Ketamine is an unusual type of psychedelic drug – called a dissociative – that has surged in popularity. It reliably produces pain control, forgetfulness, intoxication, disassociation, and euphoria, effects that underlie its medical and recreational uses.
Originally derived from PCP, or “angel dust,” ketamine has been used in hospitals and veterinary clinics as an anesthetic for decades. It’s also been cited as a drug of misuse under the moniker “special K.”
More recently, it has been widely used for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) – that is, severe depression that has not improved with several other therapies, including people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts.
What do we know about the benefits of ketamine?
A prescription version of ketamine called esketamine (Spravato), given through a nasal spray, was approved in 2019 by the FDA for hard-to-treat depression. However, guidelines required its use “under the supervision of a health care provider in a certified doctor’s office or clinic.” That means medical professionals need to watch you use it, and then follow you after you’ve taken your dose, checking your vital signs and how you are doing clinically.
