- What began as a good anaesthetic because of its pain-beating properties has evolved into a so-called game-changing treatment for depression, but with no clear guidelines, clinics are cashing in.
- Also linked with the party scene and celebrity scandals, ketamine is promoted online as a treatment for migraines, anxiety, addiction and ADHD, but are these claims credible?
- In South Africa, doctors can prescribe ketamine, even though drip infusions haven’t been approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority for anything outside of anaesthesia.
- Specialists warn that ketamine therapy requires expert training and monitoring.
- Psychiatrist Bavi Vythilingum, who runs a clinic offering ketamine infusions with an anaesthetist present, reports good results, but is concerned about “cowboy clinics” run by doctors without extra training in psychiatry and anaesthesiology.
This story was produced by the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism. Sign up for the newsletter.
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