Post: Anesthesiologists warn about proper use of ketamine

People should never take ketamine without proper dosing and medical supervision, according to new guidelines from the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Photo by Pavel Danilyuk/ The tragic early death of "Friends" star Matthew Perry from a ketamine overdose in 2023 has swung a spotlight on the dangers of unsupervised use of the potent anesthetic.

Now, America’s leading group representing anesthesiologists is issuing new guidelines on proper use of the drug.

Ketamine also has come under increasing scrutiny as a treatment recently, with studies suggesting that for some patients it might quickly ease depression .

However, people should never take ketamine without proper dosing and medical supervision, according to new guidelines from the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Related

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Following Perry’s death, there have been "a growing number of false or misleading statements and opinions in the press on its use," said ASA president Dr. Donald Arnold .

"Ketamine was originally introduced and has its greatest use as an anesthetic," he explained in a society news release. "As anesthesiologists, we felt it was important to increase awareness of how to use it appropriately."People who have struggled with mental health issues and are understandably excited about a new treatment may not realize that they are risking their lives by receiving treatment without medical supervision in unaccredited clinics or offices without established safety standards."The bottom line, as Perry’s case so tragically demonstrated, is that ketamine can have potentially life-threatening effects if used improperly.These include high blood pressure, slowed breathing, respiratory failure, cardiac issues and seizures.As the ASA noted, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has never approved ketamine for any use other than anesthesia.Still, there’s been a recent surge in "off-label" use of the infused or injected drug for depression and other purposes.That’s led to the rapid growth of unlicensed in-person clinics or online clinics that supply ketamine by mail, according to the ASA. Patients might be instructed how to administer the […]

Anesthesiologists warn about proper use of ketamine