Ketamine Telehealth Boom Raises Addiction, Safety Alarms
Source: wsj.com
- Online clinics prescribe ketamine - a drug used for depression but also anesthesia - with little doctor oversight, leading to risky overuse.
- Patients report severe side effects like bladder damage and addiction after easy access through telehealth apps.
- Regulators warn of hundreds of adverse events, pushing for tighter rules on these virtual prescriptions.
Ketamine telehealth services have exploded, offering quick prescriptions for at-home use to treat depression. This convenience comes with big risks, as patients face addiction and health damage without proper monitoring. The article spotlights patient stories and regulatory concerns amid a $500 million industry.