Ketamine Therapy: A Growing Record of Safety — and Unexpected Seizure Benefits

Ketamine has become a promising treatment option for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At Alpine Psychiatry, we integrate ketamine therapy into holistic care plans for patients who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments. As with all interventions, safety is our top priority — and the latest research gives us even more confidence in ketamine’s role in modern psychiatric care.

Unexpected Benefits for Seizure Control

A recent large-scale, real-world study has revealed an unexpected side benefit of ketamine: seizure control. While ketamine is not FDA-approved for epilepsy or seizure disorders, the data offers important insight for patients who have coexisting neurologic conditions.

Key Findings from the Study

In a 7-year observational study involving patients with benzodiazepine-resistant status epilepticus (a life-threatening form of seizure), ketamine was used as a rescue medication — with remarkable results:

• Seizure control in 98.2% of cases when benzodiazepines failed

• No respiratory depression or need for airway intervention

• Improved oxygenation in patients who were hypoxic before treatment

This study reinforces ketamine’s safety even in high-risk, emergency contexts — and highlights a potential secondary benefit for patients with seizure history.

What This Means for Our Patients at Alpine Psychiatry

While we do not use ketamine as a seizure treatment, this research is reassuring for patients with comorbid seizure disorders. At Alpine Psychiatry, our individualized care includes a thorough review of each patient’s medical history — including any seizure activity.

Clinical Implications:

• Reassurance for patients with seizure disorders: Ketamine is unlikely to worsen seizure activity and may, in fact, offer protective effects.

• Stronger confidence in respiratory safety: For patients with anxiety about sedation or breathing during treatment, the study confirms ketamine’s supportive effects on oxygenation.

• Thoughtful care planning: For those with complex health needs, we incorporate these findings into our broader treatment conversations.

Our Commitment to Safe, Integrative Mental Health Care

Alpine Psychiatry blends innovation with safety. Whether we’re using ketamine, TMS, or supplements like magnesium or inositol, every treatment is selected with care. We monitor every ketamine session closely and continually review the latest research to ensure our patients are receiving thoughtful, evidence-based support.

Want to learn more about ketamine treatment at Alpine Psychiatry or schedule a consultation?
Contact our team — we’re here to help.