FDA seeks comments on potential scheduling change for ketamine

The World Health Organization (WHO) came under attack earlier this year from veterinarians concerned that it might reclassify the narcotic ketamine, thereby making it difficult to obtain. Ketamine, known to addicts as Special K, is widely used by veterinarians as an anesthetic to treat large and small animals. Ketamine is currently regulated in the U.S. as a Schedule III drug, placing some controls on how it is dispensed, but further WHO oversight could make it impossible for veterinarians to access it. The FDA is now preparing to respond to WHO's idea, but in so doing, the agency would like to hear from the public on the potential impact of scheduling changes for ketamine and 9 other drugs under discussion. The agency is taking comments until October 15 via the Federal Register. Notice