Ketamine is the most common drug used for anesthesia purposes during a surgery. Used not only for anesthesia purposes but also to treat TRD, that is treatment-resistance depression. It’s a major form of depression. It’s symptoms stay even after trying two different types of antidepressants. Researchers say that about 30-35% of people who suffer from depression may come under the criteria of TRD. 

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine had a huge history as a drug used for anesthesia by anesthesiologist. It has a remarkable journey from a drug used for sedative purposes to treating people from mental health issues. Doctors and researchers noticed that tha people, who were suffering from depression and attempted suicide when given Ketamine for sedation experienced relief from suicidal thoughts.

Ketamine works on enhancing the receptors. Receptors present in the brain. It helps in reactivating synapses and promotes its rapid regrowth which is often lost in TRD. Though, it is a FDA approved drug for sedation purpose not for mental health issues still it has its harm and FDA has given guidelines for its usage.

FDA guidelines:

• Only approved for general anaesthesia during surgery.
• For depression the FDA has approved Esketamine. A Ketamine derivative. Its usage is under strict supervision under a certified doctor.
• Use of Ketamine without a doctor’s prescription or under supervision can be lethal. It has a history of misuse and addiction.
• It can affect cardiovascular health.
• FDA has warned about compound products of Ketamine such as oral form or through injections.

What are the side-effects of using Ketamine?

As it has powerful sedative effects it has many side effects it used in high amount such as:

• Euphoric feeling 
• Increased blood pressure 
• Nausea 
• Dependency 
• Tolerance 
• Toxicity etc.

Conclusion 

Ketamine itself is a powerful sedative. If used with alcohol or other nitrates containing compounds it can be a deadly combination. This will lead to only one destination that is death. So use ketamine under certified doctor’s guidance. Do not consume without a doctor’s prescription for mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. It can help when used with traditional psychiatric therapy under doctor’s supervision.