1705 results for "Ketamine"
Rationale and design of a large trial of perioperative ketamine for prevention of chronic post-surgical pain.
Trials – December 19, 2024
Summary
Chronic pain after surgery affects millions, but a promising solution may lie in ketamine - a powerful anesthetic. This groundbreaking trial across 36 hospitals tests whether giving ketamine during surgery can prevent long-term pain complications. Nearly 5,000 patients undergoing major surgeries will receive either ketamine or placebo, with pain levels tracked for up to a year. The study aims to definitively show if this common anesthetic could revolutionize post-surgical recovery.
Abstract
Chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) is recognised as one of the most common and debilitating complications of major surgery. Progression from acute t...
Resting-State Electroencephalogram Complexity Is Associated With Oral Ketamine Treatment Response: A Bayesian Analysis of Lempel-Ziv Complexity and Multiscale Entropy.
Brain and behavior – November 01, 2024
Summary
Brain activity patterns may predict who will benefit from ketamine treatment for suicidal thoughts. Scientists found that patients who responded well to ketamine showed distinct electrical patterns in their brain's left frontal area during electroencephalogram recordings. Higher complexity in these brain signals before treatment was linked to better outcomes, suggesting doctors could potentially identify ideal candidates for ketamine therapy.
Abstract
Subanesthetic doses of ketamine are a promising novel treatment for suicidality; however, the evidence for predictive biomarkers is sparse. Recentl...
Morphological correlates of anxiety-related experiences during a ketamine infusion.
The world journal of biological psychiatry : the official journal of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry – November 01, 2024
Summary
Brain size matters when it comes to ketamine experiences. New findings reveal that people with smaller hippocampus regions tend to experience more anxiety during ketamine treatment. By examining brain morphology through advanced imaging, researchers found that the size of specific brain areas, particularly the hippocampus and amygdala, can predict how individuals might react to ketamine therapy. This insight could help doctors better prepare patients for treatment.
Abstract
Ketamine exerts rapid antidepressant effects by enhancing neuroplasticity, particularly in the amygdala and hippocampus-regions involved in fear pr...
Sleep alterations in treatment-resistant depression patients undergoing ketamine treatment.
Pharmacological reports : PR – December 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine therapy's impact on sleep patterns in people with treatment-resistant depression reveals unexpected findings. While this promising depression treatment helps many patients, a group of 28 individuals receiving ketamine infusions showed no significant changes in their sleep patterns - including issues like insomnia and early morning waking. This challenges previous research suggesting ketamine improves sleep quality during treatment.
Abstract
This study examines self-reported sleep alterations in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) inpatients following intravenous ketamine administratio...
Off-label Use of Lamotrigine and Naltrexone in the Treatment of Ketamine Use Disorder: A Case Report.
Journal of addiction medicine
Summary
A promising treatment breakthrough emerges for ketamine addiction: combining two existing medications - lamotrigine and naltrexone - helped a patient overcome severe cravings and achieve sustained recovery. The medications reduced hallucinogenic effects, triggered nausea when using ketamine, and decreased cravings. When paired with therapy and support groups, this novel approach offers hope for treating ketamine dependency.
Abstract
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic increasingly utilized in United States medical settings for the treatment of mental health conditions. Additi...
Out-of-Hospital Intranasal Ketamine as an Adjunct to Fentanyl for the Treatment of Acute Traumatic Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Annals of emergency medicine – October 01, 2024
Summary
Adding nasal ketamine to fentanyl for emergency pain control showed no significant advantage in treating acute trauma pain before hospital arrival. In this trial, paramedics treated injured patients with either standard fentanyl plus ketamine or fentanyl plus placebo. While 45% of ketamine patients reported improved pain versus 36% with placebo, the difference wasn't meaningful enough to justify changing current practices.
Abstract
To evaluate if out-of-hospital administration of fentanyl and intranasal ketamine, compared to fentanyl alone, improves early pain control after in...
Effects of ketamine on the severity of depression and anxiety following postoperative mechanical ventilation: a single-blind randomized clinical trial in Iran.
Acute and critical care – May 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine shows promising results in protecting brain surgery patients from post-ICU mental health challenges. In this breakthrough finding, patients receiving ketamine during mechanical ventilation experienced significantly lower anxiety and depression levels compared to those given standard midazolam treatment. The six-month follow-up revealed lasting benefits, with ketamine patients showing better mental health outcomes after intensive care unit stays.
Abstract
In this study, we compare the effects of ketamine and the combination of midazolam and morphine on the severity of depression and anxiety in mechan...
Subanesthetic Ketamine Suppresses Locus Coeruleus-Mediated Alertness Effects: A 7T fMRI Study.
The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology – June 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's impact on brain alertness reveals a surprising connection to mood disorders. Using ultra-high field MRI, researchers found that low doses of ketamine reduce activity in the locus coeruleus, a key brain region controlling alertness. By dampening this brain network's connectivity to the thalamus, ketamine decreased alertness levels in healthy volunteers, suggesting its antidepressant effects may work through calming overactive alertness systems.
Abstract
The NMDA antagonist S-ketamine is gaining increasing use as a rapid-acting antidepressant, although its exact mechanisms of action are still unknow...
The association between ketamine and esketamine with alcohol and substance misuse: Reports to the Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system (FAERS).
Journal of affective disorders – September 01, 2024
Summary
While ketamine shows promise for treatment-resistant depression, new data from FDA adverse event reports reveals contrasting safety profiles between ketamine and esketamine. Ketamine showed higher rates of substance misuse reports, while esketamine actually had lower rates of drug abuse and dependence. This analysis of FAERS data helps inform the ongoing discussion about abuse liability in depression treatments.
Abstract
Ketamine and esketamine have been proven to be effective in treating adults with treatment resistant depression (TRD). Preliminary evidence indicat...
Evidence from preclinical and clinical metabolomics studies on the antidepressant effects of ketamine and esketamine.
Neuroscience letters – May 14, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough findings reveal how ketamine and esketamine combat treatment-resistant depression by altering the body's metabolic pathways. Using advanced metabolomics, researchers identified key changes in energy production, brain signaling, and cellular health after treatment. These biomarkers could revolutionize precision psychiatry, helping doctors predict who will respond best to these medications.
Abstract
The antidepressant effects of ketamine and esketamine are well-documented. Nonetheless, most of the underlying molecular mechanisms have to be unco...
A retrospective analysis of iv ketamine outcome on hospitalisations in an unselected psychiatric sample.
Acta neuropsychiatrica – April 25, 2024
Summary
Ketamine, a promising antidepressive agent, shows potential in treating severe mood disorders. In a clinical analysis of 46 patients with treatment-resistant depression, ketamine therapy reduced depressive symptoms in about one-third of participants. While the treatment demonstrated effectiveness in complex cases, it didn't significantly reduce hospital stays. This highlights ketamine's role as one tool in managing severe psychiatric conditions.
Abstract
This study aims to explore the outcome with iv ketamine treatment in a real-world clinical setting, primarily measured as posttreatment days hospit...
Ketamine for the multivariate effect of PTSD: Systematic review and meta-analysis
medRxiv Preprint Server – June 13, 2021
Summary
New research suggests ketamine could offer significant relief for individuals with long-term trauma. An extensive review of data from 705 patients investigated ketamine as a potential treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While not recommended for short-term cases, findings indicate ketamine effectively reduced symptoms in chronic PTSD, ameliorating arousal, avoidance, and dissociative symptoms. This highlights its promise as a new therapeutic approach.
Abstract
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the efficacy, anti-effect of ketamine (intervention) for post-traumatic stress d...
Multiday intravenous ketamine infusion therapy for the management of central sensitisation syndrome secondary to chronic chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain.
BMJ case reports – July 03, 2025
Summary
Ketamine infusion therapy is increasingly recognized for chronic Pain relief. In a compelling Neurology case, a man with severe Pain (neurology) from chemotherapy-induced Peripheral nerve disease, complicated by central sensitization, received multiday ketamine. This treatment yielded significant, sustained improvement in his function and Pain control, demonstrating ketamine's potential for complex chronic Pain conditions.
Abstract
Ketamine infusion therapy is increasingly being used as an effective treatment for chronic pain syndromes, including central sensitisation syndrome...
Effects of s-ketamine combined with sevoflurane anesthesia on postoperative cellular immune function and inflammatory response in radical esophageal cancer surgery: A double-blind randomized trial.
Medicine – June 20, 2025
Summary
Anesthesia choices can profoundly impact recovery after major surgery. Researchers explored if adding s-ketamine to standard anesthesia for esophageal cancer surgery could improve immunity and reduce inflammation. Patients undergoing tumor removal received either standard sevoflurane or s-ketamine combined. While cellular immunity and inflammation markers were similar, patients given s-ketamine had a significantly shorter hospital stay, a positive recovery benefit.
Abstract
Immunosuppression and inflammation are associated with postoperative rehabilitation and tumor prognosis. This study aimed to explore the effects of...
Ketamine in Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Effects on Inflammatory Markers and Clinical Outcomes.
Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia – October 01, 2025
Summary
A systematic review and meta-analysis in cardiac surgery patients revealed a key finding: ketamine significantly reduced the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 during off-pump procedures and immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass. This suggests ketamine effectively targets inflammation in specific scenarios. While these positive effects on inflammation were observed, they didn't universally translate into improved clinical outcomes like shorter recovery times across all cardiac surgery types.
Abstract
Cardiac surgery triggers a systemic inflammatory response, especially when cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is used, which may contribute to postoperat...
Spectral signatures of psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and ketamine in healthy volunteers and persons with major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression: A systematic review.
Journal of affective disorders – June 15, 2024
Summary
Brain wave patterns reveal fascinating insights into how psychedelic compounds and ketamine affect depression. Using electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography, researchers found that both serotonergic psychedelics and glutamatergic dissociatives create distinct spectral signatures in the brain, showing increased theta waves and decreased alpha activity. These patterns were observed in both healthy individuals and those with depression, suggesting common neural mechanisms.
Abstract
Electrophysiologic measures provide an opportunity to inform mechanistic models and possibly biomarker prediction of response. Serotonergic psyched...
A Promising Route for Established Indications: A Systematic Review of Nebulized Ketamine in Pain.
Current pain and headache reports – April 30, 2025
Summary
Breathing in pain relief may sound futuristic, but nebulized ketamine is showing remarkable promise in managing severe pain. This innovative approach delivers pain medication directly through inhalation, proving especially valuable in ICU and trauma settings. Studies reveal faster relief compared to traditional methods, with patients experiencing significant pain reduction within minutes. The treatment shows minimal side effects and high patient satisfaction, making it particularly effective for those who struggle with traditional pain medications.
Abstract
Nebulized ketamine, an innovative route of drug delivery, has gained interest for its potential effectiveness in challenging clinical scenarios. Th...
Monitoring the dynamics of ketamine analogues use in China through wastewater analysis: The emergence of 2-FDCNEK and 2-MDCK.
The Science of the total environment – December 20, 2024
Summary
Scientists discovered emerging ketamine analogues in wastewater across 21 Chinese cities, revealing shifting patterns in drug use. Through innovative wastewater analysis, researchers tracked these new psychoactive substances, finding that while some variants quickly disappeared, others showed concerning persistence. The study identified 2-FDCNEK as the most prevalent analogue, while older variants declined following regulation.
Abstract
Ketamine analogues are rapidly emerging around the world and are considered one of the new psychoactive substances (NPS) of greatest concern. Howev...
Time-dependent antidepressant-like effects of reelin and ketamine in the repeated-corticosterone model of chronic stress.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – June 08, 2024
Summary
New hope emerges in depression treatment as researchers discover that reelin, a natural brain protein, works as quickly as ketamine to combat chronic stress effects. When combined, these rapid-acting antidepressants showed enhanced benefits lasting up to a week. The treatments restored normal behavior and brain chemistry in stressed rats, suggesting a promising pathway for helping patients who don't respond to traditional antidepressants.
Abstract
There is an urgent need for novel antidepressants, given that approximately 30% of those diagnosed with depression do not respond adequately to fir...
Prenatal ketamine exposure impairs prepulse inhibition via arginine vasopressin receptor 1A-mediated GABAergic neuronal dysfunction in the striatum.
Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie – April 01, 2023
Summary
Prenatal exposure to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists like ketamine or Methoxetamine can induce psychosis-like behaviors in offspring. Administering these to pregnant rats led to reduced Prepulse inhibition and increased Arginine vasopressin receptor 1A expression in offspring's striatum. Overexpressing Arginine vasopressin receptor 1A inhibited Prepulse inhibition. Treatment also elevated δ-aminobutyric acid levels. This indicates prenatal N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist exposure causes δ-aminobutyric acid neuronal dysfunction and sensorimotor gating issues by regulating Arginine vasopressin receptor 1A.
Abstract
Ketamine is a widely used anesthetic with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonism. Exposure to ketamine and NMDA receptor antagonists may i...
Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ for PTSD: investigating the synergistic effects of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy
European journal of psychotraumatology – November 04, 2025
Summary
In a promising approach to treating PTSD, combining low-dose sublingual ketamine with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms. In a study of eight clients, symptom scores dropped from an average of 15.50 to 9.88 after four sessions, representing a large effect size of 1.01. Functional impairment also decreased from 8.50 to 5.25, with a notable effect size of 0.82. Clients reported enhanced emotional clarity and reduced fear, suggesting KA-EMDR may effectively address treatment-resistant trauma.
Abstract
Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with maladaptive memory reconsolidation and overgeneralized fear responses. EMDR the...
Neuroprotective Role of Ketamine in Reducing Neuroinflammation and Enhancing Neuroplasticity Against a Cortisol-Induced In Vitro Stress Model.
Molecular neurobiology – June 05, 2025
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals how ketamine protects brain cells from stress-induced damage. High cortisol levels from chronic stress can trigger inflammation and harm neural connections. However, ketamine was found to shield neurons by blocking inflammatory signals (NF-κB and NLRP3), while boosting BDNF - a key protein that helps brain cells grow and form new connections. This explains ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects.
Abstract
Stress is widely recognized as a major environmental factor contributing to the development of mood disorders. In patients with Major Depressive Di...
Single subanesthetic dose of ketamine exerts antioxidant and antidepressive-like effect in ACTH-induced preclinical model of depression.
Molecular and cellular neurosciences – June 01, 2025
Summary
A single low dose of ketamine shows promise in fighting both depression and harmful oxidative stress in the body. When given to rats with major depressive disorder symptoms, ketamine rapidly improved their condition by boosting natural antioxidant defenses and reducing DNA damage. The treatment was particularly effective in counteracting stress hormones (ACTH), suggesting a powerful new approach for patients who don't respond to traditional antidepressants.
Abstract
Hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and oxidative stress represent important mechanisms that have been implicated in eti...
Exploring Perceived Barriers and Facilitators for Implementing Acute Pain Clinical Trials: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Ketamine Infusions for Sickle Cell Pain.
Journal of pain research – January 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine shows promise as a non-opioid treatment for severe pain in sickle cell disease patients. A comprehensive analysis revealed that while healthcare providers vary in their comfort with ketamine use, both doctors and patients are open to clinical trials testing its effectiveness. Key success factors include clear safety protocols, strong provider-patient trust, and streamlined trial processes that respect patients' time and privacy concerns.
Abstract
Vaso-occlusive events (VOEs) are the primary cause of acute pain in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD), where high-dose opioids are the cur...
Unveiling Ketamine's Influence on Astrocytic Kir4.1 Channels Through Multimodal Analysis: Confocal Microscopy, Immunocytochemistry, Fluorescence Analysis, and Electrophysiology.
Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.) – January 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects may work through brain cells called astrocytes. New research shows ketamine alters specific potassium channels (Kir4.1) in these cells, affecting how they regulate brain activity. Using advanced imaging and electrical recording techniques, scientists found ketamine changes how these channels move and function, potentially explaining its success in treating major depressive disorder.
Abstract
Understanding the elusive mechanisms responsible for the therapeutic efficacy of ketamine in major depressive disorder (MDD) is crucial. Astrocytes...
Acute Subjective Experiences of Intravenous Ketamine Therapy Among Medically Hospitalized Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – June 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine therapy shows promise for treating alcohol use disorder, offering unique healing experiences even in hospital settings. Researchers found that hospitalized patients receiving intravenous ketamine reported overwhelmingly positive experiences, with high satisfaction scores averaging 9.5 out of 10. Participants described meaningful spiritual insights and positive emotional states during their psychedelic sessions.
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is widespread and problematic in the United States, and current pharmacotherapy options have relatively modest effects. ...
Ketamine in insulin resistance: Pharmacokinetics, cardiovascular implications and cellular effects on cardiomyocytes.
Diabetes, obesity & metabolism – May 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's impact on heart health takes an unexpected turn in people with insulin resistance. This anesthetic drug shows altered behavior in diabetic patients, affecting how their heart cells process energy. The drug's movement through the body changes significantly when blood sugar regulation is impaired, potentially increasing cardiovascular disease risk. However, understanding these mechanisms helps doctors better manage ketamine dosing in patients with diabetes complications, leading to safer treatment approaches.
Abstract
Ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic, has expanded its clinical use beyond anaesthesia to pain management and treatment-resistant depression. As an...
Application of a nucleophilic substitution rection for spectrofluorimetric quantification of ketamine in pharmaceutical and plasma matrices.
Scientific reports – December 30, 2024
Summary
Scientists have developed a breakthrough eco-friendly method to detect ketamine, also known as "Super K" - a medication that's increasingly misused as a date-rape drug. This new testing approach uses fluorescent technology to identify even tiny amounts of ketamine in blood and medicine samples. The method is remarkably accurate, environmentally safe, and can detect concentrations as low as 2.37 ng/mL.
Abstract
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic drug that is abused by teenagers and young adults, commonly for recreational purposes in dance clubs, to gene...
Clinical indicators of the suicide crisis and response to ketamine.
Journal of affective disorders – March 01, 2025
Summary
Breakthrough findings show ketamine can rapidly reduce suicidal thoughts and psychological pain in high-risk individuals. Researchers tracked 118 adults, focusing on those who recently experienced severe suicidal thoughts or attempts. The study revealed that depression, hopelessness, and traumatic stress peak during suicide crises. Importantly, targeted ketamine treatment helped alleviate these symptoms quickly.
Abstract
This analysis sought to identify potential clinical targets for the suicide crisis. Characteristics of a useful clinical target include elevation a...
Postoperative Ketamine May be Associated with Venous Thromboembolism in Chronic Opioid Users After Spine Surgery.
World neurosurgery – January 01, 2025
Summary
Pain control after spine surgery presents unique challenges, especially for long-term opioid users. New research reveals an unexpected connection between ketamine, a popular alternative pain medication, and blood clot formation. Analysis of 322 spine surgery patients showed that those receiving ketamine for post-surgical pain control had higher rates of venous thromboembolism, particularly among chronic opioid users. This finding suggests careful consideration is needed when selecting pain management strategies.
Abstract
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious postoperative adverse event after spine surgery. In patients with pain refractory to typical multimodal a...
Plasma leptin levels are lower in females, but not males, with ketamine use disorder.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse – September 02, 2024
Summary
Women with ketamine use disorder show uniquely altered leptin hormone levels compared to men, revealing important sex differences in addiction biology. Blood tests of 130 participants demonstrated that females with ketamine use disorder had consistently lower leptin levels than healthy women, while male levels remained normal. During early abstinence, men's leptin levels increased after two weeks, but women's remained low, suggesting distinct recovery patterns between sexes.
Abstract
Background: Ketamine has emerged as a prominent substance of misuse. Leptin, an adipocyte-derived polypeptide hormone, has been implicated in the d...
Intravenous ketamine successfully treats treatment-resistant catatonia in schizophrenia: A case report.
Pharmacotherapy – October 01, 2024
Summary
A single dose of ketamine provided rapid relief for a 77-year-old woman with severe catatonia linked to schizophrenia. When traditional treatments failed and COVID-19 prevented access to standard therapy, doctors successfully used an intravenous ketamine infusion. The patient recovered quickly from her symptoms of immobility and mutism, demonstrating a promising alternative for treating resistant catatonia.
Abstract
Benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are mainstay treatments for catatonia, a potentially life-threatening psychomotor syndrome char...
KETAMINE: Neural- and network-level changes.
Neuroscience – November 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's remarkable ability to reshape brain connectivity offers new hope for treating mental health conditions. This groundbreaking research reveals how ketamine enhances neuroplasticity by promoting hyperconnectivity between brain regions and fine-tuning neural responses. The drug increases neural synchrony across brain networks while reducing firing variability, creating more robust connections between neurons. These changes in brain circuitry help explain ketamine's powerful therapeutic effects and its potential to rapidly improve mood disorders.
Abstract
Ketamine is a widely used clinical drug that has several functional and clinical applications, including its use as an anaesthetic, analgesic, anti...
The N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor hypothesis of ketamine's antidepressant action: evidence and controversies.
Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences – July 29, 2024
Summary
Ketamine offers new hope for depression treatment, working within hours instead of weeks like traditional antidepressants. The drug's remarkable antidepressant efficacy stems from its interaction with brain receptors called NMDARs. While the NMDAR hypothesis explains ketamine's rapid effects, other NMDAR inhibitors haven't shown the same success, suggesting complex mechanisms behind its antidepressant properties.
Abstract
Substantial clinical evidence has unravelled the superior antidepressant efficacy of ketamine: in comparison to traditional antidepressants targeti...
A Phase II Study About Efficacy and Safety of the Continuous IntraVenous Infusion of Ketamine as Adjuvant to Opioids in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients With Refractory Cancer Pain (CIVIK Trial).
The American journal of hospice & palliative care – March 01, 2025
Summary
New hope for terminally ill cancer patients suffering from stubborn pain: continuous ketamine infusion shows promising results when traditional pain medications fall short. In this breakthrough approach, doctors administered carefully controlled ketamine doses alongside opioids to help patients achieve better pain control. Half of the participants experienced significant relief, with 40% achieving their personal pain goals. This innovative treatment offers a valuable option for managing severe cancer pain in palliative care settings.
Abstract
Ketamine has been used to control refractory cancer pain as an adjuvant to opioids. We conducted a prospective phase II study to investigate the ef...
Impact of intra-operative ketamine on postoperative outcomes in abdominal surgery: a narrative review.
Translational gastroenterology and hepatology – January 01, 2024
Summary
Using ketamine during abdominal surgery can significantly reduce post-operative pain and decrease patients' need for opioid medications. When administered during surgery, ketamine helps manage pain more effectively, with patients reporting lower pain scores and requiring fewer pain medications in the crucial 24 hours after surgery. While some patients experienced side effects like hallucinations, the benefits of improved pain control make this approach promising for surgical care.
Abstract
Ketamine offers a promising solution to common postoperative issues in abdominal surgery, including pain, nausea, opioid use, and opioid-related si...
Ketamine subcutaneous continuous infusion for depressive symptoms at home: A case report beyond pain use.
Palliative & supportive care – October 01, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking home-based treatment offers hope for patients facing both chronic pain and depression. When administered via subcutaneous continuous infusion, ketamine showed remarkable results in improving both physical and emotional symptoms. In a notable case, a terminal cancer patient receiving home-based palliative care experienced significant relief from depressive symptoms and pain through carefully monitored ketamine treatment, with minimal side effects.
Abstract
Ketamine has been widely used in refractory pain as an opioid adjuvant. Evidence suggests that ketamine can also have an essential role in easing d...
Pretreatment Brain White Matter Integrity Associated With Neuropathic Pain Relief and Changes in Temporal Summation of Pain Following Ketamine.
The journal of pain – September 01, 2024
Summary
Brain structure may predict how well ketamine treats chronic nerve pain. New research shows that the integrity of white matter pathways, particularly in the default mode network and pain control regions like the periaqueductal gray, correlates with how effectively ketamine reduces neuropathic pain and pain sensitivity in patients.
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a prevalent condition often associated with heightened pain responsiveness suggestive of central sensitization. Neuroimagi...
Effectiveness of Ketamine for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Clinical neuropsychiatry – February 01, 2024
Summary
Recent findings show ketamine could offer new hope for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients. Analysis of 10 clinical trials revealed significant symptom improvements in participants receiving ketamine treatment, with benefits lasting up to 4 weeks. The drug proved particularly effective at reducing core PTSD symptoms when administered through controlled infusions, offering a promising alternative for those who haven't responded to conventional treatments.
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an enduring condition characterized by a chronic course and impairments across several areas. Despite its ...
Low-dose ketamine infusion to facilitate opioid tapering in chronic non-cancer pain with opioid-use disorder: a historical cohort study.
Regional anesthesia and pain medicine – May 06, 2025
Summary
Low-dose ketamine shows promise in helping patients with chronic pain reduce their dependence on opioid analgesics. In a breakthrough finding, 68% of patients achieved a 50% reduction in opioid use after just 5 days of treatment. The study followed patients with opioid-related disorders who struggled to decrease their medication use through traditional methods. A brief hospital stay with ketamine infusion helped reduce daily opioid doses from 207mg to 92mg, with benefits lasting up to one year.
Abstract
Long-term opioid use is associated with pharmacological tolerance, a risk of misuse and hyperalgesia in patients with chronic pain (CP). Tapering i...
Fine-tuning neural excitation/inhibition for tailored ketamine use in treatment-resistant depression
arXiv Preprint Archive – February 04, 2021
Summary
Ketamine's ability to rapidly lift severe depression may depend on precisely balancing brain activity patterns. New findings show that when ketamine successfully treats resistant depression, it shifts neural patterns toward a "sweet spot" of stability by fine-tuning both excitatory and inhibitory brain signals. Using advanced brain imaging and mathematical modeling (q-bio.QM), researchers tracked neural responses in depressed patients, finding that those who improved most showed specific changes in brain circuit balance within hours of treatment.
Abstract
The glutamatergic modulator ketamine has been shown to rapidly reduce depressive symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant major depressive dis...
Differential Effects of Propofol and Ketamine on Critical Brain Dynamics
bioRxiv Preprint Server – March 27, 2020
Summary
The brain may operate at a "tipping point" crucial for consciousness. Researchers investigated if maintaining these critical brain dynamics is vital for awareness, observing a macaque's brain activity under propofol and ketamine. Propofol dramatically restricted activity patterns and complexity. Ketamine allowed more awake-like dynamics to persist. Both states, however, retained some critical features. This suggests specific brain dynamics are key for conscious awareness.
Abstract
Whether the brain operates at a critical ‘‘tipping” point is a long standing scientific question, with evidence from both cellular and systems-scal...
Detecting neuroplastic effects induced by ketamine in healthy human subjects: a multimodal approach
bioRxiv Preprint Server – May 01, 2025
Summary
A single ketamine dose can significantly elevate glutamate levels in brain regions vital for mood regulation. Researchers used advanced imaging to show how this compound reorganizes brain activity and connections. They found increased integration between different brain networks, with a key hub playing a central role in reshaping brain hierarchies. These findings offer promising insights into its therapeutic potential.
Abstract
We investigated ketamine’s neuroplastic effects in healthy human subjects using integrated Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Magnetic Resonance Im...
The effects of dexmedetomidine and ketamine infusions on the inflammatory response in liver resection: A randomized double-blind placebo study.
Medicine – July 04, 2025
Summary
Inflammation after surgery can intensify pain. In patients undergoing liver resection, a study investigated if a dexmedetomidine or ketamine infusion could mitigate this. Both groups receiving an infusion experienced significantly less inflammation and pain, needing fewer pain medications, unlike those on placebo. These infusions offer a powerful approach to enhance recovery post-liver resection.
Abstract
This study compared the effects of ketamine and dexmedetomidine (Dex) on inflammation and pain in liver resection surgery. Forty-five American Soci...
Ketamine and its combination with pentazocine and meperidine for epidural anaesthesia in dogs
The Indian Journal of Animal Sciences – September 17, 2014
Summary
Combining certain pain medications can significantly extend their beneficial effects in veterinary medicine. Researchers explored how combining **ketamine** with other drugs for **epidural** administration affects pain relief in **dogs**. They compared **ketamine** alone against its combinations with **pentazocine** or **meperidine**, given via **epidural** injection. The combinations proved superior, providing quicker onset and significantly longer **analgesia**. Dogs recovered smoothly with minimal side effects. This confirms that combining **ketamine** with **pentazocine** or **meperidine** via **epidural** delivery offers highly effective and prolonged **analgesia** for **dogs**.
Abstract
Clinically healthy dogs (15) of either sex aged about 1 year were randomly grouped into 3 with 5 dogs each to study the effect of epidural administ...
Ketamine as primary anesthetic for upper limb trauma during war: a case series of 100 surgeries at Rafik Hariri University Hospital, Lebanon's National War Trauma Referral Center.
Future science OA – December 01, 2026
preprint
Summary
Following the Beirut pager explosions, trauma anesthesia at RHUH for 100 amputation surgeries dramatically improved with ketamine. Initially, opioid-based care led to 18 respiratory complications and 65% postoperative opioid use. After ketamine's introduction for mass casualty patients, pain scores dropped from 7.8 to 3.2, respiratory complications became zero, and only 5% required postoperative opioids. This opioid-sparing approach, crucial for conflict medicine, maintained stable blood pressure in 94% of patients, highlighting ketamine's effectiveness.
Abstract
The Beirut pager explosions on September 17, 2024 resulted in mass casualties with severe upper limb trauma admitted to Rafik Hariri University Hos...
Anhedonia nonresponse to short-term ketamine administration for treatment-resistant bipolar depression.
Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology – January 01, 2026
Summary
Nearly half of patients (45.2%) with treatment-resistant bipolar depression (TRBD) did not experience relief from anhedonia following short-term ketamine psychopharmacology. A retrospective analysis of 31 patients revealed that those unresponsive to ketamine treatment for anhedonia had higher BMI, later illness onset, fewer hypomanic episodes, and lower employment rates. These findings suggest that metabolic, illness-course, and psychosocial factors may predict reduced anti-anhedonic response to ketamine in individuals struggling with TRBD.
Abstract
Anhedonia is a key symptom of bipolar depression and a target of ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects. However, many patients with treatment-res...
Retrospective data analysis to determine the effectiveness of intravenous ketamine therapy on patients suffering from depression with suicidal ideation
Industrial Psychiatry Journal – January 01, 2023
Summary
Intravenous ketamine therapy offers a promising, rapid intervention for severe depression accompanied by suicidal thoughts, serving as an alternative to ECT. A retrospective analysis of patient treatment records revealed significant improvements in both depression symptoms and suicidality across all assessment points following ketamine administration. This suggests ketamine is an effective option for individuals requiring urgent psychiatric care, particularly when ECT is declined due to stigma or perceived risks. The findings underscore its value in managing acute mental health crises.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Background: Depression is often a debilitating and recurrent psychiatric disorder. Depression with suicidal ideation, being a psychiatric ...
Shared and distinct brain regions targeted for immediate early gene expression by ketamine and psilocybin
OpenAlex – March 20, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin, a psychedelic, significantly boosts neuroplasticity in at least 10 distinct brain regions, offering new insights for psychology and biology. Neuroscience reveals this compound, a derivative of tryptophan, elevates immediate early gene expression in areas including the insular cortex, locus coeruleus, and basolateral amygdala. Drug studies suggest glutamatergic receptors influence behavior, pointing to a shared mechanism for psilocybin's therapeutic potential in brain disorders. This highlights key areas for future investigation.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Psilocybin is a psychedelic with therapeutic potential. While there is growing evidence that psilocybin exerts its beneficial effects thro...
Ketamine and sleep modulate neural complexity dynamics in cats.
The European journal of neuroscience – March 01, 2022
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that the level of consciousness can be captured by neural informational complexity: for instance, complexity, as measu...
Ensuring the affordable becomes accessible-lessons from ketamine, a new treatment for severe depression.
The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry – February 01, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
In this paper, the case study of ketamine as a new treatment for severe depression is used to outline the challenges of repurposing established med...
Retigabine promotes ketamine's antidepressant effect in the forced swim test in male and female C57BL/6J mice.
Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior – September 01, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Ketamine has been increasingly used as a rapid-onset antidepressant in specific clinical settings. However, as a psychedelic reagent, the potential...
Effect of Ketamine Analgosedation on Neurological Outcome in patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.
Neurocritical care – May 13, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, unlike other pain medications, can maintain blood pressure in brain-injured patients. In a groundbreaking trial, researchers explored ketamine analgosedation in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. While the drug temporarily improved blood pressure and reduced intracranial pressure, long-term neurological outcomes were similar between treated and untreated groups. However, patients receiving ketamine needed fewer blood pressure medications.
Abstract
Most of the sedative and analgesic drugs used in patients with head injury cause a dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure, which may further wor...
Adjunctive ketamine vs. buprenorphine in co-occurring major depressive disorder and opioid use disorder: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial assessing anxiety symptom severity and craving intensity.
Trials – April 17, 2025
Summary
Ketamine shows promising rapid relief for patients battling both depression and opioid addiction. In a groundbreaking clinical trial, ketamine outperformed buprenorphine in quickly reducing both anxiety and drug cravings. While buprenorphine provided gradual improvement over days, ketamine delivered significant relief within hours. This dual-action approach offers new hope for treating these challenging co-occurring conditions.
Abstract
The concomitant presence of major depressive disorder (MDD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) poses a formidable clinical challenge, warranting effecti...
Therapeutic Potential of Intravenous Ketamine in Early-Onset Dementia: A Case Report.
Cureus – July 01, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking case shows how IV ketamine brought renewed hope to a 56-year-old with treatment-resistant early-onset dementia. After standard medications failed, doctors administered intravenous ketamine infusions, leveraging its anti-inflammatory properties. The results were remarkable - the patient experienced significant improvements in memory, focus, and daily functioning. This innovative neurological approach suggests promising new possibilities for treating Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Abstract
This case report discusses the use of intravenous (IV) ketamine as a potential therapeutic agent for early-onset dementia. A 56-year-old female wit...
Change in neurocognitive functioning in patients with treatment-resistant depression with serial intravenous ketamine infusions: The Bio-K multicenter trial.
Psychiatry research – May 01, 2024
Summary
Serial ketamine infusions not only improved severe depression in over half of patients but also enhanced cognitive function across multiple domains. In this groundbreaking open-label study, 74 people with treatment-resistant depression received intravenous ketamine treatments while their neurocognition was monitored using RBANS testing. Results showed improvements in memory, attention, and language skills, contradicting concerns about ketamine's cognitive effects.
Abstract
This nonrandomized, multicenter, open-label clinical trial explored the impact of intravenous (IV) ketamine on cognitive function in adults (n = 74...
Ketamine modulates a norepinephrine-astroglial circuit to persistently suppress futility-induced passivity
bioRxiv Preprint Server – December 29, 2022
Summary
Ketamine's antidepressant-like effects may surprisingly stem from its action on star-shaped brain cells called astroglia, not just neurons. Traditionally, mood-altering compounds are thought to primarily affect neurons. Research in zebrafish and mice revealed that ketamine elevates calcium within astroglia, a crucial step for persistently suppressing passive, futile behaviors. This suggests ketamine effectively combats passivity by modulating ancient brain pathways involving both neurons and astroglia, offering a novel understanding of its positive impact.
Abstract
Mood-altering compounds hold promise for the treatment of many psychiatric disorders, such as depression, but connecting their molecular, circuit, ...
Exploring the Neuroprotective and Neuropsychiatric Symptom Management Potential of Ketamine in Alzheimer's Disease.
Cureus – June 01, 2025
Summary
Beyond its use in anesthesia, ketamine shows surprising promise for Alzheimer's disease. Research in neuropharmacology suggests this NMDA receptor antagonist could modulate brain activity, enhancing synaptic function and reducing inflammation. Positive findings indicate ketamine's potential for managing challenging neuropsychiatric symptoms like depression and agitation often seen in Alzheimer's dementia, pointing to a new path for ketamine Alzheimer's treatment.
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, synaptic dysfunction, and neuroinflammatio...
Evaluation of the sedative effect of intranasal versus intramuscular ketamine in 2-6-year-old uncooperative dental patients.
Dental and medical problems – January 01, 2024
Summary
Helping anxious children stay calm during dental work is crucial, and ketamine sedation offers a solution. A comparison of intranasal and intramuscular delivery methods in young dental patients revealed that muscle injection produced better results. Children showed less movement and crying, while dentists reported improved cooperation. The intramuscular approach proved more effective for safe sedation in pediatric dentistry.
Abstract
Conscious sedation has gained more popularity these days, with different routes of drug administration having various advantages and disadvantages....
Combination of ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy in treatment resistant depression.
Journal of affective disorders – July 15, 2025
Summary
For severe depression that doesn't respond to standard treatments, combining ketamine with electroconvulsive therapy shows promise. When these powerful treatments work together, patients experienced significant mood improvements. The research tracked 30 individuals with treatment-resistant depression, comparing those receiving both therapies to those getting electroconvulsive therapy alone. Both approaches helped about two-thirds of patients recover, with most avoiding future hospitalizations.
Abstract
Ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are among the recommended treatments for treatment resistant depression (TRD). However, there is a sub...