Ketamine has become more well-known in recent years for its fast effects on mental health, especially for people with treatment-resistant depression. Many patients feel relief from symptoms, but it is important to understand the long-term effects of ketamine on the brain.
A study of 440 long-term ketamine users found significant changes in the brain, including reduced grey matter, weaker white matter connections, and altered brain network activity compared with non-users. Knowing what to expect can help patients and caregivers make safer choices.
How Ketamine Affects the Brain
Ketamine works differently from most antidepressants. It affects the neurotransmitter glutamate, which helps brain cells communicate. This can lead to fast improvements in mood and thinking, especially in people struggling with psychiatric illness.
But repeated use, especially over months or years, can change how the brain works. Studies suggest that chronic ketamine use may affect certain brain regions, which could impact memory, thinking, and emotions. Some research also shows that ketamine changes how brain cells connect, which may explain its fast benefits—and some risks.
Short-term treatments, like intravenous infusions or nasal sprays, are generally safer. Frequent or unsupervised use, however, can increase the risk of cognitive impairment. Understanding the difference between short-term and long-term use is key to safe treatment.
Long-Term Effects on Brain Function
When studying ketamine long-term effects on brain, researchers notice several concerns. Long-term use may affect the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and other brain regions that control memory, decision-making, and emotions.
Some patients report feeling detached or disconnected from reality. This can come with cognitive impairment, such as trouble focusing, slower thinking, or memory lapses.
There are also physical effects. Regular ketamine use may cause an increase in blood pressure or affect the heart. These problems may not show up right away but can become serious over time. Long-term use may also affect the liver or bladder, which is why medical supervision is important.
Side Effects of Ketamine: Short vs. Long Term
Side effects of ketamine are common after a single treatment. Short-term effects can include dizziness, nausea, or temporary increases in blood pressure. Some patients feel briefly detached or “out of body” during treatment.
Long-term or chronic ketamine use carries bigger risks. Frequent use may cause bladder or liver problems and lasting memory or thinking issues. Abuse of ketamine can also increase the risk of dependence, ketamine addiction, and other health problems.
Chronic ketamine use may also make it harder to manage emotions, increasing irritability or stress. This is another reason why patients should be carefully monitored during long-term treatment.
Mental Health and Ketamine Use
Ketamine can help people with treatment-resistant depression and other psychiatric illnesses. But it is important to balance benefits with potential long-term effects.
Frequent or unsupervised use may increase the risk of new mental health problems. Some patients may feel anxious, irritable, or detached long after treatment.
Alternative treatments, like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), target similar brain regions involved in mood regulation but with fewer long-term risks. Patients who cannot use repeated ketamine treatments may find TMS safer and effective. TMS also avoids the increase in blood pressure or other physical side effects that ketamine may cause.
Physical Health Risks of Ketamine
The long-term effects of ketamine can also affect overall physical health. Regular use may increase blood pressure or cause liver and bladder problems. These effects are more likely with chronic ketamine use or abuse of ketamine.
People with high blood pressure or other health issues should monitor themselves closely while on ketamine. Careful supervision helps lower risks while still providing relief.
For those worried about these risks, TMS is a safe, non-invasive option. TMS gently stimulates the brain to improve mood and thinking without the risks linked to ketamine.
Comparing Ketamine and TMS Therapy
Both ketamine and TMS can help people with severe depression or other psychiatric illnesses. Ketamine works fast, but the long-term effects of ketamine on the brain are still being studied. TMS gently stimulates brain regions that control mood and thinking, often providing long-lasting improvement with fewer side effects.
Ketamine may be good for short-term relief, but TMS offers a longer-term solution for mental health stability. Scottsdale TMS specializes in personalized TMS treatments that focus on safety, comfort, and lasting results.
By choosing TMS, patients avoid many risks of chronic ketamine use, including cognitive impairment, an increase in blood pressure, and ketamine addiction.
Scottsdale TMS and Your Brain Health
Knowing the long-term effects of ketamine is important for anyone considering it for depression or psychiatric illness. While ketamine can provide fast relief, it is not without risks, especially with long-term or unsupervised use. Patients should understand ketamine long-term effects on brain, the side effects of ketamine, and other possible health issues.
TMS therapy offers a safe, effective alternative that helps mental health and brain function without the long-term risks. Scottsdale TMS provides caring, personalized treatments to help patients regain stability, improve mood, and protect brain health.