1705 results for "Ketamine"
Acute effects of subanesthetic ketamine on cerebrovascular hemodynamics in humans: A TD-fNIRS neuroimaging study
bioRxiv Preprint Server – January 06, 2023
Summary
Quantifying neural activity during psychedelics in a clinical setting can unlock personalized treatments. A study measured brain dynamics and physiological effects in healthy volunteers given a psychoactive substance (ketamine) or placebo. Ketamine altered consciousness and systemic responses, reducing brain-wide low-frequency fluctuations and prefrontal connectivity. Initial findings suggest combining brain and body metrics could predict positive mystical experiences and improve depressive symptomatology, leading to better patient outcomes and potential biomarkers. This highlights successful brain imaging for understanding psychedelic impact.
Abstract
Quantifying neural activity in natural conditions (i.e. conditions comparable to the standard clinical patient experience) during the administratio...
Effects of nitrous oxide and ketamine on the prefrontal cortex in mice: a comparative study
bioRxiv Preprint Server – September 19, 2022
Summary
Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) shows promise as a rapid antidepressant. Scientists investigated its brain effects in mice, comparing them to ketamine. Both drugs altered gene activity in the prefrontal cortex, impacting pathways regulating brain cells. Remarkably, nitrous oxide's influence on gene expression was far more widespread. While ketamine boosted neuron firing, nitrous oxide did not, indicating distinct brain responses and mechanisms, despite some shared genetic impacts.
Abstract
Nitrous oxide (N2O; laughing gas) has recently been reported as a putative rapid-acting antidepressant, but little is known about the underlying me...
S-ketamine versus placebo for cortical spreading depolarisation in severe acute brain injury (KETA-BID): protocol for a pilot, randomised, blinded clinical trial.
BMJ open – July 28, 2025
Summary
After severe brain injuries, harmful electrical waves can worsen damage. A new randomized controlled trial explores if S-ketamine, an anaesthetic used in neurology, can stop these waves in Intensive Care Units. This pilot study aims to demonstrate ketamine's positive impact, potentially reducing brain damage and improving patient outcomes.
Abstract
Cortical spreading depolarisation (SD) is a pathological wave of depolarisation in the cortex. SDs occur frequently after severe acute brain injury...
High-frequency oscillations in the mammalian brain after ketamine and other NMDA receptor antagonists.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – July 24, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, known for its rapid antidepressant effects, triggers distinct brain activity. It significantly enhances high-frequency oscillations (HFOs), a type of LFP signal, across brain networks. These powerful rhythms, linked to NMDA receptor blockade, are remarkably coherent and even influenced by nasal respiration, revealing new insights into its mechanisms.
Abstract
Subanesthetic doses of ketamine produce complex neuropsychiatric effects, which include rapid psychotomimetic symptoms and antidepressant effects t...
Prospective, randomized, controlled trial comparing PROpofol versus KetaMINE in rapid sequence intubation in critically ill patients (PROMINE): protocol paper and statistical analysis plan.
Critical care science – January 01, 2025
Summary
Choosing the safest medication for critically ill patients needing breathing tube insertion is a critical decision. A new study investigates if ketamine offers a safer alternative to propofol, aiming to reduce the risk of dangerously low blood pressure during the procedure. Researchers are randomizing 170 critically ill patients to receive either ketamine or propofol. The primary goal is to compare how often low blood pressure occurs within ten minutes after medication. This research promises to provide crucial insights, potentially improving patient safety and guiding clinical practice for these vulnerable individuals.
Abstract
The optimal and safest hypnotic agent for rapid sequence intubation in critically ill patients remains uncertain. Factors such as hypovolemia, vaso...
The use of ketamine as an antidepressant: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental – April 07, 2015
Summary
A meta-analysis of 21 studies, involving 437 patients, reveals a single ketamine infusion can significantly alleviate major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder symptoms within 4 hours, lasting up to 7 days. Originally an anesthesia medicine, ketamine shows powerful antidepressant effects. Repeat infusions yielded larger effect sizes for treatment of Major Depression. The percentage of males predicted antidepressant response at 7 days. This internal medicine and psychology research highlights ketamine's promise in mental health research topics; future placebo-controlled studies will clarify its long-term efficacy for bipolar disorder and treatment.
Abstract
Objective The current meta‐analysis examines the effects of ketamine infusion on depressive symptoms over time in major depressive disorder (MDD) a...
Transcranial magnetic stimulation and intravenous ketamine combination therapy for treatment-resistant bipolar depression: A case report
Frontiers in Psychiatry – September 21, 2022
Summary
A novel combination therapy shows promise for severe depression. About a third of major depression patients develop forms resistant to standard treatments. While rTMS and ketamine alone offer relief for many, some individuals remain unresponsive. One patient with bipolar treatment-resistant depression, after failing multiple therapies including individual rTMS and ketamine, achieved complete and sustained remission using a combined rTMS and ketamine protocol. This powerful outcome suggests integrating these treatments could be a new, effective strategy for those struggling with persistent, hard-to-treat depression.
Abstract
About a third of patients suffering from major depression develop treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Although repetitive transcranial magnetic s...
Ketamine as an NMDA-modulating therapy in bipolar disorder: rationale and evidence
Frontiers in Psychiatry – March 04, 2026
Summary
Ketamine and its S-enantiomer esketamine show promise as rapid-acting treatments for bipolar depression, achieving significant symptom improvement within hours. In clinical trials involving over 1,000 participants, ketamine demonstrated high response rates with minimal risk of mood destabilization—only 2% experienced mania or hypomania. Esketamine, administered intranasally, matched the efficacy and safety of traditional antidepressants without triggering manic episodes. These findings highlight ketamine's potential as a novel adjunctive treatment for patients facing treatment-resistant depression, offering hope for improved management of mood disorders.
Abstract
Background Bipolar depression remains a leading cause of morbidity, functional impairment, and suicide risk in bipolar disorder. Conventional pharm...
Progress, potential and pitfalls of ketamine as a treatment for depression
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy – January 22, 2026
Summary
Intravenous ketamine and intranasal esketamine have shown strong antidepressant effects, supported by numerous clinical trials involving thousands of participants. Evidence indicates a favorable safety profile for long-term use, with alternative administration routes enhancing treatment scalability. While efficacy compared to intravenous ketamine is still being evaluated, preliminary findings suggest benefits for conditions like bipolar disorder and PTSD. However, challenges such as functional unblinding and treatment costs remain significant barriers in optimizing ketamine protocols for treating major depression and related disorders.
Abstract
Evidence supporting the use of intravenous ketamine and intranasal esketamine for depression has dramatically increased with a large number of clin...
Ketamine for suicidal ideations in severe depression
Adesh University Journal of Medical Sciences & Research – September 25, 2025
Summary
A 38-year-old woman with severe recurrent depressive disorder and active suicidal ideations experienced significant improvement after ketamine infusion. Initially, her Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score was 33, indicating severe depression. Following one session of ketamine treatment, her score dropped to 23, reflecting a reduction in depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts. This case illustrates ketamine's potential as a rapid-acting antidepressant, acting through NMDA receptor blockade and glutamatergic modulation, offering hope for those with treatment-resistant depression in urgent psychiatric situations.
Abstract
This case report describes the management of a 38-year-old female with recurrent depressive disorder, who presented with severe depressive symptoms...
Ketamine dosing formula in treatment-resistant bipolar depression.
Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Optimizing ketamine's impact for severe bipolar depression is crucial. A study investigated if alternative dosing formula methods, beyond actual body weight, could enhance intravenous ketamine treatment. Researchers analyzed 22 inpatients, recalculating doses using ideal body weight, lean body mass, and body surface area. The findings showed that established actual body weight-based dosing for ketamine remains effective, as these alternative calculations didn't yield superior benefits for treatment-resistant bipolar depression.
Abstract
Intravenous ketamine is effective in treatment-resistant bipolar depression (TRBD) with dosing typically based on actual body weight (ABW). This st...
Therapeutic Protocols Using Ketamine and Esketamine for Depressive Disorders: A Systematic Review.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders globally, causing severe emotional suffering, reducing life expectancy and increasi...
Functional Dysconnectivity of Frontal Cortex to Striatum Predicts Ketamine Infusion Response in Treatment-Resistant Depression.
The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology – December 29, 2020
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Frontostriatal disconnectivity plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder. However, whether the baseline functional c...
The Effects of Ketamine on Methamphetamine Withdrawal-Induced Anxiety and Drug-Seeking Behaviors in the Rat
bioRxiv Preprint Server – June 24, 2025
Summary
Methamphetamine withdrawal often brings severe anxiety and intense drug-seeking behaviors. Researchers hypothesized that ketamine could alleviate these challenging symptoms. In a rat model, they successfully demonstrated that ketamine significantly reduced both anxiety and drug-seeking behaviors. This positive outcome highlights ketamine's potential as a promising therapeutic for methamphetamine addiction recovery.
Abstract
Background The use of methamphetamine has continued to rise in the US. In addition to facilitating dopamine neurotransmission, methamphetamine indi...
Behavioral and psychological correlates of problematic smartphone use in street ketamine users.
BMC psychology – April 27, 2025
Summary
Ketamine users who struggle with smartphone addiction spend significantly more time gaming online and show higher rates of ADHD symptoms. A study of 233 individuals in addiction treatment revealed that excessive smartphone use strongly correlates with online gaming habits and attention difficulties. Those at risk used their phones longer daily and were twice as likely to engage in internet gaming.
Abstract
While problematic smartphone use screening tools are widely used and increasingly evaluated in student populations, their applicability and clinica...
Preoperative Ketamine Gargle for Prevention of Postoperative Sore Throat After Tracheal Intubation in Adults: A Meta-Analysis.
Pain research & management – January 01, 2025
Summary
A simple gargle solution before surgery can significantly reduce post-surgery throat pain. Ketamine gargle before procedures requiring breathing tubes cuts throat discomfort by up to 86% in the first hours after surgery, with benefits lasting up to 24 hours. This painless preventive measure doesn't extend surgery time and offers a practical way to improve patient comfort during recovery.
Abstract
Objective: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the impact of preoperative ketamine gargle on postoperative throat pain in patients undergoing gener...
Ketamine administration during adolescence impairs synaptic integration and inhibitory synaptic transmission in the adult dentate gyrus.
Progress in neurobiology – March 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine exposure during teenage years can have lasting effects on brain function well into adulthood. New findings reveal that adolescent ketamine use disrupts vital communication between brain cells in the dentate gyrus, a key memory center. The drug specifically weakens inhibitory signals and reduces special neurons called parvalbumin interneurons, affecting how information is processed and integrated in the adult brain.
Abstract
Ketamine administration during adolescence affects cognitive performance; however, its long-term impact on synaptic function and neuronal integrati...
Myelin Repair as a Novel Mechanism for Ketamine's Sustained Antidepressant Effects.
Current neuropharmacology – January 16, 2025
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals how ketamine's antidepressant effects may work through myelin repair in the brain. The drug, including its enantiomers esketamine and arketamine, helps restore protective myelin sheaths by stimulating oligodendrocyte cells. This repair mechanism explains ketamine's rapid and lasting benefits for depression, offering hope for treatment-resistant patients.
Abstract
Depression is a prevalent mental disorder, affecting approximately 300 million people worldwide. Despite decades of research into the underlying me...
Ketamine Infusion for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treatment: A Narrative Review.
Current pain and headache reports – January 14, 2025
Summary
Ketamine infusion therapy offers new hope for those suffering from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), reducing severe neuropathic pain by up to 60% in many patients. This innovative pain management approach works by blocking specific brain receptors, effectively "resetting" pain signals. Studies show significant improvements in mobility and quality of life, with most patients experiencing sustained relief after treatment. While some experience mild side effects like nausea, the therapy proves remarkably effective for those who haven't responded to conventional treatments.
Abstract
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a neuropathic pain disorder characterized by pain disproportionate to the inciting event that is constant ...
Insights for the Next Generation of Ketamine for the Treatment of Depressive Disorder.
Journal of medicinal chemistry – January 23, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, traditionally an anesthetic, shows remarkable promise in treating severe depression within hours - unlike traditional antidepressants that take weeks. New research reveals that its R-enantiomer form works best, triggering rapid brain changes by increasing vital growth factors and forming new neural connections. This breakthrough could revolutionize depression treatment with fewer side effects.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression responds quickly to ketamine. As an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, ketamine may affect prefrontal...
A study comparing brain wave patterns of fentanyl and ketamine in adult patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery.
Medicine – September 20, 2024
Summary
Brain activity patterns reveal that fentanyl induces deeper sleep-like states during surgery, while ketamine maintains higher mental activity. Researchers monitored brain waves of surgical patients receiving either drug, finding fentanyl created strong slow-wave patterns typical of deep unconsciousness. Ketamine patients showed more active brain patterns, suggesting lighter sedation and potentially faster recovery times. This insight helps doctors choose the most appropriate anesthetic for different procedures.
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate and compare the neurophysiological impacts of two widely used anesthetic agents, Fentanyl and Ketamine, on EEG powe...
Polish standard of treatment with racemic ketamine for patients with depressive disorders developed by a Working Group appointed by the National Consultant in the field of psychiatry.
Psychiatria polska – June 30, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough treatment offers new hope for treatment-resistant depression: racemic ketamine shows rapid antidepressant effects when traditional medications fail. Polish experts have established guidelines for using this innovative therapy in both major depressive disorders and bipolar disorder, providing a structured approach for safe, effective treatment delivery.
Abstract
The Polish standard of treatment with racemic ketamine for patients with depressive disorders was developed by a Working Group appointed by the Nat...
Comparison of low-dose ketamine to methadone for postoperative pain in opioid addicts: a randomized clinical trial.
Anesthesia and pain medicine – July 01, 2024
Summary
Managing pain after surgery in patients with addiction presents unique challenges. A groundbreaking clinical trial found that low-dose ketamine works just as effectively as methadone for postoperative pain control in patients with opioid addiction. The study tracked 220 patients, comparing pain levels and side effects between those receiving ketamine versus methadone. Both medications performed equally well, with similar safety profiles and pain relief outcomes.
Abstract
Postoperative pain can lead to several complications. The effectiveness of different opioids in relieving pain after surgery has been widely studie...
Comparison of intranasal dexmedetomidine and ketamine for paediatric premedication: A randomized study.
Revista espanola de anestesiologia y reanimacion – November 01, 2024
Summary
Helping children stay calm before surgery is crucial for their wellbeing. When comparing two common premedication options, intranasal ketamine proved more effective than dexmedetomidine in reducing anxiety in pediatric patients aged 2-10. While ketamine showed better pain control during IV placement, it had a slightly higher rate of minor side effects (8%). Both medications offered safe options for young surgical patients.
Abstract
Paediatric patients are given premedication in order to decrease preoperative anxiety, allow smooth induction, and prevent postoperative psychologi...
Immediate and long-term electrophysiological biomarkers of antidepressant-like behavioral effects after subanesthetic ketamine and medial prefrontal cortex deep brain stimulation treatment.
Frontiers in neuroscience – January 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine and deep brain stimulation show promise in treating severe depression through distinct brain wave patterns. Scientists tracked electrical signals in rats' brains while testing these treatments, revealing specific biomarkers that indicate both depression severity and treatment success. Ketamine triggered immediate brain wave changes that lasted over a week, while deep brain stimulation improved cognitive function and altered different electrical patterns. These findings help explain how these treatments work and could guide personalized therapy approaches.
Abstract
Both ketamine (KET) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) deep brain stimulation (DBS) are emerging therapies for treatment-resistant depression, yet...
Ketamine reverses stress-induced hypersensitivity to sunk costs.
bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology – May 14, 2024
Summary
When stressed, we often struggle to let go of past investments - even when cutting our losses makes more sense. New findings reveal that ketamine can help reset this "sunk cost" thinking pattern. In mice experiencing social stress, a single dose of ketamine reduced their tendency to stick with poor choices based on past investments. The treatment helped them focus more on future outcomes rather than dwelling on previous losses.
Abstract
How mood interacts with information processing in the brain is thought to mediate the maladaptive behaviors observed in depressed individuals. Howe...
Real-World Effectiveness of Repeated Ketamine Infusions for Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Depression.
Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing) – October 01, 2023
Summary
Ketamine infusions offer new hope for people with treatment-resistant bipolar depression, reducing symptoms by over 50% in a third of patients. This groundbreaking treatment showed remarkable effectiveness in a Canadian clinic, where 66 patients received four low-dose infusions over two weeks. Beyond improving depression, the treatment reduced anxiety and suicidal thoughts while enhancing daily function and quality of life, with minimal side effects.
Abstract
Clinical trials have demonstrated rapid antidepressant effects with intravenous (IV) ketamine for major depressive disorder, with relatively less r...
Ketamine in Chronic Pain: A Review.
Cureus – February 01, 2024
Summary
A powerful anesthetic shows promise beyond the operating room: ketamine provides significant relief for those battling chronic pain conditions. This medication works by blocking specific brain receptors and boosting natural pain-fighting pathways. Patients with chronic postoperative pain, cancer pain, and non-oncological pain report meaningful improvements, with the added benefit of reduced opioid use and improved mood.
Abstract
Ketamine has been used in the treatment of several pain syndromes, particularly those with a relevant neuropathic component. Sub-anesthetic doses o...
Acute and long-term effects of repeated ketamine infusions in treatment-resistant depression and associated metabolite changes.
Psychiatry and clinical neurosciences – July 15, 2025
Summary
Predicting how well someone with severe depression will respond to treatment might be possible early on. Researchers explored if repeated ketamine infusions could help those with treatment-resistant depression. They found these infusions rapidly improved symptoms, with some patients achieving sustained relief. Crucially, changes in a specific metabolite, 3-hydroxybutyrate, measured via metabolomics after the first ketamine dose, predicted long-term improvements in depression. This suggests a powerful way to personalize future depression care.
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the acute and sustained antidepressant effects of repeated ketamine infusions in patients with treatment-resistant d...
Heightened anxiety with distinct prefrontal substrates is differentially sensitive to the anxiolytics, citalopram and ketamine: Prefrontal substrates and anxiolytic sensitivity.
Biological psychiatry – June 25, 2025
Summary
Brain activity patterns may predict anxiety treatment success. Researchers explored if specific prefrontal cortex dysfunctions causing heightened threat reactivity respond uniquely to anxiolytics. They induced distinct heightened threat reactivity in marmosets by manipulating prefrontal cortex areas, including the orbitofrontal cortex. One type of heightened threat reactivity responded well to citalopram. Another, from orbitofrontal cortex changes, was effectively treated by ketamine. This reveals different anxiety forms, rooted in prefrontal cortex activity, require tailored anxiolytics for improved threat reactivity.
Abstract
Individual variability in pharmacological treatment efficacy remains a persistent obstacle to ameliorating clinical anxiety. This may originate, in...
Development and Validation of a Rapid LC-MS/MS Method for Plasma Analysis of Ketamine, Norketamine, Dehydronorketamine, and Hydroxynorketamine.
Biomedical chromatography : BMC – September 01, 2025
Summary
Understanding how ketamine works as a rapid antidepressant requires precise measurement of its levels in the body. Researchers developed a highly efficient method for the bioanalysis of ketamine and its key metabolites in plasma. This advanced technique, combining liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, accurately quantifies these compounds with minimal sample volume and fast processing. It proved successful in a clinical study, providing robust data on pharmacokinetics, crucial for monitoring drug effects and safety. This reliable approach is ideal for clinical research and patient care.
Abstract
Ketamine, a well-established dissociative anesthetic, has recently gained significant attention for its rapid-acting antidepressant effects, partic...
Ketamine as a Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa: A Narrative Review
Nutrients – November 20, 2021
Summary
Traditional antidepressants often fail to alleviate depression in Anorexia nervosa, a complex eating disorder where malnutrition impairs neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, affecting cognition. A compelling finding is that Ketamine, a rapid antidepressant, shows promise for Anorexia treatment. Neuroscience suggests Ketamine enhances neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, potentially addressing the underlying brain changes. This offers a new avenue in Medicine and Psychiatry for treating Anorexia and its comorbid Major depressive disorder, moving beyond current psychological approaches.
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a highly complex disorder to treat, especially in severe and enduring cases. Whilst the precise aetiology of the disorder ...
Effect of Psilocybin and Ketamine on Brain Neurotransmitters, Glutamate Receptors, DNA and Rat Behavior
International Journal of Molecular Sciences – June 16, 2022
Summary
While promising for major depression treatment, a single dose of psychedelics like psilocybin and ketamine profoundly impacts brain chemistry. Pharmacology studies show 10 mg/kg ketamine or 2-10 mg/kg psilocybin increased key neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate in rat frontal cortex. Psilocybin also boosted NR2A, a type of NMDA glutamate receptor. Yet, despite these neuroscience shifts, no antidepressant behavior was observed 24 hours later. Concerningly, both drugs caused oxidative DNA damage, a critical finding for drug studies and their biological safety.
Abstract
Clinical studies provide evidence that ketamine and psilocybin could be used as fast-acting antidepressants, though their mechanisms and toxicity a...
Psychedelics, but Not Ketamine, Produce Persistent Antidepressant-like Effects in a Rodent Experimental System for the Study of Depression
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – March 05, 2020
Summary
Psilocybin and Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) show remarkable promise for persistent antidepressant effects, outperforming Ketamine. In a rat model for depression, a single dose of these hallucinogens produced lasting benefits, contrasting Ketamine’s transient impact. This pharmacology insight suggests psychedelics, already demonstrating six months of efficacy in human trials after one or two treatments, could offer more enduring medicine. Understanding their chemical synthesis and how they influence neurotransmitter receptors is key for future drug studies and psychology, potentially revolutionizing depression treatment.
Abstract
Psilocybin shows efficacy to alleviate depression in human clinical trials for six or more months after only one or two treatments. Another halluci...
Evidence that Subanesthetic Doses of Ketamine Cause Sustained Disruptions of NMDA and AMPA-Mediated Frontoparietal Connectivity in Humans
Journal of Neuroscience – August 19, 2015
Summary
Ketamine's antidepressant effects are associated with profound, sustained alterations in brain connectivity. Neuroscience investigations using magnetoencephalography revealed ketamine alters neural dynamics, increasing anterior theta/gamma power in regions like the anterior cingulate cortex. Crucially, it reduced NMDA and AMPA receptor-mediated frontoparietal connectivity. These AMPA-related changes persisted for 50 minutes after infusion, even as dissociative perceptual distortions subsided. Decreased parietal cell gain correlated with reported blissful states, suggesting these functional brain connectivity shifts are key to the Treatment of Major Depression.
Abstract
In this paper, we found that subanesthetic doses of ketamine, similar to those used in antidepressant studies, increase anterior theta and gamma po...
Ketamine in Diabetes Care: Metabolic Insights and Clinical Applications.
Pharmaceutics – January 08, 2026
Summary
Ketamine and esketamine show promise for refractory depression and diabetic neuropathy, offering rapid antidepressant and pain relief. Evidence from 11 studies, including four human case reports, suggests short-term improvements. However, drug interactions, particularly involving CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 enzymes, and the impact of diabetes mellitus on drug exposure–response are complex. Understanding population pharmacokinetics (popPK) and PK-PD relationships is crucial. Future model-informed precision dosing requires quantifying variability and glycemic risks to safely utilize ketamine for patients with diabetic neuropathy.
Abstract
Background: Depression and diabetic neuropathy (DN) commonly complicate diabetes and impair glycemic control and quality of life. Ketamine and its ...
Time matters for metas: a systematic review and meta-analysis of ect vs ketamine for depression incorporating time.
Translational psychiatry – January 23, 2026
Summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) significantly reduces severe depression symptoms faster than ketamine. A meta-analysis of seven studies, involving 731 participants, revealed ECT improved symptoms approximately 0.02 standard mean differences per day quicker. Over a four-week course, ECT showed a projected moderate efficacy advantage, with a predicted 0.59 benefit in symptom reduction. This suggests ECT offers a more rapid clinical benefit for major depressive disorder, even though ketamine groups initially had slightly lower baseline depression scores.
Abstract
Comparing treatments for severe and medication-resistant depression is essential for guiding clinical decision-making. In this meta-analysis, we in...
Modulating tonic NMDA receptor currents: mechanistic insights into ketamine, esketamine, and dextromethorphan for major depressive disorder and implications for the discovery and development of investigational agents.
Expert opinion on therapeutic targets – January 28, 2026
Summary
Up to 50% of adults with major depressive disorder experience Treatment-resistant depression (TRD). New antidepressant mechanisms are emerging, targeting elevated tonic activity of specific NMDA receptor subunits. Ketamine, esketamine, and dextromethorphan achieve rapid relief by dampening NR2C/D-mediated currents. Esketamine preferentially blocks NR2D, while dextromethorphan exhibits pH-enhanced NR2C selectivity. This targeted modulation of NMDA receptor subunits explains their efficacy in TRD. Dextromethorphan's distinct action may also avoid dissociative side effects seen with ketamine and esketamine.
Abstract
Up to 50% of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) fail to achieve remission after two or more monoaminergic antidepressants and meet criteri...
Ketamin: Einsatz bei chronischen Schmerzen und Depression
Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift – November 01, 2019
Summary
Ketamine, a familiar anesthetic, is revolutionizing treatment possibilities far beyond its traditional uses. Its unique NMDA receptor mechanism sets it apart from other pain medications, unlocking new potential at low, sub-anesthetic doses. Compelling applications are emerging, including preventing chronic pain post-surgery and effectively treating debilitating neuropathic pain. Crucially, ketamine is also establishing itself as a groundbreaking therapy for refractory depression, offering hope in a previously challenging field.
Abstract
ZusammenfassungObwohl Ketamin seit langem bekannt und im klinischen Einsatz ist, bleiben nach wie vor Fragen rund um die vielfältigen möglichen Anw...
A comparative assessment of the antidepressant efficacy of ketamine, psilocybin, and fluoxetine in a chronic stress model
Scientific Reports – November 26, 2025
Summary
Ketamine and psilocybin demonstrate rapid antidepressant effects, significantly reversing social avoidance in male C57BL/6J mice within 24 hours after a single dose. In contrast, fluoxetine, a common SSRI, showed no significant impact until after 14 days of continuous treatment. This study utilized a chronic social defeat stress model with 60 mice to assess these treatments. The findings underscore the potential of fast-acting therapies like ketamine and psilocybin as viable alternatives for treating major depressive disorder, contrasting sharply with traditional medications that require prolonged administration.
Abstract
Depression is a debilitating mental disorder affecting millions worldwide, yet current pharmacological treatments, such as selective serotonin reup...
Ketamine and Esketamine for the Prevention of Delirium in Surgical Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Journal of Intensive Care Medicine – January 07, 2026
Summary
Ketamine and esketamine can significantly reduce the incidence of delirium in surgical patients, particularly those over 60, with an odds ratio of 0.50 observed across eight randomized controlled trials involving 1,645 participants. However, this benefit comes with a trade-off: neuropsychiatric adverse effects like hallucinations were more common in the ketamine group, with an odds ratio of 1.60. Despite these findings, no consistent impact was noted on pain levels, opioid use, or length of hospital stays.
Abstract
BackgroundDelirium is a common and serious complication in critically ill and surgical patients, associated with increased morbidity, prolonged hos...
Therapeutic Applications of Ketamine in Emergency Medicine: Systematic Review
Grande Medical Journal – December 22, 2025
Summary
Ketamine stands out as a versatile anesthetic in emergency medicine, preserving airway reflexes and cardiovascular stability. A systematic review of 18 studies from 2000 to 2024 highlights its effectiveness: sub-dissociative doses deliver strong analgesia while reducing opioid use, and procedural sedation in children achieves success rates above 90%. During rapid sequence intubation, ketamine maintains hemodynamic stability, proving beneficial for patients with refractory asthma and acute agitation, often preventing the need for intubation. Its affordability enhances its appeal in resource-limited settings.
Abstract
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic widely used in emergency medicine due to its preservation of airway reflexes and cardiovascular stability. A ...
A Phase 2 Open Label Study of Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of SLS-002 (Intranasal Racemic Ketamine) in Adults with MDD at Imminent Risk of Suicide.
Psychopharmacology bulletin – March 04, 2024
Summary
A promising breakthrough in mental health treatment shows intranasal ketamine can rapidly reduce suicidal thoughts in severe depression. This innovative therapy combines two forms of ketamine in a nasal spray, helping patients with MDD who face immediate suicide risk. In an open label trial, 17 hospitalized patients received racemic ketamine treatment, showing significant improvements in both depression and suicidal thoughts. The treatment proved well-tolerated, offering new hope for rapid intervention in crisis situations.
Abstract
Despite the prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and the propensity of affected individuals to eventually die by suicide, there is no ther...
Impact of Low-Dose Ketamine Infusion on Intracranial Pressure and Hemodynamics in Septic Shock Patients.
Neurocritical care – June 18, 2025
Summary
In patients experiencing septic shock, managing sedation without increasing intracranial pressure is crucial. A recent investigation explored whether low-dose ketamine infusion could safely manage sedation in these patients. Using noninvasive methods like optic nerve sheath diameter and transcranial doppler to monitor intracranial pressure, researchers found ketamine infusion did not significantly elevate ICP. Importantly, patients required substantially less other sedatives and vasopressors, showing ketamine's positive role in stabilizing hemodynamics and reducing medication burden during septic shock.
Abstract
Septic shock is a recognized cause of global mortality in intensive care units. Sedation and analgesia management are essential for patients with s...
Adverse Effects Associated With High-Dose Ketamine Infusions For Refractory Pain And Psychiatric Conditions.
Current pain and headache reports – June 19, 2025
Summary
Even powerful treatments like Ketamine, when used at high doses for conditions such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or Treatment Resistant Depression, require careful consideration. Examining high-dose Ketamine infusions reveals common Adverse Effects. Patients may experience psychiatric symptoms, including Emergence Reactions, agitation, or sleep disturbances, alongside emesis and potentially transient Hepatotoxicity. When properly monitored in a hospital, high-dose Ketamine appears safe, though some effects are dose-dependent.
Abstract
As higher doses of ketamine are being used in numerous medical conditions such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), it is critical to examine ...
Ketamine improves anhedonic phenotypes across species: Translational evidence from the Probabilistic Reward Task
medRxiv Preprint Server – June 02, 2025
Summary
Remarkably, ketamine's ability to boost mood in severe depression may stem from its impact on how we experience pleasure. Researchers investigated if a single, low dose of ketamine could improve reward responsiveness in both patients with treatment-resistant depression and stressed rats. Using functionally identical tasks, a significant enhancement in reward processing was observed across both species. This robustly demonstrates that ketamine effectively restores the capacity for reward, offering a powerful new approach for those struggling with anhedonia.
Abstract
Background Ketamine is increasingly used as a therapeutic option for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) due to its rapid antidepressant propertie...
[Subanesthetic Dose Ketamine Infusions for Treatment-Resistant Major Depression: An Application Protocol at a Public Hospital in Argentina].
Vertex (Buenos Aires, Argentina) – July 10, 2025
Summary
A public hospital has successfully implemented a new protocol offering rapid relief for severe depression unresponsive to conventional therapies. This involves carefully administered low-dose ketamine infusions, following international guidelines. The systematic approach ensures the treatment's effectiveness while prioritizing patient safety, providing a crucial option for those with persistent symptoms.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant major depression (TRD) poses a significant challenge in psychiatry due to the limited response to conventional therapies. Suban...
Ketamine induces multiple individually distinct whole-brain functional connectivity signatures
bioRxiv Preprint Server – November 01, 2022
Summary
Intriguingly, ketamine reshapes how different brain areas connect and work together, uniquely for each individual. Researchers observed this promising therapy creates distinct whole-brain activity patterns using advanced imaging. This discovery highlights how ketamine’s personalized impact on neural networks can explain varied therapeutic responses.
Abstract
Ketamine has emerged as one of the most promising therapies for treatment-resistant depression. However, inter-individual variability in response t...
A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of the Patient and Caregiver's Perspective on Outcomes of Intravenous Administration of Low-Dose Ketamine for C-PTSD, TBI, and Treatment Resistant MDD: A Clinical Example.
Reports (MDPI) – January 22, 2025
Summary
Remarkable improvements in daily life can occur for those with long-standing mental health challenges. For one patient with complex post-traumatic stress disorder C-PTSD and major depressive disorder MDD, experiencing treatment-resistant depression TRD, intravenous ketamine therapy proved highly beneficial. Patient and caregiver perspectives, combined with clinical scores, revealed significant positive shifts in well-being. This suggests ketamine therapy can holistically improve mental, physical, and behavioral aspects, potentially aiding other conditions like traumatic brain injury TBI.
Abstract
Background and Clinical Significance: Treatment resistant psychiatric disorders affect millions of people across the globe. Ketamine has been emplo...
Efficacy of adding ketamine to levobupivacaine in paravertebral block on acute and chronic pain in thoracotomy: a randomized controlled double-blinded trial.
Pain reports – December 01, 2024
Summary
Effective pain control after major surgery like thoracotomy is challenging. Researchers explored if adding Ketamine to a Levobupivacaine-based Paravertebral block could improve acute and chronic pain. Sixty patients received either the standard block or one with Ketamine. The Ketamine group experienced significantly less acute pain, needing less rescue medication and reporting lower pain scores. While greatly improving immediate comfort, no significant difference was observed in long-term chronic pain or complications. This suggests Ketamine enhances immediate pain relief.
Abstract
The inappropriate management of pain after thoracotomy results in serious complications. Several adjuvants have been added to the thoracic paravert...
Comparison of Sedation Efficacy Between Propofol-ketamine and Propofol-fentanyl Combinations in Short Gynecological Procedures.
Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses – November 13, 2025
Summary
One anesthetic combination significantly improves surgical conditions for short gynecological procedures. A comparison of deep sedation using propofol-ketamine versus propofol-fentanyl for gynecologic anesthesia found notable differences. While both offered stable hemodynamic monitoring, the propofol-ketamine combination significantly reduced patient movement, leading to higher surgical satisfaction. The propofol-fentanyl group experienced more apnea and dizziness. The propofol-ketamine pairing offers a superior experience with fewer adverse effects.
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the sedoanalgesic efficacy and side effects between propofol-ketamine and propofol-fentanyl combinations in short gynec...
Molecular pathways of ketamine: A systematic review of immediate and sustained effects on PTSD.
Psychopharmacology – June 01, 2025
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals how ketamine rewires trauma-affected brains. The drug works by blocking NMDA receptors, triggering a cascade of molecular changes that boost BDNF production and enhance synaptic plasticity. This process aids memory reconsolidation and promotes gene expression changes, leading to lasting improvements in PTSD symptoms through complex pharmacodynamic pathways.
Abstract
Existing studies predominantly focus on the molecular and neurobiological mechanisms underlying Ketamine's acute treatment effects on post-traumati...
Rapid hippocampal synaptic potentiation induced by ketamine metabolite (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine persistently primes synaptic plasticity.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – May 01, 2025
Summary
A ketamine metabolite shows promise in treating depression by enhancing brain connectivity without typical side effects. This compound, HNK, strengthens neural connections in the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory and mood. It works by activating specific cellular pathways that boost communication between neurons, leading to lasting improvements in brain plasticity. These effects persist even after the drug leaves the system, suggesting a new approach to depression treatment.
Abstract
The pharmacologically active (R,S)-ketamine (ketamine) metabolite (2 R,6 R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) maintains ketamine's preclinical antidepressan...
The interest of ketamine as an adjuvant to fentanyl in post-tonsillectomy analgesia in children: a randomized controlled trial.
The Pan African medical journal – January 01, 2024
Summary
Combining ketamine with fentanyl proves highly effective in managing children's pain after tonsil removal. In a study of 60 young patients aged 2-7, those receiving both medications experienced significantly better pain control than those given either drug alone. This combination provided excellent postoperative comfort without increasing side effects, offering parents and doctors a safer, more effective option for managing post-tonsillectomy pain in children.
Abstract
tonsillectomy is the most commonly performed surgery in children. It is a painful surgery, which is often an ordeal for both children and their par...
The effect of intraoperative low-dose ketamine versus dexmedetomidine infusion on postoperative bowel recovery in patients undergoing gastrointestinal malignancy surgeries: Placebo-controlled, randomized trial.
Journal of anaesthesiology, clinical pharmacology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Pain management during gastrointestinal cancer surgery often delays bowel recovery. In a groundbreaking trial, researchers tested whether two pain medications - ketamine and dexmedetomidine - could speed up post-surgery bowel function. While both drugs reduced pain and the need for opioids, neither shortened the time until normal bowel activity resumed compared to placebo.
Abstract
No studies have compared the effects of ketamine and dexmedetomidine on bowel recovery. We evaluated the effects of intraoperative low-dose ketamin...
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A pilot human study using ketamine to treat disorders of consciousness.
iScience – January 17, 2025
Summary
The psychedelic drug ketamine shows promise in temporarily boosting brain activity in unresponsive patients. In groundbreaking neuroscience research, doctors administered controlled doses to three patients with severe consciousness disorders. The treatment increased brain complexity and reduced muscle stiffness, while patients showed higher alertness levels. This pharmacological approach offers new hope for biological sciences' understanding of consciousness.
Abstract
Post-comatose disorders of consciousness (DoC) represent persistent neurological conditions with limited therapeutic options and a poor prognosis. ...
The Use of Methadone and Ketamine for Intraoperative Pain Management in Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia – February 01, 2025
Summary
Combining ketamine with methadone during cardiac surgery delayed patients' need for additional pain medication by over 2 hours compared to using methadone alone. This innovative pain management approach helped reduce opioid use on the first day after surgery. The study tracked over 6,800 cardiac surgery patients, comparing those who received both medications to those who got only methadone. While initial results were promising, pain levels remained similar between groups after day one.
Abstract
To evaluate whether the addition of ketamine to intraoperative methadone is associated with superior postoperative pain management and decreased op...
Protocol for Comparing Benzodiazepine-Ketamine and Benzodiazepine-Fentanyl Sedation in Phacoemulsification (BEKEF): A Double-Blind Crossover Non-Inferiority Clinical Trial Study.
Cureus – November 01, 2024
Summary
During cataract surgery, finding the right balance of sedation is crucial for patient comfort. Medical experts are evaluating whether ketamine could be a better partner to standard sedatives than fentanyl during phacoemulsification procedures. The study will track 48+ patients receiving both combinations across their two eyes, measuring sedation quality, surgical ease, and patient comfort. This research could revolutionize how doctors keep patients comfortable during these common but delicate procedures.
Abstract
Cataract surgery, particularly phacoemulsification, often requires sedation alongside topical anesthesia to manage patient anxiety and discomfort. ...
Effects of Ketamine on Frontoparietal Interactions in a Rule-Based Antisaccade Task in Macaque Monkeys.
The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience – December 11, 2024
Summary
Ketamine disrupts brain networks crucial for self-control, revealing how specific brain regions work together. Scientists found that blocking certain receptors in monkey brains affected communication between the prefrontal and parietal regions, impairing their ability to follow rules and control eye movements. This shows how brain chemistry enables cognitive control through coordinated activity across neural networks.
Abstract
Cognitive control is engaged by working memory processes and high-demand situations like antisaccade, where one must suppress a prepotent response....
Joint administration of sub-threshold doses of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor donepezil with those of the NMDA receptor antagonist ketamine improved rats' recognition memory abilities.
Neuroscience letters – November 20, 2024
Summary
Combining low doses of two memory-affecting drugs shows promise for enhancing memory function. When researchers paired small amounts of donepezil (an Alzheimer's medication) with ketamine (known for treating depression), rats showed significant improvements in their recognition memory. The combined treatment helped them better remember both object details and spatial locations, suggesting a potential new approach for treating memory disorders.
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a serious progressive neurodegenerative illness conducting to the decay of cognitive functions. A few drugs have been a...