That’s your question: who is not a good candidate for ketamine therapy? we have provided a short answer to this question. You’ve probably heard about ketamine therapy as a promising new treatment for depression. But before you get your hopes up, know that it’s not for everyone. We’ll talk about who may want to think twice before pursuing this option. Now don’t get us wrong – we’re excited about ketamine’s potential. But it does come with risks and downsides that you need to consider given your unique situation. Ultimately, whether ketamine is right for you comes down to a personal decision between you and your doctor. We’ll walk through some of the key factors so you can determine if you’re a good fit. At the end of the day, we want you armed with enough information to make the choice that’s best for your health and wellbeing.

What Is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine therapy, sometimes called ketamine infusion therapy, refers to using low doses of the medication ketamine to treat mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Ketamine is an anesthetic and pain reliever that was developed in the 1960s and is commonly used in hospitals today. However, studies over the past couple of decades have shown ketamine can also quickly improve mood at low doses.

So in ketamine therapy, small doses are administered through an IV by a doctor to help rapidly decrease symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and more.

The effects may start within a couple hours and can last from days to weeks after one infusion session. Most clinics offer six infusions over a few weeks for longer term relief of mental health symptoms. If you want to know the answer to this question: who is not a good candidate for ketamine therapy? You need to know what is Ketamine Therapy.

How Does Ketamine Work for Depression?

Ketamine is a unique antidepressant because it works very differently from typical antidepressants like SSRIS or SNRIs. Instead of affecting serotonin, ketamine works on the brain’s glutamate system.

• Ketamine blocks NMDA receptors, which are activated by the neurotransmitter glutamate. This blocking effect causes a rapid increase in a chemical called BDNF.
• BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) supports the growth and functioning of neurons. Higher BDNF improves mood and emotions.
• Ketamine also increases activity in another pathway called mTOR. This pathway promotes the formation of new neural connections.

In essence, ketamine quickly restores mood and motivation by “jump-starting” neural circuits weakened by chronic stress and depression. It’s giving the depressed brain a surge of energy and stimulation to get out of its rut.

This unique mechanism allows ketamine to act much faster than other depression treatments – within hours instead of weeks or months. The antidepressant effects of a single infusion can last for up to 2 weeks in some people.

However, there are some downsides to ketamine:

• The effects wear off, requiring repeated infusions to maintain results. Maintenance treatments may be needed indefinitely. 
• Ketamine can have dissociative and hallucinogenic side effects during the infusion. These usually dissipate within hours.

While not a “magic bullet” for everyone with depression, ketamine offers new hope for those with severe, chronic, or treatment-resistant forms of the disorder. Used appropriately, it can be a powerful tool in combination with therapy and self-care strategies.

Evaluating if You Are a Good Candidate

When considering ketamine therapy, it’s important to evaluate if you are likely to benefit from this type of treatment. Not everyone is a good fit for ketamine. Review the following aspects to determine if ketamine therapy aligns with your needs and situation.

• Have you tried other medications without success? Ketamine is often used when people don’t respond adequately to standard antidepressants. If you haven’t exhausted other options, starting there may be best.
• How severe is your depression? Ketamine is thought to be most effective for severe forms of depression that significantly impair functioning. Milder cases may be better managed with counseling and lifestyle changes.
• Do you have a history of psychosis? Ketamine can trigger psychotic symptoms in some people. If you have schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other conditions with psychotic features, ketamine may not be recommended. 
• Can you commit to multiple sessions? A single ketamine dose often provides temporary relief, while a series of 6 treatments or more gives longer lasting results. If you want the full benefits, you need to commit to the full treatment plan.
• Do you have medical conditions that could interact with ketamine? Things like uncontrolled high blood pressure and breathing issues increase the risks. Discuss all medical conditions thoroughly with your doctor.
• Are you currently using drugs or abusing alcohol? Ketamine clinics usually require a period of sobriety beforehand due to risks of interactions. You must be willing to stop substance use for a period of time.

Carefully considering these factors will help determine if ketamine therapy may be worthwhile for your situation or if alternative options should be explored first. Discuss any concerns thoroughly with both your mental health provider and the ketamine clinic. Finding the right treatment takes patience, but there are many paths to feel better.

Types of People Who is Not a Good Candidate For Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine therapy may not be suitable for everyone. Some types of people who may want to avoid ketamine include:

• Pregnant women – Ketamine could potentially harm a developing fetus, so providers do not recommend it for pregnant women.
• Those with cardiovascular conditions – Ketamine raises blood pressure and heart rate, so people with uncontrolled high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or other heart issues need to use caution.
• People taking certain medications – Ketamine can interact with some drugs like benzodiazepines and opioids. Individuals taking these should consult their doctor first.
• Those with severe liver or kidney disease – Ketamine is processed through these organs, so impaired function may lead to side effects.
• People with schizophrenia or psychotic disorders – Ketamine may exacerbate delusions, hallucinations, and other symptoms for these individuals.
• Those who misuse substances – People with alcohol or drug addictions may be more likely to misuse ketamine as well.
• People under 18 years old – Most providers do not recommend ketamine for minors due to limited research in younger populations.

The list above covers some key types, but it’s not exhaustive. Have an open conversation with your psychiatric provider about your full medical history, conditions, and medications. Together, you can determine if ketamine therapy is a good fit or if alternative treatments may be safer or more effective.

FAQs – Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?

Knowing who should avoid ketamine therapy helps ensure patient safety. While ketamine is effective and safe for most, certain conditions may increase risks.

• If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart problems, discuss risks with your doctor. Ketamine can raise heart rate and blood pressure.
• Avoid ketamine if you have a history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Ketamine may worsen symptoms.
• If you’ve had a recent heart attack, ketamine may not be recommended, as it can raise blood pressure and heart rate. • Pregnant women should not use ketamine due to potential fetal harm. Discuss breastfeeding with your doctor.
• People with chronic kidney or liver disease may need lower doses due to slower metabolism of ketamine.
• If you have increased pressure in your eyes (glaucoma), ketamine may further increase eye pressure.

The key is open communication with your doctor about medical history, conditions, and medications. Together, you can determine if ketamine therapy is right for you or if alternative treatments may be safer or more effective. Being well-informed helps ensure you receive the best care.

Let your doctor know about any concerning side effects during or after treatment. Most side effects are mild, but prompt reporting helps your medical team make adjustments to keep you comfortable and safe.

Conclusion

So if you have severe heart or liver problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, aneurysms, or a history of psychosis, ketamine therapy is likely not for you. And if you can’t make arrangements for transportation after your sessions, that’s another reason to reconsider or opt for another treatment option instead. We want what’s best for everyone’s health and wellbeing. But for many people struggling with stubborn depression, ketamine could provide real relief when other treatments haven’t worked. Bring up any concerns with your doctor and chat about whether it may be right for your situation. Last note, who is not a good candidate for ketamine therapy? we have provided our research answer. If you need exact answers contact your doctors. Do you have any questions about Who Is Not a Good Candidate For Ketamine Therapy? Contact us!