Ketamine prescriptions surge for pain, depression, anxiety treatment.

Prescriptions for‌ Ketamine Soar as Doctors Seek Alternatives to Opioids

The ‌demand for⁤ the⁣ psychedelic drug ketamine has‌ skyrocketed as doctors become more cautious about prescribing highly⁣ addictive opioids for pain management. According to Epic Research, the number of ketamine prescriptions ⁣has surged⁢ by over 500% ⁢since 2017, with pain being the primary reason ​for its prescription. Anxiety and depression are also driving‍ the increase in ketamine prescriptions.

This surge‌ in demand has led to shortages of manufactured ketamine, resulting in higher‍ sales of compounded versions. However, ‍the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued⁣ a warning ‍against compounded ketamine, ‌citing concerns about safety.

Ketamine‌ is ​gaining ⁢popularity as an alternative​ to opioids due to its affordability ⁢and⁢ the ability for ‍some⁢ nurses‍ to prescribe it. It can also be prescribed through telehealth and delivered ‍by mail. With a vial of ketamine selling ⁢for less than $100, physicians⁣ can charge between $500 and $1500 for an ⁤IV infusion.

Despite its growing use, there‌ is‌ limited⁤ research on ketamine’s​ effectiveness for⁢ pain management. Experts ⁣worry that ‌overprescribing​ ketamine could lead to a similar crisis as the opioid ‍epidemic.

Dr. Padma Gulur, a pain specialist at Duke University, expressed concerns about the lack of scientific evidence behind ketamine’s off-label use. She emphasized the need for ⁢more research before⁢ widespread adoption.

Research conducted by Dr. Gulur ‍and her ⁢colleagues revealed that patients on ketamine ⁣reported hallucinations, troubling thoughts, and visual disturbances. While some patients found these side effects horrifying, ‍they were willing to endure them ⁤for the potential functional improvement.

While there is more evidence supporting ketamine’s use for depression than⁢ for pain, the long-term neurological effects of the drug ​require further investigation. Rat studies have linked ketamine to brain abnormalities.

Although ketamine was originally approved as a surgical anesthetic over 50 years ago, the FDA has not ‍approved any non-surgical uses of the drug.

Despite this, ketamine clinics⁣ have⁤ emerged, offering IV⁣ infusions for various conditions such as alcohol addiction, chronic pain, ⁢anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, pain specialists caution that alternative‌ forms of ketamine,⁢ such as nasal sprays‌ and tablets, lack sufficient ‍evidence.

As ⁣ketamine clinics compete for ⁤business, telehealth services like MindBloom have also ⁣started providing ketamine prescriptions through mail-order services.

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What‌ are the advantages of ketamine‍ as a‌ cost-effective alternative to opioids for pain management?

It is a more cost-effective option compared to opioids. Additionally, ketamine has shown⁣ promising results in relieving pain ⁢and‌ symptoms of depression and anxiety, making it an attractive option for patients and doctors alike.

One of the key reasons why ⁤doctors are turning to ketamine is the growing concern around the opioid epidemic. Opioids, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, are highly addictive and can lead to severe health issues and even death. In ​recent years, there has been a ⁤push to find safer alternatives for pain management, ⁣and ketamine has emerged as a viable option.

Ketamine works differently from⁣ opioids, as it targets receptors in the⁣ brain that are responsible for pain⁢ and mood regulation. It has​ a⁣ rapid onset⁤ of action, providing quick relief ​for patients suffering ⁤from acute or⁣ chronic pain. In addition to⁢ its pain-relieving properties, ketamine has shown promise in treating treatment-resistant depression and⁤ anxiety disorders.

Another advantage of ketamine is its accessibility. While opioids require a prescription⁤ from a doctor, ‌ketamine can be prescribed by some‌ nurses, expanding the pool of healthcare professionals ‍who can⁢ administer the drug. Additionally, with the rise of telehealth‌ during the COVID-19 pandemic, patients can receive ketamine prescriptions remotely and ‌have⁣ the medication delivered⁤ to ⁣their doorstep, eliminating⁤ the need ⁤for in-person visits to healthcare facilities.

However, the increasing demand for ketamine has resulted in shortages of manufactured versions⁢ of the drug. This has led ​to a rise in compounded ketamine, which is mixed and prepared by compounding pharmacies. Compounded ketamine may not meet the same safety and quality standards as the ⁢manufactured version, leading‌ to concerns raised by the FDA.

The ​FDA has advised caution when it comes to ⁢compounded ketamine,​ urging healthcare professionals to consider the risks and​ benefits before prescribing or using the compounded form. They have also emphasized the importance of using ketamine in a controlled clinical setting, with proper monitoring and oversight.

As the demand‍ for⁢ alternatives to ​opioids continues to grow, it is vital for healthcare professionals to ‍carefully evaluate and monitor the⁣ use of ⁤ketamine. While it may provide relief for patients in pain or suffering‌ from ‌mental health conditions, it is crucial to prioritize patient safety and ensure that the prescriptions are based ​on thorough assessments and medical expertise.

In conclusion, the surge in ketamine prescriptions reflects the search for safe⁢ and effective alternatives to opioids for pain management. Ketamine’s affordability, accessibility, and potential benefits ⁤in⁣ treating mental health conditions make it ‍an attractive option for doctors and patients alike. However, the FDA’s warning against compounded ketamine highlights the need for caution and proper⁤ oversight. ​As the medical community continues to navigate​ the complexities of pain management, ‌it is crucial to strike a balance between providing effective care and ‍ensuring‍ patient safety.

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