Ketamine Infusion Side Effects: Why IM Ketamine Might Be a Better Option For You
Ketamine therapy is gaining widespread attention for its rapid-acting relief from depression, PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain. But as people explore this treatment option, a common question arises: What are the side effects of ketamine infusions?
At Klarisana, we exclusively use intramuscular (IM) ketamine therapy, and there’s a good reason for that. While “ketamine infusion” is often used as a general term, some clinics use intravenous (IV) administration. We believe IM offers a more comfortable, efficient, and accessible experience—with comparable, and often fewer, side effects.
Common Ketamine Infusion Side Effects
Whether administered by IV or IM, ketamine can lead to short-term side effects. Here’s what some patients may experience during or shortly after a session:
- Dissociation or detachment from reality
- Mild hallucinations or altered perception
- Fatigue or grogginess
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure
- Headache
- Temporary numbness or tingling
These effects are typically mild and wear off within a few hours. Most patients feel clear-headed and grounded again before leaving the clinic.
Why Klarisana Uses IM, Not IV
We’ve found that IM ketamine not only achieves the same therapeutic outcomes—it does so with less medication and fewer side effects. Because IM has a faster onset, we can get patients into the desired therapeutic state more efficiently, without needing to tether them to IV cords or use higher doses of ketamine.
Here are a few advantages of IM over IV:
- Lower total dose = fewer potential side effects
- Faster onset of action
- No IV hookup or equipment
- More comfortable and private experience
- More cost-effective for patients
IV ketamine can be useful for certain cases, like chronic pain management, but it also comes with a higher cost, a longer administration time, and less physical freedom during the session. At Klarisana, we’ve chosen to focus on IM ketamine so we can offer care that’s not only effective—but also efficient, affordable, and accessible to more people.
While the phrase “ketamine infusion side effects” often refers to IV treatments, it’s important to know that IM therapy offers a gentler alternative with similar benefits. As always, our team works closely with each patient to ensure the experience is safe, comfortable, and tailored to your needs.
