Treatment Safety Information

This page explains the key risks of the treatments we offer so you can make an informed decision with your care team. It is a general summary, not a complete list of every possible risk, and it does not replace a conversation with your provider. Before starting any treatment, our clinical team reviews your full medical history with you and answers your questions. Always talk to your provider about your specific situation, your other medications, and any concerns you have.

If you are having a medical emergency, call 911. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).

Ketamine IV Infusion Therapy

Ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance. It is FDA-approved as an anesthetic; its use for psychiatric conditions such as depression is off-label, supported by clinical evidence and given only under medical supervision in a monitored clinical setting.

What to know:

  • During and shortly after an infusion, you may feel sedated, dizzy, or “dissociated” (a temporary sense of feeling detached from your body or surroundings). This usually fades within a couple of hours.
  • Ketamine can temporarily raise blood pressure and heart rate, so we monitor you throughout your visit.
  • Nausea, blurred vision, and headache can occur.
  • As a controlled substance, ketamine carries a recognized potential for abuse and dependence — which is exactly why it is given only in a monitored clinical setting and never for at-home use.
  • Do not drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day after an infusion. Arrange a ride home.

Talk to your provider if you have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, a substance use disorder, psychosis or mania, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

KAP combines off-label ketamine administration with guided psychotherapy. The same safety considerations described for ketamine above apply here, with the addition of the therapy experience itself.

What to know:

  • All of the ketamine safety points above apply: temporary sedation and dissociation, possible short-term rise in blood pressure and heart rate, nausea, and the no-driving rule for the rest of the day.
  • KAP sessions are designed to bring up emotional material. Some people find parts of a session intense or distressing in the moment; your therapist is present to support you throughout.
  • Treatment is delivered under medical and therapeutic supervision, and your care team works with you on integrating the experience afterward.

Talk to your provider about your mental health history and what to expect emotionally, in addition to the medical considerations listed for ketamine.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood and other conditions. It does not require medication, sedation, or anesthesia, and you are awake and alert throughout.

What to know:

  • The most common side effects are mild and temporary: scalp discomfort or tingling at the treatment site and headache, which usually ease after the first few sessions.
  • The most serious risk is a seizure, which is very rare. We screen you for seizure risk before starting.
  • TMS is not appropriate if you have any non-removable metal or implanted electronic or magnetic device in or near your head (for example, certain aneurysm clips, stents, cochlear implants, or deep-brain stimulators). Tell us about any metal implants before treatment.
  • There is no recovery or downtime — you can drive yourself home and return to your normal day after a session.

Talk to your provider if you have a history of seizures, any metal or implanted device in your head or neck, or if you are pregnant.

SPRAVATO (esketamine)

SPRAVATO is an FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression and for depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder who have acute suicidal thoughts or actions. It is a Schedule III controlled substance and is given only in a certified healthcare setting under direct medical supervision — it is never dispensed for use at home.

SPRAVATO carries an FDA Boxed Warning — the agency’s strongest warning. Key points:

  • Sedation, dissociation, and slowed breathing: SPRAVATO can cause sedation, a temporary sense of detachment (dissociation), and in some cases slowed or reduced breathing. Because of this, you are monitored by our staff for at least 2 hours after each dose before you can leave.
  • Abuse and misuse: As a controlled substance, SPRAVATO has the potential for abuse and misuse. Your provider will assess this with you before and during treatment.
  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors: Antidepressant treatment can be associated with an increase in suicidal thoughts or behaviors, particularly in children and young adults. SPRAVATO is not approved for use in children. Watch for and report any worsening mood or new thoughts of self-harm.
  • Do not drive or operate machinery until the day after each dose, after a full night’s sleep. Arrange a ride home.
  • SPRAVATO may cause harm to an unborn baby, and breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.

Because SPRAVATO is a specific FDA-approved medication, please also review the manufacturer’s full Important Safety Information and Medication Guide:

https://www.spravato.com/safety-and-tolerability/

Talk to your provider about your full medical history, any substance use history, other medications you take, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

A note on individual results

Individual results may vary. Treatment outcomes depend on each patient’s specific condition, medical history, and response to therapy. Cambridge Biotherapies’ clinical team works with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan.

Questions?

Call us at (888) 646-0566 or speak with your care team. This page is provided for general patient education and does not replace personalized medical advice.

Safety facts on this page are grounded in: DEA Diversion (ketamine Schedule III), the FDA SPRAVATO prescribing information (label 211243s016, esketamine CIII; Boxed Warning: sedation / dissociation / respiratory depression, abuse and misuse, suicidal thoughts and behaviors; 2-hour post-dose monitoring), and SPRAVATO official patient safety information (spravato.com). Verified June 22, 2026.