Taipei:Three Taiwanese medical associations have issued a joint statement opposing the use of the anesthetic propofol for treating insomnia, in response to reports of its misuse by clinics in Taiwan.

According to Focus Taiwan, the Taiwan Society of Anesthesiologists, the Taiwanese Society of Psychiatry, and the Taiwanese Society of Addiction Science emphasized that propofol is an intravenous anesthetic and sedative not indicated for treating insomnia or depression. The associations stressed that the drug-induced loss of consciousness is not equivalent to normal sleep.

The associations expressed strong opposition to the misuse of propofol and urged medical professionals to exercise caution when administering general anesthetics. They warned against promoting propofol as a "sleep aid" or a means of "improving emotional well-being," noting that such claims could mislead patients and their families.

Citing the death of international pop star Michael Jackson, who died from acute propofol intoxication after receiving the drug from his personal physician, the associations urged individuals experiencing psychological distress to seek evaluation and treatment from a psychiatrist.

The statement was prompted by reports of disputes involving Taiwanese clinics using propofol to treat insomnia. Known locally as the "milk injection" due to its milky-white appearance, propofol has been implicated in cases such as one involving a New Taipei clinic accused of charging nearly NT$1 million (US$30,000) for propofol injections, which allegedly led to drug dependence.

While some doctors describe the use of propofol for insomnia as "off-label use," Taiwan Society of Anesthesiologists Secretary-General Chou Wei-han noted that off-label prescribing is common but must be medically justified and ethically appropriate, with patient safety carefully assessed. Chou added that there are no international clinical guidelines recommending propofol for insomnia treatment.

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang reiterated that propofol is an anesthetic, not routinely used for insomnia treatment. He warned that using propofol for insomnia could constitute improper medical practice under the Medical Care Act, and the ministry has not ruled out investigating such cases. Since 2015, propofol has been classified as a Category 4 narcotic in Taiwan, and its misuse has occasionally led to deaths both in Taiwan and abroad.