Designer Drugs: A New Look at Some Old (And Not So Old) Drugs

Panelists discuss new medical applications for commonly misused drugs. “Club Drugs” including nitrous oxide, ketamine, and MDMA, are seeing increasing use by medical doctors as treatments for conditions like depression and PTSD, despite not being approved for such use by the FDA. The panelists talk about the abuse of these drugs and their research into new, legitimate uses.

Ketamine, widely used legally as an anesthetic and illegally in club settings, is emerging as a potential new treatment for some types of depression. Dr. Gerard Sanacora—Professor of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine—shares his research on ketamine and its uses in treating depression.

Dental patients are familiar with nitrous oxide, popularly known as “laughing gas.” Dr. Charles Conway—Professor of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis—discusses his research on nitrous oxide and its potential as a treatment for depression.

Dr. Jean Lud Cadet—Chief of the Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch and Associate Director for Diversity and Outreach, Intramural Research Program of NIDA—discusses the potential use and misuse of MDMA, methamphetamine, and other drugs for PTSD and other psychiatric diatheses.

Panelists

Mark S. Gold, M.D. (Moderator)
Chairman of Rivermend Health’s Scientific Advisory Boards

Gerard Sanacora, Ph.D., M.D.
Professor of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine; Director, Yale Depression Research Program; Co-Director, Yale New Haven Hospital Interventional Psychiatry Service
Topic: “Ketamine for Depression”

Charles Conway, M.D.
Professor of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Topic: “Laughing Gas and Other Drugs of Abuse Used as Treatments for Depression”

Jean Lud Cadet, M.D.
Chief of the Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch and Associate Director for Diversity and Outreach at the Intramural Research Program (IRP) of NIDA
Topic: “Potential Use and Abuse of MDMA, Methamphetamine, and Other Drugs for PTSD and Other Psychiatric Diatheses”