New York, New York – Ketamine, a drug previously used as an anesthetic, has gained popularity in recent years for its effectiveness in treating mental health disorders. However, concerns have been raised about the risks associated with the unsupervised administration of injectable ketamine doses to patients. Dr. Marc Siegel, a medical contributor to Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, warned about the dangers of distributing ketamine without proper supervision.
Ketamine therapy has shown promise in treating severe depression, with studies indicating positive outcomes for patients. Despite its potential benefits, Dr. Siegel highlighted the importance of administering ketamine under the observation of trained professionals, such as psychiatrists or anesthesiologists. The idea of receiving ketamine through mail-order and self-administering the drug, as promoted by some clinics, was described as extremely risky by Dr. Siegel.
While ketamine has been found to be effective in breaking the cycle of severe depression, experts caution against using the drug without proper medical oversight. The University of Michigan conducted a study on the effects of ketamine in treating severe or treatment-resistant depression in veterans, revealing a significant drop in depression scores for nearly half of the patients after six weeks of treatment. However, concerns remain about the lack of regulation surrounding the administration of ketamine treatments.
Dr. Justin Gerstner, psychiatrist and chief medical officer at Ellie Mental Health in Minnesota, noted the transformative impact of ketamine therapy for many patients. Despite its potential benefits, the field of ketamine therapy lacks standardized protocols for treatment administration, leading to variations in practices. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation describes ketamine as a dissociative drug, which can cause feelings of detachment from reality.
While ketamine has shown effectiveness in treating severe depression, experts advise against its recreational use or unsupervised consumption. The misuse of ketamine can lead to serious health risks, including hallucinations, fluctuations in blood pressure, and other dangerous side effects. As the field of ketamine therapy continues to evolve, the need for comprehensive guidelines and oversight in its administration becomes increasingly critical.
Overall, while ketamine therapy offers promise for individuals struggling with severe depression, caution must be exercised in its use to ensure the safety and well-being of patients. Proper medical supervision and adherence to established guidelines are essential components of effective ketamine treatment.