Navigating At-Home Ketamine Therapy: Personal Journey and Cautionary Tale

In my early thirties, I was diagnosed with Lyme disease and prescribed ketamine to manage neurological pain. While ketamine's use in recreational settings was familiar to me, its potential as a treatment for depression and anxiety intrigued me. Seeing the rise of at-home ketamine therapy, I opted to explore this option, purchasing a month's supply for $400.

The ketamine kit arrived promptly, complete with supplements for anxiety relief, a sleep mask, a blood pressure monitor, a journal, and access to guided meditations and calming music. The treatment approval process was simple: an online questionnaire and a telehealth consultation lasting less than two minutes.

My first trial began with cautious optimism. Half a lozenge produced an initial sense of relaxation and lightheartedness, but as the evening progressed, I found myself consumed by anxiety, overanalyzing my problems, and experiencing racing heartbeats.

The following days brought a range of troubling symptoms: heightened anxiety, insomnia, a racing heart, and significant loss of appetite. These symptoms mirrored a hyperthyroidism episode I had endured previously, leading me to suspect a connection. Upon ceasing my thyroid medication, relief followed, confirming my suspicions.

Research revealed that ketamine use in thyroid patients can lead to severe reactions, and the American College of Emergency Physicians classifies it as a relative contraindication. Sadly, neither the PR firm nor the ketamine company acknowledged any responsibility for my adverse experience.

This experience highlights the importance of healthcare providers exercising utmost caution when prescribing drugs, especially those with relative contraindications. As a patient, I felt vulnerable and subjected to unnecessary distress.