Canada is experiencing a ketamine shortage. What this means for clinics treating depression

Use of a powerful drug best known to some by its black market names was recently approved as a treatment for depression, but a shortage means many Canadians aren't able to access it.

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 Verity, 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," Verity said. "And as a result, there's been a shortage of products available in general."

Products typically end up in the largest markets where they can be used the most, Verity says. This also means the availability of products can be driven by price, something Canada has pushed back against, adding "pressure" for lower-cost medications, he said.

"All of those things act together, and in some instances (a shortage) is how it turns out," Verity said.