Ketamine therapy has gained attention for treating mental health issues. But, it’s not right for everyone. People with a history of drug abuse, heart problems, or those on certain medicines shouldn’t use it. This includes kids under 18, pregnant or nursing women, and those with psychosis or a family history of schizophrenia.
Before starting ketamine therapy, talking with a doctor about your medical history is key. This talk covers the risks and what you hope to achieve. Side effects like confusion and higher blood pressure show why a careful setting is important. Dr. Arif Noorbaksh, M.D., a top psychiatrist at Heading, stresses the need for a strong medical team for a safe and successful experience.
Key Takeaways
- Ketamine therapy is not suitable for individuals with a history of substance abuse.
- Cardiovascular issues, including uncontrolled high blood pressure, exclude patients from ketamine treatment eligibility.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised against ketamine therapy due to potential risks to fetal and infant health.
- Children under 18 are generally not candidates for ketamine therapy.
- A thorough medical consultation is essential for assessing the risks of ketamine for depression.
Contraindications: When Ketamine Therapy Is Not Safe
Ketamine therapy might not be right for everyone. This is due to certain conditions and risks. It’s key to know these limits to keep patients safe and make treatment work.
Cardiovascular Issues
People with cardiovascular contraindications should not undergo ketamine therapy. Conditions like uncontrolled blood pressure or heart disease make this risky. Ketamine can increase blood pressure and heart rate.
This is especially risky for those with arrhythmias or heart diseases. Although blood pressure is watched closely, risks still exist for individuals with heart health and ketamine therapy concerns.
Substance Abuse History
A history of substance abuse is key in deciding if ketamine is safe. Teams will closely look at a patient’s past to avoid relapse. Ketamine’s dissociative effects could be misused.
This is a worry for people who have had drug problems before. Therefore, a full check on ketamine therapy and substance abuse is required. The addiction risk and ketamine treatment is taken very seriously.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Ketamine’s effects on pregnant or breastfeeding moms aren’t well studied. So, they’re often not allowed to get ketamine treatments. The risks to babies or unborn children are not clear.
Because of this, using ketamine during pregnancy and breastfeeding and ketamine is generally not advised. This highlights why prenatal care and ketamine must be considered before starting any ketamine therapy.
Medical Conditions that Exclude Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine therapy can help with many psychiatric issues. But some health problems mean ketamine is not safe. Knowing these is key for patient safety and treatment success.
Psychiatric Conditions
People with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or psychosis history may not use ketamine. Its effects can make things worse for them. So, they need different treatments from a healthcare expert.
Allergies and Past Reactions
It’s important to talk about any ketamine allergies or bad reactions before. This helps avoid serious health problems. Sharing this info is crucial, especially if there were problems before with similar drugs.
Other Medical Conditions
Kidney and liver disease are major reasons to avoid ketamine. They are key in processing drugs. Other health issues like epilepsy or high brain pressure also matter. Doctors must check for these before starting ketamine therapy.
