Overview
Ketamine infusion is a specialist treatment that may be considered for fibromyalgia and wide spread pain when symptoms are linked to central sensitisation and persistent nerve related pain. In these conditions the nervous system can become over responsive, meaning normal sensations such as light touch, movement, temperature change, stress, or poor sleep may trigger pain.
Over time the brain and spinal cord can amplify pain signals, leading to persistent symptoms even when there is no ongoing tissue injury. Ketamine affects NMDA receptors involved in pain amplification pathways. When given at carefully controlled low doses under monitoring, ketamine infusion may help reduce nerve sensitivity and improve pain tolerance in selected patients.
This treatment is not suitable for everyone. A consultant led assessment is required to determine whether ketamine infusion matches your medical history, medications, and pattern of symptoms.
Who this treatment helps
Ketamine infusion may be considered for people with:
- Wide spread pain linked to central sensitisation
- Fibromyalgia symptoms affecting sleep and daily function
- Neuropathic pain features such as burning, tingling, or electric shock sensations
- Pain that has not improved with medication, physiotherapy, pacing, or supportive treatments
- Severe flare ups that prevent progress with graded activity
- Complex pain presentations where pain amplification pathways appear significant
A consultation is required to confirm suitability and discuss realistic expectations and treatment goals.
What is a ketamine infusion
A ketamine infusion involves delivering a carefully controlled low dose of ketamine through a drip into a vein. The infusion is performed in a clinical setting with monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.
The dose and duration are designed to influence pain signalling pathways while maintaining safety and tolerability.
The aims of treatment may include:
- Reducing pain amplification within the nervous system
- Reducing neuropathic pain intensity in selected patients
- Improving sleep and activity tolerance
- Supporting progress with pacing, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation
Some patients receive a single infusion as a trial. Others may benefit from a series of treatments depending on response and clinical judgement.
What to expect during the procedure
Your treatment visit usually includes:
- Review of symptoms, medications, and medical history
- Explanation of the infusion plan and expected sensations
- Baseline observations including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels
- Placement of a small cannula into the arm or hand
- Continuous monitoring during the infusion
- Regular checks by the clinical team
- A short observation period after the infusion before discharge
The duration of the infusion varies depending on the treatment protocol and your individual situation.
After the procedure
After a ketamine infusion some people may experience:
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Mild changes in perception during or shortly after the infusion
Your consultant may advise:
- Rest for the remainder of the day
- Avoid driving for the advised period after treatment
- Keeping a symptom diary tracking pain, sleep, and function
- Continuing pacing and gradual activity progression
- Maintaining physiotherapy or rehabilitation plans where appropriate
Some people notice improvement within hours or days, while others notice gradual change over time. Response varies and not all patients experience benefit.
Benefits
- May reduce wide spread or neuropathic pain intensity in selected patients
- May reduce sensitivity to touch, pressure, or normal movement
- Can improve sleep when pain amplification settles
- May improve tolerance for activity and rehabilitation
- May reduce the intensity or frequency of flare ups
- Can support improved daily function and quality of life
Possible risks and side effects
Ketamine infusions are performed under monitoring to support safety, but side effects can occur.
- Nausea
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Temporary changes in blood pressure or heart rate
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Mild dissociation or altered perception during infusion
- Headache
- Allergic reaction, which is rare
Your consultant will carefully screen for risk factors and explain individual risks before treatment.
When to consider other options
If ketamine infusion is not suitable or does not provide meaningful benefit, your consultant may discuss IV lidocaine infusion, trigger point injections, medication optimisation, physiotherapy based pacing programmes, or multidisciplinary pain management support.
Safety note
Please inform your consultant if you have heart problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, liver disease, severe mental health conditions, or if you are pregnant. You should also inform the team about all medications you are taking, as some may interact with ketamine.
You may need someone to accompany you home after treatment, and you should avoid driving for the period advised by your care team.
Arrange a consultation to discuss whether ketamine infusion may be appropriate for your fibromyalgia or wide spread pain.
You can also explore our fibromyalgia and wide spread pain treatments, view all pain treatments, or learn more about our pain management services.