1705 results for "Ketamine"
Exploring the Role of Ketamine Sedation in Critically Ill Patients: A Comprehensive Review.
Cureus – July 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine offers unique advantages in critical care, maintaining vital signs while providing effective sedation. This groundbreaking medication preserves respiratory function and hemodynamic stability better than traditional sedatives, making it valuable for unstable patients. Studies show it reduces the need for blood pressure support while delivering reliable sedation. Its distinctive pharmacodynamics allow medical teams to keep patients comfortable without compromising breathing—a crucial benefit in intensive care settings.
Abstract
Sedation management in critically ill patients is a critical component of intensive care, aiming to balance the need for comfort and immobilization...
Shared effects of electroconvulsive shocks and ketamine on neuroplasticity: A systematic review of animal models of depression.
Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews – September 01, 2024
Summary
Both ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy show remarkable success in treating severe depression by boosting brain plasticity. These treatments increase BDNF protein levels and stimulate new neuron growth in the hippocampus. The treatments enhance brain cell connections and improve neurotransmitter function, suggesting they work through similar mechanisms to rapidly lift depression symptoms.
Abstract
Electroconvulsive shocks (ECS) and ketamine are antidepressant treatments with a relatively fast onset of therapeutic effects compared to conventio...
Low Doses of Psilocybin and Ketamine Enhance Motivation and Attention in Poor Performing Rats: Evidence for an Antidepressant Property
Frontiers in Pharmacology – February 26, 2021
Summary
Remarkably, low doses of the serotonergic hallucinogen Psilocybin (0.05-0.1 mg/kg) and dissociative hallucinogen Ketamine (1-3 mg/kg) improved mood and motivation in rats exhibiting anhedonia. Neuroscience and Pharmacology research, part of Psychedelics and Drug Studies, revealed antidepressant-like effects by influencing Serotonin and other neurotransmitter receptors. Psychology and Medicine can leverage these findings; both drugs modestly enhanced attention, particularly in low-performing subjects. This suggests therapeutic utility for Tryptophan-linked brain disorders, expanding our understanding.
Abstract
Long term benefits following short-term administration of high psychedelic doses of serotonergic and dissociative hallucinogens, typified by psiloc...
Towards Novel Antidepressant Strategies: A Comparative Study of Ketamine, Psilocybin, and Fluoxetine in a Chronic Stress Model
OpenAlex – October 07, 2025
Summary
Remarkably, a single dose of psychedelics like ketamine or psilocybin rapidly reversed depression-like behaviors in mice, with effects sustained for up to 14 days. For comparison in these drug studies, fluoxetine, a common treatment for major depression, required 14 days of continuous administration to achieve similar benefits. This suggests novel approaches, potentially by influencing diverse neurotransmitter receptors, could offer faster, more durable treatment for major depression than conventional therapies, providing relief within 24 hours.
Abstract
Abstract Depression is a debilitating mental disorder affecting millions worldwide, yet current pharmacological treatments, such as selective serot...
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin and Ketamine in Major Depressive Disorder including Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Narrative Review
Biuletyn Głównej Biblioteki Lekarskiej – June 01, 2025
Summary
Novel medicine offers hope for Major depressive disorder (MDD) and Treatment-resistant depression. Psilocybin, a hallucinogen alkaloid, shows 54-71% response rates for depressive symptoms, requiring a psychotherapist. Ketamine, a product of chemical synthesis, rapidly reduces suicidal ideation within hours. Both agents, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, represent a paradigm shift in psychiatry and clinical psychology. Psychedelic drug studies highlight their potential to address the economic burden of depression. This new narrative in psychology demands large-scale trials for integration.
Abstract
Abstract Major depressive disorder (MDD), including treatment-resistant depression (TRD), represents significant global health challenges with conv...
Ketamine Combined With Psychotherapy as a Treatment for Resistant Depression in a Public European Hospital.
Brain and behavior – January 01, 2026
Summary
All nine patients with resistant depression showed improvement after eight weeks of ketamine infusions combined with psychotherapy. This promising treatment approach saw a 44% response rate, with participants' depression scores shifting from severe to moderate. Among those with suicidal ideation, over half experienced remission. This type of treatment, sometimes considered a form of psychedelic-assisted therapy, yielded sustained benefits; only 29% of monitored outpatients experienced mood deterioration within three months.
Abstract
Depression affects around 280 million people worldwide, and about 30% of patients have treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine has significant sci...
Simultaneous quantitative determination of 2-fluoro-2-oxo-phenylcyclohexylethylamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine and ketamine in postmortem blood using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
Forensic toxicology – January 01, 2026
Summary
Fatal intoxications involving the dissociative anesthetic 2F-2-oxo-PCE have been forensically confirmed in postmortem cases for the first time. Blood concentrations ranged from 664 to 7911 ng/mL. Often found alongside MDMA and Ketamine, this suggests dangerous polydrug use contributed to deaths. A robust LC-MS/MS method was developed to simultaneously quantify 2F-2-oxo-PCE and related compounds. This vital data provides a critical baseline for interpreting emerging substance abuse.
Abstract
The abuse of 2-fluoro-2-oxo-phenylcyclohexylethylamine (2F-2-oxo-PCE), a dissociative anesthetic structurally related to phencyclidine (PCP) and ke...
Ketamine, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, and Depression Specific Yoga and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy in Management of Treatment Resistant Depression: Review and Some Data on Efficacy
Depression Research and Treatment – January 01, 2015
Summary
Treatment-resistant depression affects 12-20% of all depression patients, costing $29-48 billion annually. A novel integrated therapy, DepS Y-MBCT, successfully eased symptoms in an open-label pilot trial, helping 27 out of 32 patients. While ketamine and rTMS offer rapid symptom relief, their long-term effectiveness can be limited. A promising "tiered approach" suggests using these rapid treatments initially, then implementing DepS Y-MBCT—which combines yoga and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy—to maintain remission and prevent relapse long-term.
Abstract
Depression affects about 121 million people worldwide and prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) in US adults is 6.4%. Treatment resistant d...
At-Home Telehealth-Supported Subcutaneous Ketamine Therapy for Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD: A Real-World Observational Study of Safety, Feasibility, and Effectiveness in a Large Cohort (Preprint)
CrossRef
Summary
At-home subcutaneous ketamine significantly reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Among 3,870 patients, 81.8% with depression, 80% with anxiety, and 84.6% with PTSD achieved clinically meaningful improvement after six weeks. Depression scores dropped from 14.64 to 6.30, anxiety from 13.06 to 6.09, and PTSD from 46.7 to 27.5, demonstrating large effect sizes (1.35-1.58). This telehealth-supported approach proved safe, with low adverse events (2.8-3.2%) and high adherence, offering a promising, accessible treatment.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are leading global causes...
Simultaneous Determination of HFBA-Derivatized Amphetamines and Ketamines in Urine by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Journal of Analytical Toxicology – April 01, 2011
Summary
A novel method for analyzing multiple drugs in urine achieved impressive detection limits: 25 ng/mL for amphetamine and 15 ng/mL for methamphetamine, among others. This technique utilized solid-phase extraction and derivatization with heptafluorobutyric anhydride, effectively handling a sample size of 1 mL. In a trial involving 107 urine samples, within-day precision was ≤ 3.1%, and accuracy ranged from 96.0% to 110.7%. This streamlined approach enables efficient confirmation testing for amphetamines and ketamine, enhancing forensic toxicology practices.
Abstract
To facilitate the analysis of targeted drugs under high sample volume testing environment, an extraction, derivatization and gas chromatographic-ma...
Ketamine as adjuvant treatment in eating disorders: an exploratory study of a case series and retrospective analysis.
Journal of eating disorders – March 17, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, traditionally used as an anesthetic, shows promising results in treating severe eating disorders. In a groundbreaking case series, eight women with anorexia nervosa received ketamine as an adjuvant treatment alongside standard care. The therapy helped reshape rigid food-related thoughts and improved body mass index, particularly after 4-5 sessions. Patients experienced reduced obsessive thinking and better self-image, suggesting ketamine's potential in treating challenging eating disorders.
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) significantly impair physical health and psychosocial functioning. Few effective therapeutic approaches exist for EDs, parti...
Potentiation of antidepressant effects: NPY1R agonist and ketamine synergy enhances TrkB signaling and neurogenesis in the ventral hippocampus.
Expert opinion on therapeutic targets – April 01, 2024
Summary
A breakthrough in antidepressant therapy shows that combining ketamine with a novel compound amplifies mood-lifting effects. Scientists found that pairing ketamine with an NPY1R agonist triggers enhanced brain cell growth in the ventral hippocampus. The combination boosts Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor levels and promotes neurogenesis more effectively than either treatment alone.
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) poses a significant challenge to global health, with current treatments often limited by efficacy and onset delays....
Emergency Department Ketamine Sedation: Frequency and Predictors of Critical and High-Risk Adverse Events.
Annals of emergency medicine – June 06, 2025
Summary
Ketamine sedation in emergency departments proves remarkably safe, with critical complications occurring in only 0.016% of cases. This 20-year analysis of nearly 13,000 pediatric cases shows that while dissociative sedation with ketamine carries minimal risk, older children and those receiving opioids face slightly higher chances of adverse events during procedural sedation. High-risk events remained rare at 0.52%.
Abstract
We wished to assess the frequency of critical and high-risk adverse events when ketamine is administered for emergency department (ED) procedural s...
In adult patients presenting to ED with severe acute pain, is intranasal ketamine as effective as intravenous opiates for pain reduction?
Emergency medicine journal : EMJ – May 30, 2025
Summary
Pain relief in emergency departments is evolving beyond traditional needle-based treatments. Intranasal ketamine offers comparable pain reduction to standard intravenous painkillers, with similar safety profiles. Emergency medicine specialists found this nasal spray option particularly effective for rapid pain management, giving emergency department staff a needle-free alternative for delivering fast analgesia to patients in severe pain.
Abstract
This systematic review assessed whether intranasal (IN) ketamine is as effective as intravenous (IV) opiates for adults presenting to the ED with a...
Mechanisms underlying sustained resilience against anorexia nervosa from sub-anesthetic ketamine: A review and new research based on electron microscopic analyses of synapses using a mouse model.
Physiology & behavior – September 01, 2025
Summary
A single dose of ketamine shows promise in preventing anorexia relapse. Brain imaging reveals how ketamine strengthens key neural connections in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. The treatment works by adjusting protein levels and inhibitory synapses, helping to reduce excessive exercise while promoting healthy eating patterns. Most notably, these protective effects last weeks after treatment.
Abstract
The activity-based anorexia (ABA) animal model captures key maladaptive behaviors of anorexia nervosa - starvation-evoked hyperactivity, voluntary ...
Measuring suicidal behavior in the era of rapid-acting antidepressants: A systematic review of ketamine studies.
Psychiatry research – June 01, 2025
Summary
Recent breakthroughs show ketamine can rapidly reduce suicidal thoughts in people with major depressive disorder. Healthcare providers now have multiple tools to track these life-saving improvements, from quick depression screenings to detailed suicide assessments. While traditional antidepressants take weeks to work, both ketamine and esketamine offer hope through their quick-acting benefits, with positive changes often visible within hours.
Abstract
Assessment measures for suicidal behavior range from depression scales to longer suicide-specific instruments. In this review, we systematically su...
Ketamine: An emerging agent in the management of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Asian journal of psychiatry – April 01, 2025
Summary
Once used solely as an anesthetic, ketamine has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for multiple mental health conditions. This rapid-acting medication shows promise in treating substance use disorders, including alcohol and cocaine dependence. It's particularly effective for managing both acute and chronic pain, while also helping ease the difficult symptoms of opioid and alcohol withdrawal. Recent evidence suggests ketamine can quickly calm severe agitation and reduce drug cravings, offering new hope for addiction treatment.
Abstract
Ketamine's unique pharmacological profile, safety, modulation of multiple neurotransmitter systems, and ability to produce neuroplastic changes mak...
[Effect of low-dose s-ketamine on cough response during extubation period in patients undergoing suspension laryngoscopic surgery].
Zhonghua yi xue za zhi – February 25, 2025
Summary
Low-dose ketamine proves effective in reducing coughing during throat surgery recovery. In a clinical trial with 66 patients, those receiving a small dose of s-ketamine showed significantly less coughing when breathing tubes were removed - just 39% compared to 67% in the control group. The treatment was safe, with no negative effects on recovery time or vital signs.
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effect of low-dose s-ketamine on cough response during extubation period in patients undergoing suspension laryngoscopic...
Efficacy and safety of S-ketamine in pain management for breast cancer patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Clinical & translational oncology : official publication of the Federation of Spanish Oncology Societies and of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico – February 05, 2025
Summary
S-ketamine offers promising pain relief for breast cancer patients during surgery. This analysis of multiple clinical trials found that patients who received S-ketamine during radical mastectomy experienced significantly less pain, as measured by VAS pain scores, compared to those who didn't. The benefits lasted up to 48 hours after surgery, with no major safety concerns reported.
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. According to the recent statistics by World Health Organiza...
Determining influences of intraoperative s-ketamine on postoperative delirium and cognitive function: methodology is important.
Journal of cardiothoracic surgery – December 31, 2024
Summary
The use of ketamine during surgery may protect older patients' brain function, but measuring these effects requires precise methods. When monitoring post-surgery confusion and cognitive changes, multiple daily assessments and standardized tools are crucial. Recent findings about ketamine's benefits need stronger evidence through more rigorous testing protocols and clearer definitions of cognitive impairment.
Abstract
The letter to the editor was written in response to the recent article by Wang et al. "The influence of low-dose s-ketamine on postoperative deliri...
Ketamine's Altered States Meta-Analysis: The Relationship Between Psychomimetic and Clinical Effects With Focus in Depression.
Journal of clinical psychopharmacology
Summary
Ketamine's mind-altering effects during treatment may not be the key to its success in fighting depression. New analysis of multiple studies reveals that the drug's therapeutic benefits appear independent of the altered mental states patients experience. While ketamine remains a promising treatment, the hallucinations and dissociative effects aren't necessary for positive outcomes.
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a significant focus on exploring the potential therapeutic impact of altered states of consciousness on treatment o...
Effect of Low-dose Ketamine on Inflammatory Markers, Perioperative Analgesia, and Chronic Pain in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind, Comparative Study.
Turkish journal of anaesthesiology and reanimation – December 16, 2024
Summary
Low-dose ketamine shows promise in reducing both short-term pain and long-term chronic pain after hernia surgery. This medication decreased inflammatory markers in the blood and cut down the need for traditional pain medications. Patients receiving ketamine had lower inflammation levels and better pain control, with fewer cases of persistent pain three months after surgery.
Abstract
The neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are indicators of postoperative inflammatory response. Low-dose ketamine ...
Local activity alterations in autism spectrum disorder correlate with neurotransmitter properties and ketamine induced brain changes.
medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences – October 21, 2024
Summary
Brain activity patterns in autism mirror effects of ketamine, revealing key insights into neurotransmitter imbalances. Scientists found reduced brain activity in social processing regions and increased activity in sensory areas. These patterns strongly correlate with multiple neurotransmitter systems and match changes seen when ketamine affects brain chemistry, suggesting disrupted balance between excitation and inhibition may drive autism-related brain differences.
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with altered resting-state brain function. An increased excitation-inhi...
Blood pressure changes during ketamine infusion for the treatment of depression.
General hospital psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Cardiovascular changes during depression treatment reveal an important safety consideration: blood pressure typically peaks 40 minutes into ketamine therapy. While generally well-tolerated, this treatment can cause temporary blood pressure increases, particularly in older adults and those with existing hypertension. In a review of 2,342 treatments, severe hypertension occurred in less than 1% of sessions, mostly during early treatments. This adverse effect was manageable with monitoring, supporting ketamine's overall safety profile.
Abstract
This study aimed to examine blood pressure changes during ketamine infusion for depression and exploring the factors associated with these changes....
Repurposing Ketamine in the Therapy of Depression and Depression-Related Disorders: Recent Advances and Future Potential.
Aging and disease – April 29, 2024
Summary
A single dose of ketamine can lift severe depression symptoms within hours - a breakthrough finding that's reshaping mental health treatment. This anesthetic medication works differently from traditional antidepressants, targeting brain receptors that rapidly boost mood and neural connectivity. Recent advances show ketamine not only treats existing depression but may prevent stress-related mental health issues. Its fast-acting nature and unique mechanism make it particularly promising for patients who haven't responded to conventional treatments.
Abstract
Depression represents a prevalent and enduring mental disorder of significant concern within the clinical domain. Extensive research indicates that...
Molecular signatures of astrocytes and microglia maladaptive responses to acute stress are rescued by a single administration of ketamine in a rodent model of PTSD.
Translational psychiatry – May 25, 2024
Summary
A single dose of ketamine can protect brain cells from harmful stress responses, offering hope for treating trauma-related mental health conditions. Scientists found that stress triggers immediate changes in brain support cells called astrocytes and microglia. In vulnerable individuals, these changes persist and damage neural connections. However, ketamine treatment effectively reversed these harmful changes, helping restore normal brain function.
Abstract
Stress affects the brain and alters its neuroarchitecture and function; these changes can be severe and lead to psychiatric disorders. Recent evide...
IV low dose ketamine infusions for treatment resistant depression: Results from a five-year study at a free public clinic in an academic hospital.
Psychiatry research – May 01, 2024
Summary
Low-dose ketamine shows remarkable promise in treating severe depression, with over half of patients experiencing significant improvement. A five-year analysis of real-world clinical data revealed that ketamine infusions rapidly reduced both depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in patients with major depressive disorder who hadn't responded to standard treatments. The antidepressant effect was particularly noteworthy, with 55% of patients showing positive treatment response. Most side effects were mild and temporary, making this psychopharmacology approach both effective and well-tolerated.
Abstract
Individuals with major depressive disorder and treatment resistant depression (MDD-TRD) have limited and sometimes poorly tolerated therapeutic opt...
Anhedonia and depression severity measures during ketamine administration in treatment-resistant depression.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine shows promise in treating one of depression's most challenging symptoms - the inability to feel pleasure. This groundbreaking finding reveals that ketamine therapy can improve anhedonia in people with treatment-resistant depression, even when other symptoms persist. The medication helped restore pleasure responses in patients, working independently from its effects on other depressive symptoms.
Abstract
Anhedonia is a core symptom of depression characterized by a diminished ability to experience pleasure. Currently available treatments for depressi...
Sublingual Ketamine as Breakthrough Analgesia in Patients with Advanced Cancer-A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Repeated Cross-over Trial.
Journal of pain & palliative care pharmacotherapy – July 12, 2025
Summary
Even a low dose of a new treatment showed promise for severe pain. A pilot trial investigated if sublingual ketamine could effectively manage breakthrough pain in advanced cancer patients. Compared to placebo, sublingual ketamine notably reduced cancer pain, improved quality of life, and was perceived as more effective than usual breakthrough pain relief, with minimal side effects. These promising results highlight its potential for significant patient benefit.
Abstract
This pilot study aimed to determine feasibility of a larger definitive study evaluating sublingual ketamine efficacy as first-line breakthrough ana...
Anesthetic-like effects of ketamine in C. elegans
bioRxiv Preprint Server – August 28, 2024
Summary
Studying microscopic life often requires temporary stillness, but common methods can be harsh. New findings reveal that ketamine, an anesthetic, gently and reversibly immobilizes tiny worms for observation. Using video and automated tracking, scientists observed that worms treated with ketamine at effective concentrations recovered remarkably well, without showing signs of cellular stress. This offers a significantly safer and more humane approach for research.
Abstract
Transparency of C. elegans enables microscopic in vivo imaging of cellular processes, but immobilization is required due to high locomotor activity...
Opioid-refractory rectal tenesmus treated with burst ketamine.
BMJ supportive & palliative care – June 26, 2025
Summary
Even severe, opioid-resistant rectal tenesmus, a distressing lower gastrointestinal pain often linked to cancer, found significant relief with a novel approach. A patient experiencing this intense discomfort received a short course of ketamine via infusion. This palliative care strategy remarkably reduced their pain and opioid requirements, highlighting a promising new option for managing this challenging condition.
Abstract
Rectal tenesmus is the painful sensation of incomplete evacuation of the bowels, which is distressing and difficult to manage. Tenesmus is often ca...
Psychopathological effects of S-ketamine and dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in humans: a double-blind, cross-over human experimental study of the NMDA antagonist and the 5HT2A agonist model of psychosis
Pharmacopsychiatry – September 01, 2005
Summary
NMDA receptor antagonists like Phencyclidine (PCP) and Ketamine, and serotonergic hallucinogens such as Psilocybin and Lysergic acid diethylamide, model distinct psychosis aspects, not one being superior. A neuroscience study with fifteen healthy volunteers compared a 5-HT2A agonist (DMT) and a dissociative NMDA antagonist (Ketamine). Though hallucinogenic intensity was similar, DMT mirrored positive schizophrenia symptoms, while Ketamine highlighted negative ones. This pharmacology insight from drug studies advances psychology's understanding of neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, informing major depression treatment.
Abstract
Pharmacological challenges with hallucinogens are used as models for psychosis in experimental research. The state induced by glutamate antagonists...
Symptom trajectories and clinical outcomes of intravenous ketamine in treatment-resistant depression: A real-world study using group-based trajectory modeling.
Journal of affective disorders – January 23, 2026
Summary
Anxiety symptoms improve more slowly and less robustly than depression for individuals with Treatment-resistant depression receiving IV ketamine. Among 209 adults, Ketamine infusions led to modest symptom reduction, with trajectory modeling revealing four distinct response patterns for both conditions. While six infusions showed numerically higher response, durability data was only available for four infusions. This real-world evidence underscores the need for individualized care when using IV ketamine, especially for Anxiety.
Abstract
Intravenous (IV) ketamine is an emerging intervention for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), yet the temporal dynamics of response and the optim...
KETAMINE AS AN OPTIONAL TREATMENT IN CHRONIC PAIN - A REVIEW
International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science – September 25, 2025
Summary
Ketamine has emerged as a promising treatment for chronic pain, effectively alleviating conditions like neuropathic pain and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). In a review of multiple studies, ketamine demonstrated significant pain relief in over 70% of patients suffering from these conditions. Traditional opioid treatments often fail to provide adequate relief and carry risks of dependency. This alternative approach highlights ketamine’s potential as a safe and effective option in pain management, with ongoing exploration into its mechanisms and clinical applications.
Abstract
Chronic pain is a pervasive and debilitating condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Traditional methods of pain management, incl...
Ketamine restores escape behavior by re-engaging dopamine systems to drive cortical spinogenesis
bioRxiv Preprint Server – March 11, 2020
Summary
Prolonged stress can impair the brain's ability to adapt and escape difficult situations. Groundbreaking findings show that a promising antidepressant effectively restores this vital escape behavior. It achieves this by reactivating the brain's dopamine systems, which in turn stimulates the growth of new neural connections in the prefrontal cortex. This process, called spinogenesis, is key for positive brain plasticity, revealing how specific circuits can overcome maladaptive learning.
Abstract
Escaping aversive stimuli is essential for complex organisms, but prolonged exposure to stress leads to maladaptive learning. Stress alters plastic...
Brain-based correlates of antidepressant response to ketamine: a comprehensive systematic review of neuroimaging studies.
The lancet. Psychiatry – October 01, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Ketamine is an effective antidepressant, but there is substantial variability in patient response and the precise mechanism of action is unclear. N...
Intravenous ketamine for benzodiazepine deprescription and withdrawal management in treatment-resistant depression: a preliminary report.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – November 01, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
We present the first evidence that sub-anesthetic ketamine infusions for treatment resistant depression (TRD) may facilitate deprescription of long...
Measuring acute effects of subanesthetic ketamine on cerebrovascular hemodynamics in humans using TD-fNIRS.
Scientific reports – July 19, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Quantifying neural activity in natural conditions (i.e. conditions comparable to the standard clinical patient experience) during the administratio...
Safety considerations and risk mitigation strategies for ketamine use: a comprehensive review.
Annals of medicine and surgery (2012) – May 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's remarkable evolution from operating room anesthetic to breakthrough depression treatment represents one of medicine's most versatile tools. When administered properly, it offers rapid relief for both chronic pain and severe depression, often working within hours where other treatments fail. Careful safety protocols and monitoring ensure optimal outcomes while minimizing risks.
Abstract
Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, has gained widespread use in various medical contexts, including anesthesia, pain management, and treatment-re...
The Administration of Ketamine Is Associated with Dose-Dependent Stabilization of Cortical Dynamics in Humans.
The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience – May 14, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's effects on consciousness reveal fascinating insights into how our brains process reality. Using EEG recordings, researchers found that ketamine stabilizes brain wave patterns in a dose-dependent manner, particularly affecting high-frequency activity. This stabilization correlates with reduced external awareness and entry into a dissociated state, while brain dynamics remain complex enough to maintain consciousness.
Abstract
During wakefulness, external stimuli elicit conscious experiences. In contrast, dreams and drug-induced dissociated states are characterized by viv...
Systems-level analysis of local field potentials reveals differential effects of lysergic acid diethylamide and ketamine on neuronal activity and functional connectivity.
Frontiers in neuroscience – January 01, 2023
Summary
Breakthrough brain recordings reveal distinct neural signatures of two powerful mind-altering compounds. While both LSD and ketamine alter consciousness, they do so through different neurological mechanisms. Using advanced in vivo neurophysiology, researchers measured brain activity patterns and neural communication in rodents. LSD, a classic psychedelic, decreased brain network connectivity without changing overall neural activity. Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, both increased neural firing and reduced connectivity between brain regions.
Abstract
Psychedelic substances have in recent years attracted considerable interest as potential treatments for several psychiatric conditions, including d...
Is ketamine efficacious for rapid treatment of acute suicidal ideation in an emergency setting? Lessons learned from a pilot randomized controlled trial.
BMC research notes – February 12, 2025
Summary
In the urgent battle against suicide, ketamine - a powerful N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist - shows promise for rapid relief. When compared to midazolam in emergency settings, both medications significantly reduced suicidal thoughts within 24 hours. While patients with severe depressive disorder saw improvement with either treatment, ketamine's established safety profile makes it a valuable option for crisis intervention.
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a single infusion of ketamine in inducing rapid remission of severe suicidal ideation, compared to Mid...
Efficacy of fluoxetine and (R,S)-ketamine in attenuating conditioned fear behaviors in male mice.
The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics – January 01, 2025
Summary
New findings show promising results in treating trauma-related fear responses: combining ketamine and fluoxetine significantly reduced fear behaviors in mice. The treatment was particularly effective at reducing conditioned fear responses two weeks after traumatic experiences. While fluoxetine alone helped decrease generalized anxiety, the dual-treatment approach showed the most promise for post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is caused by exposure to a traumatic or stressful event. Symptoms related to this disorder include persistent...
Additively manufactured ready-to-use platform using conductive recycled PLA for ketamine sensing.
Mikrochimica acta – January 09, 2025
Summary
Innovative 3D printing meets crime prevention in a breakthrough electrochemical sensor that detects ketamine, a dangerous date rape drug, in various beverages. Using recycled materials, researchers developed disposable devices that can quickly identify the presence of ketamine in drinks like wine, beer, and vodka. The sensor, made from recycled plastic and carbon materials, outperforms commercial alternatives and accurately detects even small amounts of the drug, offering a promising tool for drink safety.
Abstract
The use of 3D-printed electrodes is reported fabricated from in-house conductive filament composed of a mixture of recycled poly (lactic acid) (rPL...
The quest for optimal ketamine dosing formula in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.
Pharmacological reports : PR – December 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine shows remarkable promise in treating stubborn depression, with success rates tied closely to precise dosing. New research reveals that traditional weight-based dose calculations may be more effective than alternative methods using lean body mass or body surface area. When treating major depressive disorder, the standard dose of 0.5mg/kg provides better coverage than formulas based on ideal body weight or other metrics.
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that intravenous ketamine is effective in managing treatment-resistant unipolar and bipolar depression. Clinical studie...
A Systematic Review on Ketamine and Esketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression and Suicidality in Adolescents: A New Hope?
Children (Basel, Switzerland) – June 29, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough treatments offer new hope for teens battling severe depression. Recent findings show ketamine and esketamine can rapidly reduce suicidal thoughts and improve symptoms in adolescents with treatment-resistant depression. These medications work within hours, unlike traditional antidepressants that take weeks. Studies reveal up to 40% of depressed teens don't respond to standard treatments, making these fast-acting alternatives particularly promising for youth mental health.
Abstract
Treating depression in adolescents is a significant challenge, and major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal ideation and treatment-resistant d...
Hype or hope? High placebo response in major depression treatment with ketamine and esketamine: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Surprising finding: Up to 72% of the antidepressant effect seen with ketamine and esketamine may be attributed to placebo response. These promising psychoactive medications, which work as NMDA-receptor antagonists, have shown remarkable results in treating major depression (MDD). Analysis of 1,100 patients revealed that while both drugs are effective, positive treatment expectations play a crucial role in their success.
Abstract
Ketamine and esketamine offer a novel approach in the pharmacological treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). This meta-analysis aimed to inv...
Postnatal functional inactivation of the ventral subiculum enhances dopaminergic responses in the core part of the nucleus accumbens following ketamine injection in adult rats
arXiv Preprint Archive – November 22, 2020
Summary
Early disruption of specific brain circuits can dramatically alter how the brain responds to ketamine later in life, revealing important clues about schizophrenia's origins. Scientists found that rats with early-life changes to a brain region called the ventral subiculum showed heightened dopamine responses and increased activity when given ketamine as adults. This suggests early brain development plays a key role in later psychiatric vulnerability.
Abstract
For almost two decades schizophrenia has been considered to be a functional disconnection disorder. This functional disconnectivity between several...
Ketamine Produces a Long-Lasting Enhancement of CA1 Neuron Excitability
bioRxiv Preprint Server – May 26, 2021
Summary
Ketamine surprisingly boosts brain cell activity for days. The aim was to understand how this compound achieves its rapid, lasting antidepressant benefits at a cellular level. Investigations examined individual neurons and their networks, tracking effect duration and the role of specific brain receptors. It was discovered that the compound significantly enhances the excitability of particular brain cells, a positive effect persisting for days. This beneficial change is strongly linked to its interaction with key brain receptors, offering a clearer picture of its therapeutic mechanism.
Abstract
Background Ketamine is a clinical anaesthetic and a fast-acting, long-lasting antidepressant. Ketamine is known for its antagonistic actions on N-m...
Brain-epigenome wide association study (BEWAS) on the effects of two emerging psychedelics: ketamine & MDMA
bioRxiv Preprint Server – July 03, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics like ketamine and MDMA induce lasting changes in brain gene activity. These compounds alter how genes are turned on or off, impacting pathways crucial for neuroplasticity and immune function. Both show positive effects on mental processes, suggesting a shared molecular basis for their therapeutic potential in psychiatric health.
Abstract
Psychedelic compounds such as ketamine and MDMA have shown therapeutic promise for mood and trauma-related disorders, yet their molecular mechanism...
Converging pathways: shared brain circuitry engaged by monoaminergic antidepressants, ketamine and psilocybin
OpenAlex – May 30, 2025
Summary
Ketamine offers rapid relief for Major Depression, often within a single day, unlike traditional monoaminergic antidepressants requiring weeks. Neuroscience investigations in mice reveal a shared limbic brain circuit crucial for antidepressant efficacy. While Ketamine and high-dose Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, acutely activate key frontal brain regions, standard monoaminergic drugs and Psilocybin microdosing require chronic administration to achieve similar activation. This insight from Psychedelics and Drug Studies informs Psychiatry and Medicine, explaining delayed effects and advancing our understanding of neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior in treating Major Depression.
Abstract
Abstract Ketamine has transformed depression treatment by providing therapeutic relief within a single day, unlike monoaminergic antidepressants th...
The psychotomimetic ketamine disrupts the transfer of late sensory information in the corticothalamic network
bioRxiv Preprint Server – February 21, 2022
Summary
The brain's ability to process sensory information is crucial, yet conditions like early schizophrenia disrupt this. Research using ketamine, which mimics these symptoms, reveals how sensory perception is impaired. In rats, the drug alters brain rhythms and connectivity, specifically disrupting the transfer of perceptual data within the brain's somatosensory networks. This clarifies how NMDA receptor antagonism interferes with the brain's ability to integrate what it perceives.
Abstract
In prodromal and early schizophrenia, disorders of attention and perception are associated with structural and chemical brain abnormalities, and wi...
The therapeutic potential of psilocybin beyond psychedelia through shared mechanisms with ketamine.
Molecular psychiatry – July 07, 2025
Summary
Remarkably, rapid-acting compounds can relieve severe depressive disorder symptoms in mere hours. A synthesis of clinical and preclinical findings reveals that while ketamine and psilocybin target different brain systems, both significantly enhance brain plasticity. This shared therapeutic mechanism, promoting new neural connections, is key to their sustained antidepressant effects. Understanding how these systems converge could lead to fast, durable, non-hallucinogenic treatments.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a debilitating condition, with many patients unresponsive to conventional monoaminergic antidepressants. Rapid-acting ...
Tusi: a new ketamine concoction complicating the drug landscape.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse – September 03, 2023
Summary
"Pink cocaine," or tusi, often contains no cocaine. This emerging street drug complicates the club drugs landscape. Analysis shows it's predominantly ketamine, frequently mixed with other new psychoactive substances like MDMA. This mislabeling risks users unaware of its contents and challenges researchers. Understanding tusi's true composition is vital for public safety and accurate data.
Abstract
A drug concoction called tusi has emerged in Latin America and in Europe and is now beginning to acquire popularity in the United States. "Tusi" is...
Ketamine and Esketamine Therapy in Affective Disorders: A Comprehensive Review of Mechanisms, Clinical Evidence, Safety, and Future Directions
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – February 28, 2026
Summary
Ketamine and esketamine offer rapid relief for patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), showing effects within hours. In clinical trials, intravenous ketamine demonstrated significant effectiveness, while intranasal esketamine received approval for acute suicidal ideation. Approximately one-third of patients typically fail standard antidepressant treatments. Though these glutamatergic modulators represent a promising shift from traditional monoaminergic therapies, they require careful monitoring due to potential adverse effects like dissociation and sedation. Continued investigation is essential to ensure long-term safety and effective maintenance strategies in psychiatric care.
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Depression represent significant global health burdens because about one-third of patients who receive ...
A Case of Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy After Ketamine Infusion.
Cureus – May 01, 2024
Summary
A concerning cardiac reaction to IV ketamine therapy highlights potential risks of this promising depression treatment. A patient developed stress-induced cardiomyopathy and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction shortly after receiving ketamine infusion. Cardiac imaging-MRI revealed temporary heart muscle weakness, likely due to catecholamine-induced myocardial toxicity. The patient recovered fully with supportive care.
Abstract
We report the case of a 64-year-old female with a history of hypothyroidism and isolated parotid sarcoidosis who presented with acute-onset chest p...
Oral Ketamine for the Treatment of Depression: A randomized controlled trial and meta-analysis
medRxiv Preprint Server – March 21, 2025
Summary
Treating depression at home could soon be a reality. Research explored oral ketamine as an accessible alternative to current clinic-based options. A randomized trial and comprehensive meta-analysis found this oral treatment to be effective and well-tolerated. This suggests a promising, convenient option for managing depression, potentially expanding treatment access for many.
Abstract
Background Ketamine represents a significant advancement in antidepressant therapy, but the commonly used intravenous and intranasal application ro...
A qualitative study of emergency nurses’ perspectives on intranasal ketamine for procedural sedation in children
medRxiv Preprint Server – May 16, 2024
Summary
Imagine a less invasive way to sedate children for medical procedures. Nurses' insights are crucial for new methods like intranasal ketamine. A qualitative study explored emergency nurses' perspectives, revealing they largely found it beneficial for pediatric sedation, citing ease of administration and patient comfort. These findings strongly support its use and inform clinical guidelines for children's care.
Abstract
Purpose There is mounting evidence supporting a role for intranasal (IN) ketamine for procedural sedation in children due to its less invasive deli...
Ketamine Versus Electroconvulsive Therapy for the Treatment of Depression: A Guide for Clinicians.
Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing) – April 01, 2025
Summary
When traditional antidepressants fail, two powerful options emerge: ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy. Both treatments show remarkable success for treatment-resistant depression, with distinct advantages. Ketamine offers rapid relief with fewer side effects, while electroconvulsive therapy remains highly effective for severe major depressive disorder. Patient-centered factors like medical history and lifestyle help determine the best choice.
Abstract
The effective treatment of major depressive disorder remains one of the biggest public health challenges globally. For moderate to severe cases, ph...
Body mass index is associated with the antidepressant effects of intravenous ketamine in patients with depression.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
Higher body weight may boost ketamine's mood-lifting effects. In a clinical trial, patients with higher body mass index showed stronger improvements when treated with intravenous ketamine for major depressive disorder and bipolar depression. Those with above-average BMI experienced a 67% response rate, compared to 51% in lower-weight individuals, suggesting weight could influence treatment outcomes.
Abstract
We aimed to explore the correlation between baseline body mass index (BMI) and the antidepressant properties of intravenous ketamine in patients wi...