• No long-term dependence.
• No daily commitment to medication.
• Side effects resolve quickly compared to the persistent side effects of antidepressants and pain medications.
  
  

Conclusion

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Yes, ketamine has side effects - but they are typically mild, temporary, and well-managed in clinical settings. When compared to the lifelong struggles of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, KAT offers an unprecedented level of hope.

For those who have tried everything else without success, Ketamine-Assisted Therapy isn’t just an alternative - it’s a necessity.
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If you or a loved one are searching for a solution where traditional treatments have failed, KAT might be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
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Interested in this treatment option? Contact us today to learn how Ketamine-Assisted Therapy can help you regain control over your mental health and well-being.