Safety Center
Who May Not Be a Candidate for Ketamine Therapy
Honest exclusion is part of good care.
Medically reviewed by: Pending medical review(draft)Last updated: June 6, 2026Evidence: APA consensus 2017; FDA labeling
Absolute or near-absolute exclusions
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Unstable angina, recent MI, or severe heart failure
- Active psychosis or schizophrenia (case-by-case)
- Untreated bipolar disorder with manic features
- Increased intracranial pressure or recent stroke
- Severe liver disease
- Active ketamine or dissociative substance use disorder
Relative considerations
- Pregnancy (relative)
- Severe untreated sleep apnea (case-by-case)
- History of severe substance use disorder (case-by-case)
- History of severe trauma without adequate support (case-by-case)
Related reading
Educational content only. Not medical advice. Discuss any treatment decisions with a qualified clinician.
Educational use only. The content on this page is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ketamine and related therapies carry risks and are appropriate only under qualified medical supervision. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional about your individual situation. Information may change as research evolves.