Depression is a mental health condition that can be both stubborn and elusive, prompting the need for new and innovative treatments. Ketamine, an anesthetic medication, has shown some promise in managing depressive symptoms. But like other drugs, ketamine has an addictive potential along with other adverse effects. Educate yourself before deciding on whether to try ketamine for depression or other off-label purposes.
If you or someone you know needs substance abuse treatment in Florida, 5 Palms is here to support you with a variety of treatment options, including drug detox, inpatient residential rehab, and intensive outpatient programs.
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine is an anesthetic drug typically used to induce the loss of consciousness prior to a medical procedure or to treat severe pain from injuries. However, more medical providers are prescribing ketamine off-label to help manage treatment-resistant depression. In other words, the drug has been found helpful for people who have tried therapy and other antidepressants without success.
Ketamine may also be used recreationally. The drug has hallucinogenic properties that can produce feelings of detachment, distort perceptions of sight and sound, and induce hallucinations. Due to its powerful sedative properties, ketamine is also considered a date rape drug that can incapacitate a person and leave them unable to remember events that occurred while under the influence.
Common Ketamine Side Effects
Anyone who has struggled with depression or witnessed a loved one dealing with the condition knows how overwhelming the symptoms can be. After trying multiple antidepressants and not finding relief from symptoms, it is understandable that some people turn to off-label substances like ketamine. You may find online providers offering virtual ketamine treatment for depression, but that does not mean the drug is entirely safe to use. Before considering ketamine for depression, anxiety, or recreational use, you should familiarize yourself with the possible risks.
Some common ketamine side effects include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Elevated heart rate
- Hallucinations and delusions
Ketamine can also put you at risk of more serious complications, especially without the supervision of a medical professional. These can include:
- Respiratory depression or difficulty breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Liver damage
- Cognitive impairment
You can minimize the risks of ketamine by accessing the medication from a qualified prescriber and using it strictly as advised.
Signs Ketamine Abuse
Ketamine abuse entails using the medication in ways different than prescribed by your doctor or using ketamine without a prescription. Taking more ketamine than directed, using a friend’s ketamine prescription, or buying ketamine illegally all count as ketamine abuse. If you are concerned about a loved one, look for the following signs of ketamine abuse:
Changes in Behavior
One of the first signs of ketamine abuse you may notice in someone close to you is that they behave differently. They may start to hide things from you, avoid hanging out, or become cranky or irritable.
Memory Loss
Someone abusing ketamine may have difficulty remembering things, seem confused, and have a shorter attention span.
Physical Signs
If someone is under the influence of ketamine, their pupils may dilate or enlarge, and their speech may be slurred. They might also have difficulty maintaining balance or walking.
Neglecting Responsibilities
If your loved one is abusing ketamine, you might notice they are no longer reliable when it comes to fulfilling household duties. They might also start having trouble at work or school, causing their grades to slip or their work performance to decline. On top of that, the costs of fulfilling a ketamine dependence could make it difficult for the person to keep up with their bills, so they may start to have financial problems.
Contact 5 Palms for Substance Abuse Treatment In Florida Today
If you are experiencing ketamine side effects but find it difficult to quit, you can count on 5 Palms to get you through withdrawal safely and more comfortably. Reach out at 1.844.675.1022 or fill out our online form to start the recovery process today.