Discovering Ketamine with Dr. Edward Domino

Dr. Edward Domino, a foundational figure in early ketamine research, recounts his pioneering role in the discovery and medical implementation of dissociative anesthetics. He describes the initial administration of ketamine to human subjects, an experiment involving a prison population, and details how the specific psychiatric potential of the drug was first observed through these clinical interactions. The conversation sheds light on the origins of the dissociative category and underscores the substantial, often overlooked, contributions of early clinical study in defining modern anesthetic and psychopharmacological research. Beyond personal accounts, the dialogue highlights the collaborative nature of early psychopharmacology, acknowledging key researchers like Elliot Luby and their collective role in advancing the understanding of NMDA antagonists. Edward Domino emphasizes the ethical challenges inherent in that era of pharmaceutical research while reiterating the foundational value of clinician-patient observation in defining both the risks and clinical benefits of substances.