Ketamine Infusions

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a drug that has been used for many years as a general anaesthetic agent and sedative. It can also be used in low doses to help manage persistent pain, especially neuropathic (nerve) pain.

Ketamine has sedative, analgesic & amnesic effects and works by blocking specific pain receptors known as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. These receptors are found in the nervous system and are partially responsible for pain.

When is Ketamine used?

Ketamine can be effective in reducing persistent pain when other pain medications or treatments have not been helpful. Medical conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain can be treated using Ketamine. It can also be used to help people to reduce their pain medication.

It is important to understand that the outcome from a Ketamine infusion can be highly variable. Some people report no improvement in pain while others report a significant reduction in pain. The duration of effect from the infusion is also highly variable with some people reporting no ongoing relief after the infusion is stopped while others report weeks or months of relief.

How is a Ketamine infusion administered?

A Ketamine infusion is administered in hospital over a period of 4 to 5 days. It is administered using a subcutaneous needle that it placed under the skin & connected to a special infusion pump that administers a prescribed amount of medication continuously.

The infusion will be commenced at a very low dose so that the nursing staff can monitor you for any side effects and will be slowly increased as tolerated and depending on your response to the therapy.

Are there any side effects to the infusion?

Sleepiness or feeling groggy can occur. Nausea & vomiting and changes to your blood pressure can also occur.

Occasionally people feel some irritation at the site where the needle is placed under the skin.

Loss of memory, confusion or hallucinations are uncommon side effects and are generally related to the dose of the medication. The nursing staff will monitor you closely for any side effects. If you do experience any severe side effects the infusion will be stopped.

Depending on the dose of the infusion you may need to have blood tests to monitor your liver function as Ketamine can affect your liver.

It is important that you do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, or make any important decisions for 24 hours after the infusion is ceased

What can I do while the infusion is running?

You will be able to be active during the infusion. We encourage you to get dressed in your normal clothes and walk around the hospital as you feel able to.

Please bring your regular medication, including pain medication, into hospital with you. Depending on why you are having the infusion your Pain Specialist may adjust your pain medication during your hospital stay.

What happens after the Ketamine infusion is ceased?

The infusion is usually ceased at 6am on the day that you are to be discharged from hospital and you are able to go home at 10am.

You will be reviewed by your Pain Specialist or Pain Management Nurse prior to discharge.

You must not drive a car, operate machinery, drink alcohol or make any important decisions for 24 hours after the infusion is ceased. Occasionally, drowsiness may persist for longer and driving should be delayed until this wears off.

You will need to return to the clinic to determine if the pain relief provided by the infusion was meaningful. This information will help us to guide you with planning a future treatment plan for the management of your pain.