The journey of ketamine, from its synthesis to its current therapeutic uses, is quite intriguing. This anesthetic drug, conceived by Calvin Stevens at Parke-Davis in 1962, quickly found its way to the battlefield during the Vietnam War ^[1]. It was a powerful tool for managing pain without provoking respiratory depression or the other common side effects linked with anesthetics of the time. Moreover, it was discovered that ketamine had calming effects, making it beneficial for treating anxiety and agitation in patients with psychiatric disorders.

Ketamine in the 1960s

By 1965, it was reported that ketamine could induce a "dissociative state," typified by dream-like experiences and sensations of being detached from one's own body. This effect led to its recreational use within the late 60s and 70s counterculture movement. However, its hallucinogenic side effects led to concerns and eventual regulation. It was later classified as a Schedule III controlled substance by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) ^[2].

Ketamine in the 1970s 

During the 1970s, the primary focus regarding ketamine remained on its medical applications as an anesthetic and analgesic. The dissociative state, which had been reported earlier, continued to be of interest in clinical settings for procedures requiring sedation. At the same time, anecdotal reports and initial observations hinted at the drug's potential antidepressant properties. Nonetheless, the systematic exploration of ketamine as an antidepressant did not gain significant traction during this decade. 

In medical settings, ketamine was highly valued for its ability to provide anesthesia without significantly depressing respiration, making it particularly useful in emergency situations and battlefield conditions similar to those experienced during the Vietnam War.

Ketamine in the 1980s and 1990s 

During the 1980s and 1990s, ketamine gained notoriety primarily as a recreational drug within the clubbing and rave scenes. Its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects made it popular among party-goers. Despite its growing popularity as a party drug, its potential therapeutic use was not widely recognized or extensively studied during this period. 

In the 1990s, while there may have been some isolated cases of off-label use of ketamine to treat various mental health conditions, extensive clinical trials focusing on its effectiveness in treating mental health conditions were not prominent during this decade. 

By the end of the 90s, while ketamine was recognized as a controlled substance in many countries, it wasn't broadly accepted as a valid treatment for mental health conditions. It was not until the late 20th and early 21st centuries that the medical community began to explore and recognize ketamine's potential therapeutic uses more fully​.

Ketamine in the 2000s 

The 2000s marked a period of increased exploration into the potential therapeutic uses of ketamine, particularly in the field of mental health. The decade was characterized by extensive research into ketamine's potential as a treatment for depression, and a growing number of clinics began administering low-dose ketamine for depression on an off-label basis. Despite this, it was not until 2019 that the FDA approved a form of ketamine (esketamine, sold as Spravato) for treatment-resistant depression ^[3].

Ketamine Today 

Currently, the use of ketamine in the medical field is more widespread than ever. It is frequently used off-label as an antidepressant and for managing anxiety. Additionally, it is being studied in clinical trials for various mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, and chronic pain syndromes. Ketamine has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation associated with certain physical illnesses. ^[4]

Ketamine infusion therapy, which involves administering intravenous infusions of low doses of ketamine over several days or weeks, is gaining popularity among psychiatrists and primary care physicians. Studies have shown that this form of treatment can provide quick relief from a variety of mental health conditions.

To sum up, the 2000s ushered in a new perspective on the potential medical benefits of ketamine beyond its conventional use as an anesthetic. Today, it is used off-label to manage a range of mental health conditions and physical illnesses. Ketamine infusion therapy has become increasingly popular due to its ability to provide fast relief for symptoms associated with these conditions, coupled with the potential for long-term benefits.

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