2023-11-24 09:00:13
Ketamine effectively treats depression. But do the risks outweigh the benefits?
Treating patients with severe depression and anxiety with ketamine, known to Thais as ketamine, can make a difference. But experts emphasize that it must be carried out under supervision in a well-equipped facility. To accommodate unexpected medical emergencies
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Patient testimonials and hundreds of small studies suggest that the prescription anesthetic ketamine It may be useful in treating mental health conditions such as severe depression and thoughts of suicide But health experts are concerned as it is increasingly widely used. But in a lax security situation
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last month The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a notice to patients and providers. Outlining the serious physical and psychological dangers of ketamine. This is usually given at the operator’s site by injection or intravenous injection. To induce a psychedelic state filled with strangeness, thoughts, and imagery.
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration It is emphasized that the use of this drug during surgery has only recently been approved. Therefore, there is a lack of clinical trial data regarding its pain-relieving properties. including a variety of mental health conditions
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“We do not yet know the full extent of the benefits and risks of ketamine in the treatment of psychiatric disorders,” the FDA said. “Ketamine works for many people. I’ve seen it change people’s lives,” said Sophie Holmes, a psychiatry and neurology researcher at the Yale School of Medicine. But of course, users should be cautious, she stressed.
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Emily Whinkin, a naturopathic doctor in Seattle, says: “Ketamine is characterized by a rapid response,” she said of data shown in 18 patients with anxiety and depression after one to six sessions of ketamine therapy.
Side effects to be careful of
Holm said ketamine can only be administered in a facility well equipped for medical emergencies. This is generally not the case at health clinics and health care providers located in remote cities. Holm adds that more research is needed to better understand who will benefit from ketamine therapy.
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Because the use of this substance in mental health is driving a $3 billion pharmaceutical industry. and is expected to grow 10 percent per year until the end of this decade. which represents a huge amount of money In addition, you must study the appropriate procedures. And most importantly, how does it (ketamine) work?
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Ketamine normally causes side effects in some people, such as: Mild nausea, headaches, or stomach pain may occur for a while when taking the medicine, while others may slow their breathing or increase their blood pressure. “If someone already has heart problems This can be dangerous,” Holmes said. All patients must have an electrocardiogram and pulse before use.
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Equally important is that there must be adequate psychological care and support. This is because patients may feel frightened while taking the drug due to hallucinations, Wingin said, which typically last no more than an hour, which is shorter than with other psychedelics.
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It also requires post-treatment ‘integration’ which is an important part of its use. “It is an opportunity to explore the psychology that occurs during deployment. and if there is confusion or confrontation with (the patient’s) pre-existing beliefs about himself or the world. They should be taken care of effectively.”
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The biggest worry right now is There is increasing home use of ketamine (in the US) via capsules or sublingual tablets. This is due to the dispensary system starting in 2020 after the COVID-19 outbreak. Experts say that one really needs to see a doctor before ordering ketamine at home.
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“Requiring use at home is irresponsible because[use]must be supervised by a trained professional,” Holmes stressed. Use of these products without verification by a healthcare provider “It may put patients at risk for serious adverse events,” according to the FDA announcement.
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Use at home also increases the potential for misuse, as ketamine is illegally sold as a ‘Special K’ drug, which is particularly troubling. This is because some clinics use this drug to treat addiction.
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“I have seen my pain patients become dependent on opiates. received intranasal ketamine And they go home and misuse it,” says Michael Schatman, an expert on pain medicine and medical ethics. from York University’s Faculty of Medicine said
But for some people, “K-drugs” are a help.
Shira Renee Thomas, the 45-year-old artistic director of a performing arts company in Southern California, believes She might not have lived had she not taken ketamine. For more than 25 years, Thomas suffered from depression so severe that he regularly considered suicide. The disease left her unable to get out of bed for months.
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This had a severe impact on her quality of life. and caused his operatic singing career to halt. Over the years she had to be hospitalized several times. and took 20 different medications and received electroconvulsive therapy, which had to be stopped after losing a significant amount of his memory. Even forgetting how to drive or how to sign.
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Four years ago, Thomas found a clinic that prescribed ketamine. “My first injection was like magic,” she says. Under the spell, she watched as the goddess brushed off insults she shouted at herself while shrinking, like she was stupid or she was useless. The self-aggrandizing behavior later ceased.
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As for other symptoms, it takes several years until they disappear. But after giving Ketamine nearly 100 times and continuing treatment, Thomas has not been depressed in nearly a year. Considering the potential and risks, Schachman wants people to be fully informed about the pros and cons of ketamine therapy. before actually receiving the medicine
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“I have patients who come to the clinic to get injections, hearing that it will help them. He didn’t even know it could cause hallucinations,” Schachtman said. People should know that there is no scientifically proven protocol. Therefore, each service provider sets its own rules for how much money you can earn. Or how often
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“People need to understand they’re being experimented on,” Schachman said. Some people are hurting a lot. (from depression) to the point of taking risks if they do Patients should refer themselves to a doctor with in-depth knowledge of medicine who takes safety seriously.
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“This is in contrast to some local clinics or telehealth providers,” Schachtman said.
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Searched and edited by Witit Borompichaichartkul
Photo by Sasun Bughdaryan on Unsplash
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