Repurposing potential of ketamine: Opportunities and challenges
Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine January 17, 2020 C S Gautam, Sonia S Mahajan, Jatin Sharma et al. 31 citations
Ketamine, originally approved as a general anesthetic, is being explored for repurposing to treat depressive disorders, suicidal ideation, substance-use disorders, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, refractory status epilepticus, and bronchial asthma exacerbations. The nasal spray of esketamine, a more potent form, has been approved by the USFDA for treatment-resistant depression alongside oral antidepressants. However, concerns about long-term safety persist due to its psychedelic effects and potential for abuse. This review discusses ketamine's repurposing for therapeutic use and the associated safety concerns.