Ketamine Therapy: A Growing Record of Safety — and Unexpected Seizure Benefits
At Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry, we use ketamine primarily to treat treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As part of our commitment to providing safe, evidence-based care, we continually monitor the broader research literature for both new therapeutic insights and potential side effects of ketamine therapy.
A recent large-scale, real-world study has highlighted an important side benefit of ketamine that could impact how we counsel patients — especially those with comorbid seizure disorders.
Ketamine's Positive Impact on Seizure Control
While we do not use ketamine specifically to treat seizures, a 7-year observational study showed that ketamine was remarkably effective in stopping life-threatening seizures when standard medications failed.
Key findings included:
Rapid and sustained seizure control: In adults whose seizures persisted despite benzodiazepines, ketamine terminated convulsions in 98.2% of cases without recurrence.
Exceptional respiratory safety: There were no cases of respiratory depression or need for airway intervention after ketamine administration.
Improved oxygenation: Many patients who were hypoxic while seizing showed improved breathing after ketamine stopped the convulsions.
In short, ketamine was not only effective in controlling seizures but also supported respiratory function — a critical safety concern in any medical setting.
What This Means for Our Patients
For our patients receiving ketamine for TRD or PTSD, this study reinforces ketamine's high safety profile — particularly regarding respiratory stability.
Moreover, for patients who have comorbid seizure disorders, this real-world data provides an encouraging secondary benefit to discuss during treatment planning:
Reassurance: While ketamine is not a seizure treatment, it is unlikely to worsen seizure activity and may even offer some protective effects.
Counseling considerations: Patients with a history of seizures may have additional peace of mind knowing ketamine’s potential to stabilize seizure activity, as demonstrated in emergency medicine settings.
Of course, individual risk assessment remains critical. We continue to monitor all patients carefully during treatment and tailor our care to each person's unique medical history.
Continuing Our Commitment to Safe, Personalized Care
Our clinical approach at Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry always balances cutting-edge therapies with rigorous attention to safety. We remain vigilant for side benefits like these — and just as importantly, for any potential risks — to offer our patients the most informed, thoughtful care possible.
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. Any treatment—whether a supplement, medication, procedure, injection, therapy, or device—carries potential risks, especially when used in excess or by individuals with certain medical conditions or genetic predispositions. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment.
