A Well-Studied Medicine
Ketamine has been used in medicine since 1970 and is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Originally developed as an anesthetic, it has one of the widest safety margins of any anesthetic agent. At the low, subanesthetic doses used for mental health and pain treatment, the safety profile is well-established.
- Over 60 years of clinical use across anesthesia, emergency medicine, and psychiatry
- WHO List of Essential Medicines—used worldwide in hospitals and clinics
- Subanesthetic doses (10-25% of anesthetic levels) used for therapy
- Does not suppress breathing at therapeutic doses (unlike opioids)
- Wide therapeutic index—large margin between effective and dangerous doses
Common Side Effects
Most side effects are mild, temporary, and resolve within a few hours of your session. Understanding what to expect helps you prepare and reduces anxiety.
- Dissociation: feeling of detachment or "floating" (expected therapeutic effect)
- Nausea: mild, usually manageable with anti-nausea medication if needed
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: resolves within 1-2 hours
- Temporary increase in blood pressure and heart rate
- Visual changes: colors may appear brighter or shifted
- Drowsiness: plan to rest for several hours after sessions
- Headache: occasional, typically mild
Who Should NOT Take Ketamine
Certain conditions make ketamine therapy inadvisable. Our physician screening process ensures these are identified before treatment begins.
- Uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure consistently above 160/100)
- Unstable cardiovascular disease or recent heart attack/stroke
- Active psychosis or schizophrenia
- Severe liver disease
- Pregnancy or planned pregnancy
- Active substance use disorder (particularly with ketamine or PCP)
- Untreated hyperthyroidism
- Known allergy to ketamine
Our Safety Protocols
We've built multiple layers of safety into every aspect of treatment. From physician screening to AI monitoring, your wellbeing is protected at every step.
- Board-certified physician evaluation before any prescription
- Comprehensive medication interaction review
- Required trusted companion present during every session
- AI-powered session monitoring with distress detection (KetAI)
- One-tap emergency support button in the app
- Grounding exercises available instantly if distress arises
- Direct medical team contact for clinical questions
- Regular follow-up visits to monitor progress and safety
Critical Safety Rules During Sessions
Following these rules during your session is essential for your safety. Your trusted companion should also be familiar with these guidelines.
- NEVER get in water during or after sessions (bathtub, pool, hot tub—drowning risk)
- Do NOT drive for at least 5 hours after your session
- Stay lying down during peak effects (fall prevention)
- Have your trusted companion present and available throughout
- Do not operate machinery or make important decisions for several hours
- Keep your phone accessible for the "I Need Help" button
- Call 911 for: difficulty breathing, chest pain, seizures, or loss of consciousness