Ketamine, a medication historically used as an anaesthetic, is experiencing a surge in popularity as a treatment for depression and other mental health conditions. This rise coincides with the emergence of mail-order ketamine therapy clinics, offering convenient access to the drug from the comfort of home. However, this trend has sparked concerns from medical professionals who warn of potential dangers associated with unsupervised use.

The Allure of Ketamine Therapy

Research suggests ketamine can be effective in treating treatment-resistant depression, a condition where traditional medications fail to produce relief. This has led many patients to seek alternative treatment options, including ketamine therapy. While traditionally administered through infusions in a clinical setting, mail-order clinics offer lozenges, nasal sprays, and more recently, injectable forms of the drug delivered directly to patients’ homes.

The American Society of Physicians, Psychotherapists, and Practitioners (ASKP3) has raised a red flag regarding clinics offering liquid ketamine with syringes for self-injection. Experts warn that this practice bypasses crucial safety measures. Self-injection carries risks of infection, misuse, and potential overdose. Additionally, injectable ketamine can cause painful abscesses requiring medical intervention.

The FDA Weighs In

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved ketamine for treating psychiatric disorders. They caution that using ketamine outside of a monitored setting can lead to serious adverse effects. This is concerning especially in light of some mail-order clinics citing studies with questionable methodologies to support their claims of safety and efficacy.

The Case of Mindbloom

Mindbloom, a prominent mail-order ketamine therapy clinic, has been at the centre of this controversy. Their website boasts a study claiming high success rates for their at-home ketamine treatment. However, this research has been criticised by medical professionals who point out methodological flaws and a lack of long-term follow-up data. Furthermore, Mindbloom has been accused of offering injectable ketamine as an option for patients who haven’t responded well to lozenges, a practice raising concerns from ASKPP3.

Source

Dailymail