FDA Warning

Ketamine FDA Warnings

Important FDA Safety Information

Ketamine is not FDA-approved for the treatment of depression or anxiety. Learn more about off-label uses.

Side effects of ketamine treatment may include: altered sense of time, anxiety, blurred vision, diminished ability to see/hear/feel, dry mouth, elevated blood pressure or heart rate, elevated intraocular or intracranial pressure, excitability, loss of appetite, mental confusion, nausea/vomiting, nystagmus (rapid eye movements), restlessness, slurred speech, synesthesia (a mingling of the senses).

Do not proceed with ketamine treatment if any of the following apply to you:

Allergic to ketamine

Symptoms of psychosis or mania

Uncontrolled high blood pressure

CHF or other serious heart problem

Severe breathing problem

History of elevated intraocular or intracranial pressure

History of hyperthyroidism

Other serious medical illness

Pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant

Ketamine has been reported to produce issues including, but not limited to, those listed below. However, lasting adverse side-effects are rare when medical protocols are carefully followed.

While ketamine has not been shown to be physically addictive, it has been shown to cause moderate psychological dependency in some recreational users.

In rare cases, frequent, heavy users have reported increased frequency of urination, urinary incontinence, pain urinating, passing blood in the urine, or reduced bladder size

Ketamine may worsen problems in people with schizophrenia, severe personality disorders, or other serious mental disorders.

Users with a personal or family history of psychosis should be cautious using any psychoactive substance, including ketamine, and discuss potential risks with your Impact clinician before proceeding with treatment.

The dissociative effects of ketamine may increase patient vulnerability and the risk of accidents.

To promote positive outcomes and ensure safety, follow these ketamine treatment guidelines:

Do not operate a vehicle (e.g., car, motorcycle, bicycle) or heavy machinery following treatment until you’ve had a full night of sleep

Refrain from taking benzodiazepines or stimulants for 24 hours prior to treatment

Continue to take antihypertensive medication as prescribed

Avoid hangovers or alcohol intake

Refrain from consuming solid foods within 3 hours prior to treatment and liquids within 1 hour prior to treatment

Ketamine treatment should never be conducted without a monitor present to ensure your safety

Thank you,

Matthew Habib, M.D.
Chief Medical Director, IMPACT PSYCHEDELICS