From Battlefield Anesthetic to Mental Health and Chronic Pain Treatment
Ketamine, a drug that has been in use for over half a century, has a fascinating history and an even more intriguing present. Originally developed as an anesthetic, it is now gaining recognition for its potential in treating mental health disorders and chronic pain.
The Birth of Ketamine
Ketamine was first synthesized in 1962 by American scientist Calvin Stevens at Parke Davis Laboratories. The goal was to find a safer anesthetic to replace phencyclidine (PCP), which produced severe hallucinogenic effects upon recovery of consciousness. Ketamine was patented in Belgium in 1963 and approved for use in humans by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1970.
During the Vietnam War, ketamine was extensively used for surgical anesthesia due to its safety profile. Unlike other anesthetics, ketamine does not depress respiration or other basic functions of the central nervous system. It induces a state of dissociative anesthesia, providing pain relief, sedation, and amnesia.
Ketamine and Mental Health
In recent years, ketamine has been studied for its potential in treating mental health conditions. It has been shown to be particularly effective for people suffering from a variety of treatment-resistant mental health disorders. These are patients who have tried many medications and treatments and still do not get well.
Ketamine works by causing physical growth in the prefrontal cortex and other areas of the brain associated with emotion regulation and mental health disorders. It also establishes new connections among neurons while repairing damaged cells. It builds new pathways in the brain that improve function in the areas of mood, function, sleep, and others.
Ketamine therapy is a clinically proven, effective, fast-acting, and safe treatment for mental health conditions. IV infusions of ketamine are the gold-standard route of administration and are the most effective. Combining psychotherapy with ketamine can make the treatment much more effective as well.
Ketamine and Chronic Pain
Ketamine therapy is a newer approach to managing chronic pain. While ketamine therapy isn’t typically a first-line treatment, it may be an option if other pain management strategies haven’t worked. Ketamine therapy is most commonly used for neuropathic pain and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
Ketamine works by altering the activity of neurons in the brain. It acts on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain, blocking the neurotransmitter glutamate from activating the NMDA receptor. When ketamine occupies the receptor, you start to feel sleepy, rather than alert and awake.
In addition to these effects, ketamine can work on opioid receptors, reducing pain sensations. It can also block some sodium and potassium channels, similar to what local anesthetics do. Ketamine can help increase the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABA) in the brain, causing the brain to experience relaxed, slowed-down sensations.
Where We Are Today
The journey of ketamine from a battlefield anesthetic to a potential treatment for mental health disorders and chronic pain is a testament to the evolving nature of medicine. As research continues, the full potential of this versatile drug is yet to be uncovered. However, it’s important to remember that while ketamine shows promise, it’s not a magic bullet. It should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan under the supervision of a healthcare provider.