Dive into the incredible, 60-year saga of ketamine! Our deep dive explores the fascinating journey of this molecule, originally known as CI-581, from its origins as an ‘older sibling’ to PCP (phencyclidine). Discover how it became the subject of the first-in-human study for a novel anesthetic. Learn about its unique status as the only “dissociative anesthetic”, noted for rapid onset, short duration, and minimal adverse cardiovascular or respiratory effects, yet also for its distinct psychic “syndrome” that led to the term “dissociative anesthesia”.

Explore how ketamine faced controversy and fell out of favor due to psychotomimetic effects and patient nightmares, only to experience a “rebirth” through scientific understanding of its NMDA receptor antagonism and the use of benzodiazepines to mitigate side effects. Witness its dramatic resurge ...