The American Society of Anesthesiologists’ Call for Ketamine Treatment Oversight
Ketamine therapy is becoming a popular option for treating mental health conditions like PTSD and depression. However, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) urges caution in its use. While the drug can provide rapid relief, the ASA insists that trained professionals should administer it in regulated settings with proper medical supervision.
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Anesthesiologists Play a Leading Role
Anesthesiologists play a key role in the growing number of ketamine clinics nationwide. As experts in managing anesthesia and sedation, they are uniquely equipped to oversee ketamine treatments. In fact, the ASA highlights that most ketamine clinics are led by anesthesiologists, ensuring they follow critical safety protocols.
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Here’s what they recommend:
“ASA strongly believes that the administration of ketamine should adhere to the same standards as other anesthetic medications.
- The general principles of ketamine use for non-anesthesia indications should follow the same general prescribing principles as other sedating medications. See previous ASA communications regarding ketamine.
- Ketamine should only be prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, for a medical indication, by an appropriately trained and licensed medical professional who is monitoring the plan with periodic face-to-face visits.
- Ketamine treatment should have a therapeutic endpoint and a defined treatment course.
- Medical professionals should take steps to ensure that the ketamine therapy is being used as prescribed.
- Medical professionals should be vigilant for diversion to non-medical purposes.
- Ketamine should be prescribed at the minimum dose necessary to achieve a desired clinical effect.
- Patients should be educated about the possible adverse effects of ketamine use.
- Ketamine should not be administered in doses that produce excessive sedation, unconsciousness or unresponsiveness, except when it is being used as a procedural anesthetic administered by a licensed health care professional in an appropriately equipped setting.
- Intravenous and Intramuscular ketamine should only be administered in a monitored setting under the care of a licensed health care professional where appropriate rescue equipment is immediately available.”
Ensuring Professional Oversight
The ASA strongly warns against using ketamine in unsupervised or unregulated environments. Without proper oversight, patients may experience serious complications, such as elevated blood pressure or respiratory issues. Therefore, the ASA stresses that medical professionals must administer ketamine in controlled environments, with monitoring and emergency equipment on hand.
A Call for Safe Use
The ASA calls for a standardized approach to ketamine therapy. They recommend that healthcare providers use ketamine as part of a broader treatment plan. Additionally, they emphasize that doctors should use the lowest effective doses to minimize risks. Anesthesiologists, with their expertise, remain crucial in ensuring ketamine’s safe use.
By strengthening safety protocols, the ASA works to ensure ketamine’s potential is harnessed responsibly and effectively.
