Ketamine is a medication that has been used for pain relief for many years. It is a powerful medication that can be very effective in treating pain, but it also has some risks and side effects that should be considered before using it. In this blog post, we will take a look at the pros and cons of ketamine for pain relief so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for you.
There are two main ways that ketamine is used to treat chronic pain: infusion therapy and intranasal spray. Infusion therapy involves slow IV drip of ketamine over a period of several hours or days. Intranasal spray is a newer method that delivers ketamine directly to the mucous membranes in the nose.
Both methods have been shown to be effective in reducing chronic pain, with infusion therapy being more effective overall. However, the intranasal spray is less invasive and has fewer side effects.
Ketamine Pros
One of the biggest advantages of ketamine, as per Dr Zinia Thomas, is that it is fast-acting. When given intravenously, its effects are almost immediate. It can rapidly reduce pain within minutes, which can be helpful in emergency situations when every minute counts. In addition, ketamine has a relatively long duration of action, so its pain-relieving effects can last for several hours after a single dose.
Another big advantage of ketamine is that it can be given intravenously, intramuscularly, or orally. This gives healthcare providers a lot of flexibility in how they administer the medication and tailors treatment to each individual patient’s needs.
Ketamine also has a low risk of adverse respiratory events when compared to other medications used for pain relief, such as opioids. This is because ketamine does not appear to have the same effect on breathing as opioids do. For this reason, ketamine may be a safer option for patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Ketamine Cons
Although ketamine has many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider before using it for pain relief. One of the biggest disadvantages is that ketamine can cause dissociation—a feeling of detachment from one’s body—and hallucinations. For this reason, it should only be used by healthcare providers who are trained in its administration and who can closely monitor patients for these side effects.
Ketamine can also cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. For this reason, it should be used with caution in patients with hypertension or other heart conditions. Additionally, ketamine should not be used in pregnant women or nursing mothers unless the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
The penultimate action
Overall, ketamine is a safe and effective medication that can be used for pain relief in both emergency and non-emergency situations. However, there are some risks and side effects associated with its use that should be considered before administered. If you have any questions about whether or not ketamine is right for you, please speak with your healthcare provider.
