Ketamine Side Effects

Brand Names: Ketalar

Please note - some side effects for Ketamine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

Side Effects of Ketamine - for the Consumer

Ketamine

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Ketamine:

Blurred vision; confusion; drowsiness; increased or decreased blood pressure or heart rate; mental or mood changes; nausea; nightmares; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty talking; irregular heart rhythms; muscle tightness; pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; slowed breathing.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

Side Effects by Body System - for Healthcare Professionals

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included elevated blood pressure and pulse rate following administration of ketamine alone. However, hypotension and bradycardia have been observed. Arrhythmia has also been reported.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included stimulated respiration, although severe depression of respiration or apnea may occur following rapid intravenous administration of ketamine. Laryngospasms and other forms of airway obstruction have occurred during ketamine anesthesia.

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included diplopia, nystagmus, and a slight elevation in intraocular pressure.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included anorexia, nausea, and vomiting.

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects have included enhanced skeletal muscle tone manifested by tonic and clinic movements sometimes resembling seizures.

Local

Local side effects have included pain and exanthema at the injection site.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included transient erythema and/or morbilliform rash.

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects have included anxiety, dysphoria, disorientation, insomnia, flashbacks, hallucinations, and psychotic episodes. A withdrawal syndrome with psychotic features has been described following discontinuation of long-term ketamine use.

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