Ketamine applications beyond anesthesia - A literature review

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pharmacology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Ketamine was initially used for anesthesia and analgesia but its psychodysleptic effects limited its application.
• Despite side effects, ketamine remains relevant in veterinary, field, and specialist anesthesia.
• Recent research uncovers novel therapeutic potentials for ketamine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the established and emerging clinical applications of ketamine.
• To discuss ketamine's role in pain management, mental health, and other conditions.
• To highlight the need for caution due to unknown mechanisms and long-term effects.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of clinical studies and research on ketamine.
• Analysis of historical and current applications of ketamine.
• Synthesis of findings on ketamine's efficacy and safety.

Main Results:

• Ketamine is used for acute, chronic, and cancer pain.
• Promising antidepressant and antisuicidal properties are reported.
• Potential applications include addiction treatment, asthma management, and cancer growth inhibition.
• Ketamine is also used in animal models of schizophrenia.

Conclusions:

• Ketamine's clinical utility is expanding beyond its traditional anesthetic role.
• Emerging research suggests significant potential in psychiatric and oncological applications.
• Further investigation into ketamine's mechanisms of action and long-term safety is crucial.