Canada is experiencing a ketamine shortage. What this means for clinics treating depression – CTV
May 14, 2023
A shortage of a powerful drug used in surgeries is impacting some Canadians who’ve been approved to use it for mental health treatment.
The strong sedative ketamine, sold on the black market under other names like Special-K, is a fast-acting painkiller and anesthetic. It’s also being used in some specialized clinics across Canada aiding those with severe depression.
But recently, the drug has been in short supply in the country.
Paul Varady, vice-president of regulatory affairs at Juno Pharmaceuticals, told CTVNews.ca in an interview that “numerous reasons” are behind this shortage.
“Over the last few years, there’s been a shortage of ingredients, a shortage of different materials needed to manufacture different products, not just ketamine,” Varady said. “And as a result, there’s been a shortage of products available in general.”
