Ketamine, a drug originally developed for anesthesia, is gaining attention as a potential breakthrough for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), treatment-resistant depression, and other mood disorders.
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to work, ketamine has been shown to relieve symptoms within minutes or hours. However, experts warn that the drug carries serious risks and should only be administered by trained medical professionals in a safe setting.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recently released new guidelines emphasizing the importance of proper supervision when using ketamine for mental health treatment. While the drug is not currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for these uses, doctors often prescribe it off-label.
This has led to a rapid increase in ketamine clinics, both in-person and online, with some services even mailing ketamine to patients for self-administration at home.
Health experts are raising concerns about the safety of these practices. The ASA warns that ketamine can cause dangerous side effects, including high blood pressure, breathing problems, and, in some cases, life-threatening complications like respiratory failure, heart issues, and seizures.
Without proper medical supervision, patients may not receive the necessary monitoring or emergency care if complications arise.
The recent death of actor Matthew Perry, which was linked to the acute effects of ketamine, has fueled discussions about the risks of improper ketamine use. Dr. Donald E. Arnold, president of the ASA, stated that misleading information about ketamine has been spreading in the media.
He stressed the need for people seeking mental health treatment to be aware of the potential dangers of using ketamine outside of a controlled medical environment.
To ensure safe use, the ASA’s new guidelines recommend that ketamine treatment follow the same safety standards as other anesthetic and sedative medications. Key points from the guidance include:
- Ketamine should only be prescribed by trained and licensed medical professionals as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
- The drug should be administered in a monitored setting where emergency equipment is readily available.
- Treatment should have a clear goal and a defined treatment plan.
- Doctors should take steps to prevent ketamine from being misused or sold for non-medical purposes.
- Patients should be fully informed about potential side effects.
- Doses should be kept as low as possible while still achieving the desired effect.
- Excessive sedation, unconsciousness, or unresponsiveness should only occur when ketamine is being used as an anesthetic in a properly equipped medical setting.
Dr. Arnold noted that anesthesiologists and psychiatrists are working together through research and training programs to improve the safe use of ketamine for mental health treatment. He encouraged individuals interested in ketamine therapy to consult their primary care doctor or mental health provider rather than seeking treatment from unregulated sources.
While ketamine holds great promise for people struggling with severe mental health conditions, the new guidelines highlight the need for careful oversight. As research continues, ensuring patient safety remains a top priority in the responsible use of this powerful drug.
If you care about health, please read studies that scientists find a core feature of depression and this metal in the brain strongly linked to depression.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about drug for mental health that may harm the brain, and results showing this therapy more effective than ketamine in treating severe depression.
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