EAP August Newsletter

KETAMINE: What Flight Attendants Should Know
Understanding its Use, Effects, and Workplace Implications
Presented by AFA EAP / Professional Standards

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used for decades in medical settings for surgery and pain anagement.
More recently, it has gained attention for its off-label use in treating depression and PTSD, often when other treatments
have failed. Ketamine is administered in clinics under medical supervision, usually through intravenous (IV) infusions,
nasal spray (esketamine), or intramuscular injection.

Why Are People Talking About It?

Mental health care providers are exploring new treatment options for conditions like treatment-resistant depression. In
some cases, ketamine can offer rapid relief from severe symptoms. However, this doesn’t mean it’s without risks or that
it’s right for everyone. 

Is It Legal?

Yes—ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance in the U.S., meaning it has accepted medical uses but also potential
for misuse. Only licensed providers can administer it. The nasal spray version, Spravato (esketamine), is FDA-approved for
depression and is used in certified clinics.

Short-term effects include:
 Altered perception of time and space
 Detachment from surroundings or body
 Mild hallucinations
 Drowsiness and dizziness
 Elevated heart rate and blood pressure

Safety-Sensitive Implications for Flight Attendants

As a DOT-regulated, safety-sensitive employee, you must be fit for duty at all times. This includes residual impairment
that results from returning to work too soon after treatment.

Need Support?

Your AFA EAP/Professional Standards Committee is here to help—confidentially and without judgment. Whether you’re
exploring mental health treatment, facing challenges with a coworker, or unsure about a medication, you don’t have to
go it alone. 

Contact AFA EAP anytime. 800-424-2406

EAP Chair – Lynnette Clark – 503-729-4439

LEC 16 EAP LEC & Reps 
Anne Strand (LEC) – 206-940-4634 
Kim Van Wormer – 509-308-9553 
Miria Davis – 208-398-8612 

LEC 17 EAP LEC & Reps

Carrie Dennis (LEC) – 360-600-5988
Peter Oxentenko – 503-888-7271 
Chris Metz – 217-369-8735