Hello,
This is Dr Justin Yanuck MD and I’ve given myself 10 minutes to answer this patient question. This week’s question centers on the safety of ketamine
Question: “Is Ketamine Therapy Safe?”
Answer:
A Medical Director’s Perspective in Irvine, Orange County
As a physician and the Medical Director of a ketamine clinic serving Irvine and the greater Orange County area, this is one of the most common, and most important, questions I hear: Is ketamine therapy safe? The short answer is yes, when ketamine is administered in a medically supervised setting with appropriate screening, dosing, and monitoring. The longer answer deserves clarity, nuance, and medical honesty.
Ketamine has been used safely in medicine for decades. It was originally developed as an anesthetic and remains on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medications. In recent years, lower doses of ketamine have been studied extensively for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and chronic pain. These uses are not experimental; they are supported by a growing body of peer-reviewed research and clinical practice guidelines.
Safety depends less on the medication itself and more on how and where it is used.
In a licensed medical clinic, such as ours here in Tustin, ketamine is administered only after a thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation. We review cardiovascular health, medication interactions, psychiatric history, and contraindications such as uncontrolled hypertension or active psychosis. This screening process is essential and is one of the primary differences between medical ketamine treatment and non-medical or recreational use.
During treatment, patients are continuously monitored. Vital signs are tracked, dosing is individualized, and adjustments are made based on response and tolerability. Most side effects, when they occur, are short-lived and resolve the same day. These may include temporary dissociation, mild nausea, dizziness, or changes in blood pressure. In a supervised medical environment, these effects are expected, managed, and closely observed.
Another frequent concern I hear is about addiction. Ketamine can be addictive when misused recreationally or taken frequently without medical oversight. However, when used at therapeutic doses, on a structured schedule, and under physician supervision, the risk of addiction is low. This distinction is critical and often misunderstood online.
Patients also ask whether ketamine is “FDA-approved.” Intravenous ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic, and its use for mood disorders is considered off-label, a common and accepted practice in medicine. Esketamine (Spravato) is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression, further reinforcing the legitimacy of ketamine-based therapies.
For patients in Orange County seeking ketamine treatment, safety should be the deciding factor. A reputable clinic should have physician oversight, clear protocols, emergency preparedness, and transparency about risks and benefits. If those elements are missing, patients should proceed with caution.
In my experience, when ketamine therapy is delivered responsibly, it can be both safe and profoundly helpful for patients who have not found relief with traditional treatments. The key is medical rigor, not shortcuts.
If you are considering ketamine therapy in Irvine or anywhere in Orange County, ask questions, verify credentials, and choose a clinic that treats safety as foundational—not optional.
Ok, my 10 minutes is up. Hope that was helpful, as always, reach out anytime with questions, I’m happy to answer all questions regarding ketamine. You can reach me at info@renewketamineinfusion.com or book a free consultation at renewketamineinfusion.com
Cheers,
Dr. Justin Yanuck, MD
Renew Ketamine Infusion
Tustin, San Juan Capistrano, Seal Beach
