Ketamine was introduced to the market in the 1960’s as an anesthesia offering a higher safety profile than traditional anesthetics. It quickly gained widespread use as an anesthetic in both human and veterinary medicine due to its ability to produce a dissociative state, in which the patient remains conscious but is unable to feel pain.

In the decades since its introduction, ketamine has become a widely used anesthetic in medical settings around the world. It is especially useful in emergency and battlefield situations, as it can be administered through an IV or as an intramuscular injection, allowing for rapid onset of action.

In addition to its use as an anesthetic, ketamine has also been studied for its potential in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. More recently, it has gained attention as a potential treatment for treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions, with some studies showing promising results.

Today, ketamine continues to be a valuable tool in the medical field, with a long history of safe and effective use as an anesthetic and a growing body of research supporting its potential as a treatment for a variety of conditions.