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  • Ketamine for chronic pain: What are the risks of long-term use?
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Treatments for chronic pain

Ketamine for chronic pain: What are the risks of long-term use?

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avatar Somya.P

Somya.P

Community manager
02/06/2025 at 12:00 AM

Good advisor

avatar Somya.P

Somya.P

Community manager

Last activity on 09/16/2025 at 8:11 PM

Joined in 2023


717 comments posted | 19 in the Treatments for chronic pain group

23 of their responses were helpful to members


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Hello everyone, how are you doing today? 😊

Ketamine is sometimes prescribed off-label for chronic pain management, particularly for conditions like neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia. While it can be effective, long-term use carries risks that need careful consideration.

Some potential complications include:

⚠️ Liver and kidney damage
⚠️ Urinary tract issues (ketamine bladder syndrome)
⚠️ Cognitive and memory problems
⚠️ Risk of dependence or misuse

This is why strict medical supervision is essential. Unfortunately, ketamine is also being increasingly misused as a recreational drug, leading to additional concerns about its safety.

What’s your experience? Have you used ketamine for chronic pain?

If so, did you experience any side effects?

Do you think the benefits outweigh the risks in long-term treatment?

@Heavenbound813 @Dutchy007 @Phoenix @thelma69 @Bemitch53 @Susanleigh @flowersm025 @Nickey @Lmg21532 @Soulweaver @fushernm @Nbookless @Lilgal8855 @LadyEllen @ableinwohl @arebalo6295 @Tigermommajd @Mammy64 @Nevie66 @Ladonna67 @Meandmydog @NVclaudiaMack @ElinorCody @Elder447 @chellbear @joedpain @ragdump @Drbynrd @StacyS75 @Heath0206 @Vicki71 @Nicole197698 @bamajrfan19 @BrendaStroud @Justin76 @Mamawgriffin06 @Margiebell @Sharihurts @Remlisae @stacie @JacquelynAtencio @Tkayiles @SheikhaO @jazzy19632000 @KMNagel @Bettyfld95! @Lbs32163 @love2023# @Yvonnepuckett1978 @Dee055 @Conniepugh60 @abrowerallen1964 @Randeelynn82 @BigRan60 @Missisant @Harleydean @KenWeed43 @Trex68 @jfarmer8660 @Jeanos @AngelaHerron @RockySparky @Buddy11 @Marc1186 @Sherig @Mollylou55 @yvettegc @owenschristie81 @Lauriep @Maxie97 @ShawnLarson @Angell @Deborahann @RosemaryMahn @MommaC @Edshrinker @psycocyndi @ZiggyStar @ShellyGonzales @Brookluree @Benjilei @divaqueen @Chahle @Jort2001 @djunge0512 @BradleyB @Josie7222 @HENSEY1 @Disumia @TW1989 @Robinp @Dyoder2008 @Banksnc49 @Richdan @PuntaGorda2023 @djaneke @maryla1997 @Lolopez @xahik76 @Msseco

Let’s discuss and share insights to help each other navigate this treatment option safely. 💬

Take care,

Somya from the Carenity team 🌼

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avatar Cheryl

Cheryl

03/24/2025 at 10:15 PM

avatar Cheryl

Cheryl

Last activity on 09/04/2025 at 9:11 PM

Joined in 2023


4 comments posted | 3 in the Treatments for chronic pain group


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I have been getting a ketamine infusion every month for over three years. I guess the worst side effect is every once in a while I get what I call a bad ketamine meaning it causes me more pain and it lasts all month. They do help me though the whole infusion itself is pretty crazy.


Ketamine for chronic pain: What are the risks of long-term use? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-chronic-pain/ketamine-for-chronic-pain-what-are-the-risks-of-longterm-use-6121 2025-03-24 22:15:01

avatar PokerFaceJess

PokerFaceJess

04/15/2025 at 3:10 AM

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avatar PokerFaceJess

PokerFaceJess

Last activity on 08/02/2025 at 11:31 PM

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28 comments posted | 20 in the Treatments for chronic pain group

5 of their responses were helpful to members


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I had a ketamine IV drip post-surgery, supposedly for pain, because they didn't want to give me opioids (stupid jerks!). The ketamine had NO effect -- good or bad. I had them remove the IV from my ankle because it was useless. But then I probably had a very LOW dose, and I normally have a high tolerance to medications and require a HIGH dose.


Ketamine for chronic pain: What are the risks of long-term use? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-chronic-pain/ketamine-for-chronic-pain-what-are-the-risks-of-longterm-use-6121 2025-04-15 03:10:52

avatar sarausa0106

sarausa0106

Edited on 06/12/2025 at 12:03 PM

avatar sarausa0106

sarausa0106

Last activity on 07/02/2025 at 4:09 AM

Joined in 2024

Patient, Multiple sclerosis since 2024


1 comment posted | 1 in the Treatments for chronic pain group


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@Somya.P [This content has been moderated by an administrator]

Long-term use of ketamine can cause serious risks. You should only use it under the supervision of a medical professional, usually a pain specialist.


Ketamine for chronic pain: What are the risks of long-term use? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-chronic-pain/ketamine-for-chronic-pain-what-are-the-risks-of-longterm-use-6121 2025-06-12 05:49:48

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