Ketamine's Off-Label Use for Depression Raises Concerns

• Ketamine was originally developed as a battlefield anesthetic during the Vietnam War • It is now used medically as an anesthetic and for treatment-resistant depression, though not FDA-approved for psychiatric treatment • Ketamine can cause hallucinogenic effects, dissociative sensations, and other side effects like addiction risk • Studies show ketamine can provide rapid relief from depression symptoms for days to weeks • Experts warn against self-medicating with ketamine; it should only be used under medical supervision