{"id":"e074eb3e-bc12-46a2-82d2-b30630750f06","slug":"liberal-use-of-ketamine-is-on-the-rise-a-critical-warning","title":"Liberal use of ketamine is on the rise! A critical warning!!","authors":["Ramsis F. Ghaly"],"abstract":"Background: The recent death of actor Matthew Perry from ketamine addiction highlights the rising availability and misuse of ketamine in the United States. Initially approved by the FDA in 1970 as an anesthetic for humans, ketamine has seen increased recreational use, particularly since its approval for psychiatric applications in 2019. This trend raises concerns about its potential for addiction and overdose. Summary: The author expresses alarm over the liberal use of ketamine, which has been adopted as part of opioid-free anesthesia protocols. Despite its effectiveness as an anesthetic, the lack of stringent regulations and the proliferation of ketamine clinics have contributed to its misuse. The author warns that ketamine is not a benign drug and can lead to severe mental intoxication and overdose. Conclusion: The author calls for greater awareness and restrictions on the use of ketamine outside of controlled medical settings. Emphasizing its addictive potential, the letter urges the medical community and the public to recognize the risks associated with the liberal use of ketamine, advocating for careful monitoring and quality control. Keywords: ketamine, addiction, overdose, anesthesia, opioid-free, psychiatric use, misuse, regulation","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/placeholders/specialty/socio-economics-politics-and-medicine.png","publishDate":"2024-09-27T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_700_2024","categories":["Socio-Economics, Politics, and Medicine","Letter to the Editor"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/13114/SNI-15-353.pdf"}