Ketamine may be revolutionary antidepressant – Wel.nl

The advance of psychedelic drugs to remedy psychological problems is going fast. Ketamine nasal spray is already on sale for depression. But doctors are now warning against hasty introduction of the drugs.

Ketamine, MDMA and psylocibine are especially popular against depression, writes the NOS. But the problem is that patients start experimenting themselves, while it is better to take the drugs under supervision. Almost one in five Dutch people will develop a depression in their lifetime. At 30 percent, the usual antidepressants do not work. Drugs can then be a solution.

Several studies have already shown that MDMA and ketamine have a positive effect, not only on depression, but also on anxiety disorders and ptsd. The effect is said to occur after just one dose.

“This could be a revolution in psychiatric treatment. No really new drugs have been developed in years,” says professor Robert Schoevers, who, together with 14 other scientists, signed a manifesto in which they argue for better medical guidance in this area.

But he urges caution. “We still know too little about the long-term effects and about the effects in the most vulnerable patients. More research is needed, so that you can implement this more broadly with confidence. The Netherlands should not stand by and watch this development. “

Esketamine, a variant of ketamine, has since been registered as a medicine against major depression. More psychedelic drugs are expected to follow in the coming years.