Even though ketamine is often considered to be a new form of treatment or a new medication, ketamine has been around for a really long time. An anesthetic drug, the medication has been used in higher doses to help put patients to sleep for surgical procedures. However, in lower doses, the medication may have other desirable effects. Unfortunately, there are many myths associated with ketamine therapy, which is often given as IV therapy. Take a look at some of the biggest myths about ketamine therapy and the actual facts you should know if you are considering treatment. 

Myth: Ketamine IV infusion therapy is only used for people struggling with addiction. 

Even though ketamine IV infusion therapy has been talked about in great depth as a potential treatment for people with substance abuse problems, the treatment can be used for other issues just the same. Chronic pain sufferers, individuals who struggle with anxiety or depression, and those with issues like PTSD or other psychological issues may benefit from the treatment. 

Myth: Most people have severe side effects with ketamine infusion therapy. 

Ketamine infusion therapy is considered to be well-tolerated by the majority of individuals who opt for the therapy. You may experience a mild headache or nausea, but even these side effects are rare and can be easily managed. you can expect to be tired or a little groggy right after ketamine infusion due to the mild sedative used in combination, but this feeling will wear away within a few hours. 

Myth: Ketamine therapy is going to cause you to have hallucinations. 

Ketamine can cause hallucinations when it is given without sedation. However, a mild sedative given along with the ketamine can counteract this side effect. Therefore, if you are receiving ketamine infusion and you experience some form of dysphoria, all that is necessary is upping the dosage of sedative you get with the ketamine. Most patients will not have ketamine-induced dysphoria because the doses given during infusion are so low. 

Myth: most people with long-term pain are not good candidates for ketamine IV infusion. 

On the contrary, ketamine can be more effective for people that have chronic pain issues, especially those who are dealing with some form of neurologic pain. For example, ketamine IV infusion therapy may be a good option to try for people who have something like fibromyalgia because this condition can cause a lot of neurologic pain.   

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