Ketamine infusion overview

Using ketamine to manage pain

Ketamine is an anaesthetic and pain-relieving medication that may be used to treat neuropathic pain that has not responded to simpler medications. It may also be used to help reduce opioid doses.

A ketamine infusion delivers controlled doses of ketamine, which may help reduce pain over the longer term and improve the effectiveness of other pain medications. This may allow lower doses of other medications to provide sufficient pain relief.

Not everyone responds to ketamine treatment in the same way. No special preparation is required before a ketamine infusion.

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Ketamine infusion procedure

What to expect during your ketamine infusion

Ketamine infusion is carried out in hospital and delivered intravenously. The length of your hospital stay will depend on how you respond to treatment.

1. Hospital admission

Ketamine infusion is performed in hospital and may require a stay of around one week, depending on your response.

2. Intravenous access

A catheter is placed into a vein, generally in the arm, although in some cases it may be placed in the skin of the abdomen.

3. Controlled ketamine infusion

An infusion pump delivers a controlled dose of ketamine while your pain levels and vital signs, including blood pressure and heart rate, are monitored.

4. Movement during treatment

You will not be confined to bed and can wear everyday clothing and move around the ward, although you will not be permitted to leave it.

5. Gradual dose adjustment

Treatment begins with a low dose to assess your sensitivity. The dose is then gradually increased and monitored until an appropriate level is reached or side effects become noticeable.

6. Planning future treatment

Your response to the first infusion helps determine the parameters for any future ketamine infusions. Not all patients experience meaningful long-term benefit from treatment.

Genicular nerve denervation indications and preparation

Preparing for genicular nerve denervation

Some side effects may be caused by ketamine, although control of dosage levels should minimise or eliminate these. Common side effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Higher heart rate
  • Headache
  • Light-headedness
  • Tingling sensation
  • Emotional reaction
  • Transient hallucinations
  • Blood pressure increase

Some patients develop liver abnormalities, and in that case, the infusion may need to be ceased.

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After your genicular nerve denervation

Recovery and follow-up after the procedure

There may be some pain and/or discomfort where the needles were inserted into the knee. This should resolve on its own within a few days.

It can take 2-3 weeks for your knee pain to reduce or disappear after the procedure – this is normal.

Most patients are able to resume normal day-to-day activities almost immediately after the procedure, however if you had any restrictions to specific activities or movements before the procedure, you should continue to observe these. You will be asked to come in for a follow up appointment around 14 days after the procedure.

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After your ketamine infusion

Follow-up and medication after treatment

You will be followed up after your ketamine admission.

We will give you instructions on which pain medication to continue to take after the ketamine infusion and at what dosage levels. You will also be asked to book an appointment to come and see us a week or two after leaving hospital.

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Ready to take the next step?

  • Comprehensive pain assessments
  • Individual treatment planning
  • Medication review and optimisation

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