The 2023 death of celebrity Matthew Perry placed a spotlight on the dangers of ketamine, as it was determined to be the cause of his death. Perry suffered from opioid use disorder and turned to ketamine as an alternative treatment. Actor Matthew Perry died in 2023 after using ketamine, which was prescribed as an alternative treatment to opioid use disorder. Public domain/Wikimedia Commons While promising studies show that ketamine may be effective for some behavioral health conditions, substance use disorders, and chronic pain conditions, it is not risk-free.
Originally developed in the 1960s as a general anesthetic, ketamine has become a widely used medical tool for pain management and surgical sedation. More recently, researchers have explored its potential as a treatment for severe depression and mood disorders. However, along with the medical benefits, ketamine’s rising popularity as a recreational drug raises concerns about misuse and potential health risks.
The Utah State University Health Extension: Advocacy, Research and Teaching (HEART) initiative recently published a fact sheet to increase public understanding about the drug.
Aaron Hunt, health and wellness Extension specialist and one of four report authors, said though ketamine is not an opioid, it still has risks.
“Recreational ketamine use can lead to significant health dangers, including psychological dependency, cognitive impairment, and long-term bladder and urinary issues,” Hunt said. “Users often develop a quick tolerance, increasing the necessity of higher dosages and dangerous consequences.”
The publication outlines common uses of ketamine. Medical uses, emerging research
Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic commonly used in medical settings to assist with surgeries and pain relief. It is particularly valuable for its rapid-acting effects in emergency and surgical procedures. In recent years, researchers have studied ketamine’s effectiveness in treating severe depression, treatment-resistant mood disorders and chronic pain.
Low doses of ketamine have demonstrated promising antidepressant and anti-suicidal properties, offering hope for individuals who have not responded to traditional treatments. However, it is essential for safety to find a qualified health care provider to oversee treatment. Recreational use and associated risks
Beyond its medical applications, ketamine is also used recreationally for its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects. It is often […]
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