If you’re considering IV ketamine therapy for depression, PTSD, or anxiety, one of the first questions you might have is: Is IV ketamine Therapy Safe?
At Washington Interventional Psychiatry, an innovative Ketamine Clinic in Washington, D.C., we put patient safety as our top priority. Here’s what you need to know about the safety of ketamine treatments, and how we ensure the highest standards of care at our clinic.
Understanding IV Ketamine Safety
Ketamine has been used safely in medical settings for over 50 years, primarily as an anesthetic. In recent years, low-dose IV ketamine has been shown to offer rapid relief for many individuals struggling with mental health conditions like treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
When administered at low doses in a highly controlled environment, IV ketamine therapy is considered safe for most patients. However, as with any medical treatment, it’s essential that it is done under proper medical supervision. We don’t recommend using an at-home kit, or without a licensed medical professional present due to potential side effects.
How Our Ketamine Clinic Prioritizes Your Safety During Your Treatment
At Washington Interventional Psychiatry, our Ketamine Clinic in Washington D.C., follows strict protocols to ensure that every IV ketamine session is as safe and beneficial as possible. Here’s how we protect your health throughout your treatment process:
1. Highly Trained Medical Staff
Your treatment is supervised by board-certified psychiatrists and highly skilled nursing. Our team is specially trained in ketamine therapy administration, patient monitoring, and emergency response protocols to ensure your complete safety during every infusion. Our team is also continuously being educated and staying at the forefront of psychiatric advancements.
2. Comprehensive Medical and Psychiatric Screening
Before beginning IV ketamine therapy, every patient undergoes a detailed medical and psychiatric evaluation. This ensures that ketamine treatment is an appropriate option for you and helps us tailor the treatment plan to your unique situation. If we find that ketamine isn’t the appropriate option for you, we do offer other treatments that might be a better fit, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Stellate Ganglion Block, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and/or working with our psychiatrists on other medication options.
3. Continuous Monitoring During Treatment
Throughout your IV infusion, we continuously monitor your vital signs — including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels — to ensure your safety. Our comfortable treatment environment is designed to support both your physical and emotional well-being. If we think a therapist would be helpful, we will recommend that as well.
4. Customized, Low-Dose Treatments
At our clinic, we tailor each ketamine treatment to the individual, starting with the lowest effective dose based on your unique medical history and needs. This careful, in-person titration allows us to maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing side effects. It also provides clarity in determining whether you are a responder to ketamine treatment- something that can be difficult to assess with at-home lozenges or nasal sprays. These at-home options often have inconsistent absorption, making it challenging to know how much of the medication was actually taken in and whether a lack of response is due to dosing or drug efficacy.
5. Management of Possible Side Effects
Mild, temporary side effects such as dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, or a feeling of dissociation (dream-like state) are common but usually resolve within an hour after treatment. Serious side effects are very rare, but should they occur, our team is fully prepared to respond immediately and provide the care you need.
6. Clinicians Seek to Educate Every Patient
Our clinicians will talk with you about how to get the most out of your sessions and share tips for what you can do on your own to keep feeling your best between treatments. Our team also works diligently to write a number of educational blog posts on ketamine treatments, including What Should You Do Before and After a Ketamine Infusion.
Now that you fully understand how our clinic prioritizes your safety during your treatment, let’s get into some of the most common questions patients have about ketamine infusion therapy, such as whether it has addictive qualities and its potential side effects.
Common Questions About IV Ketamine Safety
Is IV Ketamine Addictive?
One of the most common concerns patients have is whether IV ketamine is addictive. When IV ketamine is administered at low doses and used in a structured therapeutic setting, rather than for recreational purposes, the risk of dependency is extremely low.
What Happens If You Experience Side Effects to Ketamine?
Mild side effects during or immediately after an infusion are not uncommon. Some patients report feeling dizzy, lightheaded, mildly nauseous, or dream-like (also called dissociation). These sensations usually subside within a few minutes to a few hours after the treatment session ends. During every infusion, if you experience any discomfort, our team is prepared to respond immediately and make adjustments as needed to keep you comfortable and safe. We also won’t let you leave the clinic until you feel grounded again. That’s also why we require our patients to have someone else (or ride shares) drive you home right after your infusion.
Is Ketamine Safe for Everyone?
No. While IV ketamine therapy is safe for many individuals, it may not be appropriate for everyone. People with certain medical conditions may not be good candidates for ketamine treatment. Before starting any infusions, our team performs a thorough psychiatric and medical evaluation. This helps us determine whether ketamine treatment is the right path for you, or if alternative therapies might be a better fit for your needs and safety.
Why Choosing the Right Ketamine Clinic in Washington D.C. Matters
Not all clinics offer the same level of care. Choosing a clinic staffed by board-certified psychiatrists and trained mental health professionals, like Washington Interventional Psychiatry, ensures that your treatment is delivered safely, ethically, and with your long-term wellness in mind. Our clinic takes pride in our 4.9-star rating on Google, which is based on over 200 reviews.
Ready to Learn More? Schedule a Free Consultation Today!
If you have more questions about IV ketamine safety or whether our infusion treatment is right for you, we invite you to reach out. We proudly service the entire Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. We also offer free consultations to discuss your needs and create a personalized plan that prioritizes your health, comfort, and success. Contact Washington Interventional Psychiatry today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward healing.
