Is Ketamine Therapy Safe? What Patients Should Know

Safety is one of the first concerns patients raise when considering ketamine therapy — and it should be. Understanding ketamine’s safety profile, how it’s administered, and what medical safeguards are in place helps you make an informed decision about your care.

Ketamine’s Safety Record

Ketamine has been FDA-approved since 1970 — over 55 years of clinical use. It was originally developed as an anesthetic and remains on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. At therapeutic doses used for depression and anxiety treatment, ketamine is administered at a fraction of the anesthetic dose.

Key safety facts:

• Over 50 years of safety data across millions of administrations worldwide
• Therapeutic doses for depression are approximately 10-20% of anesthetic doses
• Ketamine does not suppress breathing or heart function at therapeutic levels, unlike many other anesthetics
• The FDA classifies ketamine as a Schedule III substance — indicating accepted medical use and moderate dependence potential

Safety at Gateway Clinics

At Gateway Clinics, multiple layers of medical safeguards protect every patient:

• Board-certified physician supervision: Dr. Adam Schenk, MD personally supervises every infusion. He is board-certified in Anesthesiology, with specialized training in precisely the type of IV medication administration used in ketamine therapy
• 2-patient maximum: By limiting each session to just two patients, we ensure the medical team can provide immediate, focused attention at all times
• Continuous monitoring: Your vital signs — heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation — are tracked continuously throughout every session
• IV administration: Unlike oral or nasal delivery, IV ketamine allows for precise, real-time dosage control. If any adjustment is needed, it can be made instantly
• Pre-screening: Every patient undergoes a thorough medical evaluation before treatment begins, including review of all medications and medical history

Common Side Effects

Side effects from IV ketamine therapy are typically mild and short-lived, resolving within 1-2 hours after the infusion:

• Dissociation: A dreamlike or floating sensation during the infusion. Most patients describe this as neutral or pleasant
• Light-headedness or dizziness: Common during and briefly after the infusion
• Mild nausea: Occurs in some patients and can be managed with anti-nausea medication
• Drowsiness: You may feel tired for 1-2 hours after the session, which is why a driver is required
• Temporary blood pressure elevation: Monitored throughout the session and typically returns to baseline quickly

Who Should Not Receive Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Contraindications include:

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Active substance use disorder involving ketamine or PCP
• Certain psychiatric conditions including active psychosis or mania
• Pregnancy
• Severe liver disease

Dr. Schenk screens for all contraindications during the free consultation. If ketamine is not appropriate for your situation, he will discuss alternative options.

Addressing Common Concerns

Is ketamine addictive?

At therapeutic doses administered in a medical setting on a defined schedule, the risk of dependence is very low. Gateway Clinics follows a structured 6-session protocol — this is not open-ended or self-administered treatment. Maintenance sessions are spaced weeks to months apart, further reducing any dependence risk.

Is this the same as “street ketamine”?

No. Gateway Clinics uses pharmaceutical-grade ketamine manufactured under FDA oversight, administered intravenously at precisely controlled doses by a board-certified physician. This is fundamentally different from illicit use in terms of purity, dosing accuracy, medical supervision, and therapeutic intent.

Related: Depression Treatment in Santa Monica: Complete Guide

Frequently Asked Questions