Adverse Effects Associated With High-Dose Ketamine Infusions For Refractory Pain And Psychiatric Conditions.
Current pain and headache reports June 19, 2025 Elika D Javaheri, Christopher Wie, Stephen Covington et al. 3 citations
High-dose ketamine, used for conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, is linked to several adverse effects. Psychiatric symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, and sleep disturbances occur across oral, intravenous, and intranasal routes. Emesis is common and more frequent at higher doses. Hepatotoxicity is also common, dose-dependent, and usually transient. Uropathy is another potential adverse effect. When properly monitored in a hospital setting, high-dose ketamine appears safe, though practitioners should note that certain adverse effects are likely dose-dependent.