Ketamine-an update on its clinical uses and abuses

CNS Neurosci Ther. 2014 Dec;20(12):1015-20. doi: 10.1111/cns.12363.

Abstract

This review highlights the recent clinical research that supports the therapeutic utility of ketamine as a multifaceted drug. After long-term use as a dissociative anesthetic, it has re-emerged as a useful agent for ameliorating pain, asthmaticus, and depression. In addition, it is also a substance of abuse. Chronic ketamine abuse over prolonged periods (weeks, months, and years) can produce toxicity to the gastrointestinal and urinary tract. In this review, we described the recent progress on its clinical uses and abuses.

Keywords: Abuse; Antidepressant; Asthmaticus; Ketamine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Asthma / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / etiology
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Ketamine / therapeutic use*
  • Pain / drug therapy
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications
  • Substance-Related Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Urinary Tract / drug effects

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Ketamine