Several recent studies have been examining the role of ketamine as an anti-depressant, otherwise mainly used as an anaesthetic agent in operations. As ketamine therapy gains attention as a treatment for depression-related symptoms, experts share insights on its efficacy, safety concerns and legality in India
Ketamine infusion therapy is one of the few therapies available for resistant depression and other depressive spectrum disorders. Image for representation: iStock
Ketamine (C13H16CINO), primarily used as an anaesthetic agent during medical operations and considered to be the notorious ‘K-drug’ in rave culture, was in the news in late 2021 as it was found to be effective in reducing depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts. Known to have dissociative properties, ketamine can relieve pain, induce hallucinations or trance-like states and can be dangerous if used for recreational purposes, which is why it is used under strict legal conditions in India and in other countries. While medical researchers have been studying ketamine therapy since the 1960s and 1970s, it gained traction in the early 2000s as a treatment against depression.
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