United States: The unsupervised use of potent anesthetic ketamine led to the death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry in 2023, which made Americans recognize its danger.
The top professional association for anesthesiologists in America recently published updated instructions about the correct method of administering the drug.
More about the news
Studies have raised concerns about using Ketamine for treatment since the evidence shows that some patients experience rapid depression relief.
New American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) guidelines state that anyone must avoid self-administration of Ketamine outside medical protocols and under proper dosing supervision.
According to ASA president Dr. Donald Arnold, after Perry’s death, there have been “a growing number of false or misleading statements and opinions in the press on its use,” US News reported.
“Ketamine was originally introduced and has its greatest use as an anesthetic,” he added.
“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,” Arnold continued.
What more are the experts stating?
Medical experts confirm that Ketamine represents a dangerous agent when not administered correctly through Perry’s tragic death.
The potential side effects of distributing Ketamine unlawfully include high blood pressure as well as respiratory slowing, respiratory failure, cardiac distress, and seizure activity.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only sanctioned Ketamine as an anesthetic agent according to the opinions expressed by the ASA.
The use of Ketamine in non-medical applications by patients through injections or infusion has increased recently.
However, as per the ASA’s latest statement, “Patients should only be prescribed the drug for a medical indication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, by an appropriately trained and licensed medical professional who monitors the patient with periodic face-to-face visits,” US News reported.
Furthermore, Ketamine, administered via IV drip or injection, should also “only be administered in a monitored setting under the care of a licensed health professional where appropriate rescue equipment is immediately available,” as per ASA guidance.