Ketamine Side Effects

Some side effects of ketamine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to ketamine: injectable solution, intravenous solution

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking ketamine: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of these serious side effects within 24 hours after you receive ketamine: severe confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts, or extreme fear.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• feeling like you might pass out;

• slow heart rate, weak or shallow breathing;

• pain or burning when you urinate; or

• jerky muscle movements that may look like convulsions.

Less serious side effects of ketamine may include:

• dream-like feeling;

• blurred vision, double vision;

• mild dizziness, drowsiness;

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; or

• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to ketamine: compounding powder, injectable solution, intravenous solution

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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