Ketamine has been called one of the most promising new treatments for depression, trauma, and other mental health conditions. For many people who haven’t found relief with traditional medications or weekly therapy alone, it offers new hope. But like any treatment, ketamine isn’t right for everyone.
Not every patient’s body, medical history, or mental health profile makes ketamine a safe option. And that’s okay—because safe, effective care always begins with honest conversations and thorough evaluation. At Behavioral Wellness Clinic (BWC), we believe that knowing who should and shouldn’t use ketamine is just as important as knowing how it can help.
Why Caution Matters
Hearing about ketamine’s benefits can make it tempting to view it as a “miracle cure.” But no treatment is without risks, and ketamine has unique considerations. For some, it may interact poorly with other medications. For others, certain health conditions or psychiatric symptoms may make it unsafe.
Rather than letting those concerns become overwhelming, it’s essential to remember that screening exists to protect you. Careful evaluation ensures that ketamine is only recommended when the potential benefits outweigh the risks. And if ketamine isn’t the right fit, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options—it simply means your path forward will look different.
Medical Conditions That Require Caution
Ketamine can affect heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. For this reason, individuals with certain medical conditions may not be good candidates. People with uncontrolled high blood pressure, significant heart disease, or certain respiratory issues may face higher risks.
Liver function can also play a role. Because ketamine is processed through the liver, patients with severe liver disease may need to avoid it. Similarly, those with a history of certain neurological conditions or head injuries should proceed with caution, as ketamine can sometimes increase pressure in the brain.
This doesn’t mean anyone with these conditions is automatically excluded, but it does mean a doctor must carefully weigh the risks and benefits.
Psychiatric Considerations
Ketamine has rapid-acting effects on mood, which can be life-changing for many people. But for others, especially those with certain psychiatric conditions, those effects may be destabilizing.
For example, individuals with a history of psychosis or schizophrenia may experience worsening symptoms. Ketamine can sometimes trigger hallucinations or distort perceptions, which can be harmful for someone already vulnerable to those experiences.
Patients with bipolar disorder may also require caution, as ketamine can sometimes trigger manic episodes. Thorough screening helps identify these risks and ensures treatment is tailored—or avoided—accordingly.
Medication Interactions
Many patients understandably worry about how ketamine may interact with their current medications. This is a valid concern, especially for those already managing complex treatment plans.
Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can be safely combined with ketamine, while others may interfere with its effects or increase side effects. Blood pressure medications are another area where caution may be needed, since ketamine can temporarily raise blood pressure.
At BWC, medication histories are always carefully reviewed before starting treatment. If a potential interaction exists, we collaborate with prescribing doctors to ensure safety or identify alternatives if ketamine isn’t suitable.
Substance Use Considerations
Because ketamine has been used recreationally and carries a risk of misuse, people with active substance use disorders may not be good candidates. The risk isn’t just about dependence—it’s also about whether the dissociative effects of ketamine could worsen addictive behaviors.
That said, not every history of substance use automatically rules out treatment. The key is an honest discussion about past and current use, so the care plan can be tailored responsibly.
Why Screening Is So Important
The list of contraindications can sound intimidating, but it exists for one reason: safety. Screening ensures that ketamine is only offered when it truly supports your well-being. At BWC, the screening process includes a detailed medical and psychiatric history review, a review of medications, and a thorough discussion about goals and expectations.
This process isn’t meant to shut doors—it’s meant to open the right ones. If ketamine isn’t appropriate, we provide guidance on other evidence-based treatments that may be better suited to your situation.
What Patients Often Fear
Many people hesitate to ask about ketamine because they’re afraid of being told “no.” They may fear losing access to a treatment they’ve pinned their hopes on. Others feel overwhelmed by the medical details and worry they won’t understand what’s safe or not.
At BWC, we believe patients deserve transparency. We explain not only whether ketamine is appropriate, but why. If it isn’t a safe fit, we walk you through alternative options so you never feel left in the dark or abandoned in your search for relief.
BWC’s Approach to Safe, Guided Care
Our philosophy is simple: ketamine should never be offered without thorough evaluation and ongoing guidance. That means:
- Every patient is screened for medical conditions, psychiatric history, and medication use.
- Treatment is individualized—there are no “one-size-fits-all” solutions.
- Safety is monitored throughout the process, with therapists and medical staff providing support.
- Alternatives are provided when ketamine isn’t a safe or appropriate option.
By prioritizing these safeguards, we ensure that ketamine isn’t only available but also used responsibly, ethically, and effectively.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Knowing that ketamine isn’t right for everyone doesn’t mean giving up hope. It means finding the treatment that fits you. For some, that will include ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. For others, different approaches will offer the safest and most effective path forward.
Either way, the goal remains the same: lasting relief, more profound healing, and a life that feels worth living. With careful screening, honest guidance, and individualized care, you can move forward confident that you’re receiving treatment that genuinely supports your well-being.