Study Finds Misleading Online Advertising of Off-Label Ketamine Treatments Despite Lack of FDA Approval and Research Evidence

Misleading Claims Pose Risks to Vulnerable Mental Health Patients Seeking Quick Fixes; Study Raises Concerns Over Growing Popularity and Lack of Regulation of Off-Label Ketamine Treatments Across Hundreds of Clinics Nationwide.

Hundreds of clinics throughout the United States are leveraging deceptive online advertising to sell unapproved and off-label ketamine treatments for mental health conditions and pain. These false claims pose major risks to vulnerable mental health patients looking for quick solutions.
Researchers discovered that certain clinic websites that promoted off-label use of ketamine were blatantly making false claims about the drug’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval status.
Even though the FDA has not approved ketamine for any mental health condition, it is often used off-label for these purposes. The accessibility and affordability of the drug make it an enticing option, especially when orally administered formulas can be frequently advertised to produce an at-home hallucinogenic experience.
Patients typically must pay for these off-label treatments out of pocket, and the evidence supporting these uses often isn’t as solid as it's made out to be. This incorrect representation of ketamine's potential risks and benefits misleads consumers.
The projected prevalence is concerning, with almost 800 such clinics existing nationwide. This growing trend indicates a need for further research and regulation, and the potential for a subsequent national survey.