Ketamine, a molecule of many faces, has contributed immeasurably to numerous realms of clinical practice and scientific inquiry. From anesthesia and analgesia to depression and schizophrenia, it continues to shed light on the molecular underpinnings of pain, consciousness, and the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. In particular, research on ketamine's mechanism of action is providing new hope in the search for therapies for treatment-resistant depression and affords insights into disorders of glutamatergic dysfunction. In this Review, we will cover aspects of ketamine's synthesis, manufacturing, metabolism, pharmacology, approved and off-label indications, and adverse effects. We will also discuss the captivating history of this molecule, its influence on neuropsychiatry, and its potential to advance the fields of chemical neuroscience and neuropharmacology.
Keywords: Ketamine; anesthesia; depression; history; pharmacology; schizophrenia.