The treatment of depression has become more popular in recent years as a result of the use of the lower dose of the traditional anesthetic. The clinics haven't been as regulated as research has shown its promise. Ladan Eshkevari, nurse anesthesiologist and CEO of Avesta Ketamine Wellness Center, said that if there are regulations, it will be on the boards for nursing and medicine. With the world we live in, we have to be more conscientious and ethical than ever before.
The dose of ketamine is less than in the operating room. The autopsy report states that the drug's half-life is only a few hours, and that the injection wouldn't have lasted that long. His death was ruled an accident because of the high levels of the drug in his system. The autopsy report said there were factors that contributed to the death of the man, who had been sober for 19 months.
People with a history of substance use disorders are at risk for using ketamine for mental health. "It's not a normal drug to be used by a regular person at all." Matthew Perry's death was linked to the use of ketamine.
Two studies showed that esketamine could be used to treat depression. The FDA warned about risks of compounded ketamine, including oral products, to treat psychiatric disorders.
Eshkevari said doctors prescribe exact amounts of esketamine. She said that doctors don't prescribe oral ketamine for people with a history of substance use disorder. A mental health professional watches patients during treatment.
People should be aware of what the clinics do.
Sam Mandel, co-founder and CEO of Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles, said patients with appointments have email concerns. Eshkevari said there is no connection between therapeutic, clinic use of ketamine and what happened with Matthew. She said that people can get it through online pharmacy, which is a risk with people trying to dose themselves.