Tharcila Chaves - Is ketamine the first legal modern psychedelic treatment?

Ketamine is evaluated as a legal modern psychedelic treatment for treatment-resistant depression and chronic pain. The substance occupies a unique pharmacological niche, acting on the NMDA receptors within the glutamate system rather than the monoaminergic systems targeted by conventional antidepressants. This mechanism provides a potential breakthrough for patients who are refractory to standard therapies and exhibits effectiveness in reducing suicidal ideation. Despite its therapeutic potential, ketamine carries notable risks such as tolerance, addiction, and severe harm to the urinary tract. The rapid effect of ketamine on severe symptoms necessitates careful clinical oversight, leading to the development of specialized ketamine-assisted therapy models. The transition from substance to sanctioned treatment is complicated by market practices like branding and high pricing, which restrict access and create a divide between clinical usage and its recreative counterpart.