New Zealand
Despite "striking" results of short term improvements in depression, it's still unclear how well ketamine relieves mental illness long-term, researchers write in the latest editorial for the New Zealand Medical Journal. They say that the drug may become less effective for a patient over time, and it may mask underlying causes of mental distress, like socio-economic issues. They are also concerned about pharmaceutical companies possibly influencing both consumer and doctor demand, and the high risk of the drug being used recreationally, which both have echoes of the recent opiate epidemic in the US.
From:
Ketamine is an exciting new treatment for depression. Unfortunately, depression symptoms often return after the course of ketamine ends. This creates challenges for clinicians wanting to use ketamine in routine care. Other exciting treatments have offered promise previously, but the fullness of time is required to understand all the risks and benefits of new treatments.
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