Ketamine - An Imperfect Wonder Drug?
Biochemical pharmacology – November 01, 2024
Source: PubMed
Summary
Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine has emerged as a remarkable medication with multiple therapeutic benefits. This fast-acting drug provides powerful pain relief (analgesia) and shows promise as a rapid antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression. While its clinical value in anesthesia and mental health is significant, careful monitoring is essential due to its potential for abuse and hallucinogenic effects. Recent studies highlight its effectiveness when administered under medical supervision.
Abstract
Ketamine is a potent sedative and dissociative anesthetic agent that has been used clinically for over 50 years since it was first developed in the 1960 s as an alternative to phencyclidine (PCP). When compared to PCP, ketamine exhibited a much lower incidence of severe side effects, including hallucinations, leading to its increased popularity in clinical practice. Ketamine was initially used as an anesthetic agent, especially in emergency medicine and in surgical procedures where rapid induction and recovery was necessary. However, over the last few decades, ketamine was found to have additional clinically useful properties making it effective in the treatment of a variety of other conditions. Presently, ketamine has a wide range of clinical uses beyond anesthesia including management of acute and chronic pain, as well as treatment of psychiatric disorders such as major depression. In addition to various clinical uses, ketamine is also recognized as a common drug of abuse sought for its hallucinogenic and sedative effects. This review focuses on exploring the different clinical and non-clinical uses of ketamine and its overall impact on patient care.