Korean J Anesthesiol.  2025 Apr;78(2):91-104. 10.4097/kja.24707.

A comprehensive analysis of propofol abuse, addiction and neuropharmacological aspects: an updated review

• Uzbay T
• Shahzadi A

• KMID: 2566167
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kja.24707

Abstract

This review aims to assess the existing studies on propofol, a relatively new intravenous anesthetic, related to its abuse and addictive potential and to explain the neurobiological and neuropharmacological aspects of propofol addiction. Several neurobiological factors related to complex processes in the brain influence propofol abuse and addiction. In this review, we assessed the literature regarding propofol abuse and addiction, including both experimental and clinical studies. We selected articles from animal studies, case reports, clinical trials, meta-analyses, narrative reviews, and systematic reviews to extract all relevant crucial quantitative data with a measure of neurobiological and neuropharmacological aspects. Thus, the main goal of this study was to investigate the current literature and discuss the association between the central nervous system and propofol abuse and addiction in the context of addictive behavior. Current data suggest that propofol has a strong addictive potential and produces prominent addiction in both animals and humans. Thus, medical practitioners should exercise caution with propofol use, and we argue that this drug should be added to the list of controlled substances.

Keyword

Abuse; Addiction; Anesthesia; Dependence; Misuse; Positive reinforcement; Propofol