1705 results for "Ketamine"
Exploring the Efficacy of Ketamine as an Anesthetic and Antidepressant in Postpartum Depression: A Case Study Analysis.
Cureus – February 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine, traditionally used in anesthesia, shows remarkable potential in preventing postpartum depression. In a groundbreaking case, a mother who received ketamine during two C-section deliveries experienced no depression symptoms, while her other two births without ketamine led to significant postnatal depression. This suggests ketamine could serve as both an anesthetic and protective agent for maternal mental health, offering a single-treatment approach that's more efficient than traditional anti-depressants.
Abstract
Postpartum depression is a common mental health disorder that affects women within six months after giving birth. It is characterized by sadness, a...
S-ketamine in patient-controlled analgesia reduces opioid consumption in a dose-dependent manner after major lumbar fusion surgery: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
medRxiv Preprint Server – January 22, 2021
Summary
Managing severe pain after major spinal fusion surgery often leads to high opioid use. A clinical trial investigated if adding S-ketamine to patient-controlled pain relief could reduce this. Participants were randomly given different S-ketamine doses or a placebo. The results clearly demonstrated that S-ketamine significantly reduced opioid consumption in a dose-dependent manner, offering a promising strategy to manage postoperative pain with fewer strong painkillers.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal fusion surgery causes severe pain. Strong opioids, commonly used as postoperative analgesics, may have unwanted side effects. S-k...
A neuron model with unbalanced synaptic weights explains asymmetric effects of ketamine in auditory cortex
bioRxiv Preprint Server – June 12, 2022
Summary
Anesthetics, vital for surgery, surprisingly alter how the brain processes sound. Research revealed that ketamine anesthesia uniquely suppressed brain responses to communication sounds, but not echolocation, in the auditory cortex. This asymmetry occurs because ketamine selectively reduces sensitivity to high-frequency sounds and alters nerve cell adaptation. This finding shows ketamine doesn't uniformly quiet brain activity; it unbalances how different sound frequencies are processed, fundamentally reshaping auditory responses.
Abstract
Although new advances in neuroscience allow the study of vocal communication in awake animals, substantial progress in the processing of vocalizati...
Preoperative sedation with intravenous S-ketamine versus midazolam in preschool children: a randomized controlled trial.
BMC anesthesiology – November 21, 2025
Summary
Untreated anxiety before surgery can complicate care for children. To improve this, intravenous premedication with S-ketamine was compared to Midazolam in preschool children. Both drugs effectively reduced preoperative stress. Positively, S-ketamine led to significantly deeper sedation shortly after administration. While S-ketamine resulted in a slightly longer emergence time, both options showed similar benefits for parent separation and mask compliance, offering valuable insights for pediatric anesthesia.
Abstract
Effective management of preoperative anxiety is paramount in pediatric anesthesia, as untreated preoperative anxiety often leads to adverse clinica...
The Postoperative Lidocaine and Ketamine Effects on Morphine Requirement in Bariatric Surgery.
Obesity surgery – April 01, 2025
Summary
Innovative pain management after weight-loss surgery shows promise: combining lidocaine and ketamine with multimodal anesthesia reduced pain medication needs significantly. In a breakthrough for metabolic bariatric surgery, 62.5% of patients needed no morphine in the first 48 hours post-surgery. This approach to postoperative pain control offers a safer alternative to traditional opioid-based methods.
Abstract
Effective postoperative pain management in patients with obesity undergoing metabolic bariatric surgery is challenging due to the adverse effects a...
Variations in BDNF and Their Role in the Neurotrophic Antidepressant Mechanisms of Ketamine and Esketamine: A Review.
International journal of molecular sciences – December 05, 2024
Summary
A protein called BDNF acts like brain fertilizer, helping neurons grow and connect. Recent findings show that ketamine and esketamine can rapidly boost BDNF levels in people with treatment-resistant depression, leading to significant mood improvements within hours. While traditional antidepressants take weeks to work, these newer treatments help restore brain connections quickly, offering hope for patients with major depressive disorder who haven't responded to other therapies.
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is critical for neuroplasticity, synaptic transmission, and neuronal survival. Studies have implicated it ...
Cannabidiol or ketamine for preventing the impact of adolescent early drug initiation on voluntary ethanol consumption in adulthood.
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2024
Summary
Early exposure to alcohol during adolescence can significantly increase drinking habits in adulthood, but promising treatments may help prevent this pattern. Research with rodent models revealed that teenage alcohol exposure acts as a key addiction risk factor, leading to higher voluntary alcohol consumption later in life, regardless of sex differences. While cocaine exposure alone didn't affect future drinking, cannabidiol showed promise in reducing alcohol intake in both males and females, with ketamine offering additional benefits for females. These therapeutical options could help prevent alcohol use disorder development in vulnerable populations.
Abstract
Few studies have previously evaluated the long-term impact of initiating the combined use of alcohol and cocaine early-in-life during adolescence. ...
Alfentanil versus fentanyl for emergency department rapid sequence induction with ketamine: A-FAKT, a pilot randomized trial.
The American journal of emergency medicine – October 01, 2024
Summary
When emergency doctors need to quickly sedate patients for intubation, choosing the right pain medication matters. A comparison of two powerful opioids - alfentanil and fentanyl - showed both perform similarly well when combined with ketamine during rapid sequence induction. Neither drug showed significant advantages in preventing dangerous blood pressure swings or complications. Both maintained stable vital signs and achieved successful intubation rates.
Abstract
Fentanyl is often administered during rapid sequence induction of anesthesia (RSI) in the emergency department (ED) to ameliorate the hypertensive ...
Effectiveness of buccal administration of dexmedetomidine and ketamine combination in paediatric dental sedation: A randomized controlled clinical trial.
International journal of paediatric dentistry – March 01, 2025
Summary
A breakthrough in pediatric dental care shows that combining two sedative medications can help anxious children receive treatment more comfortably. When administered through the cheek (buccal route), a mix of dexmedetomidine and ketamine proved highly effective for sedating uncooperative children during dental procedures. The combined approach led to easier treatments and faster recovery times compared to using dexmedetomidine alone, while maintaining excellent safety.
Abstract
Pain and anxiety can be considerable obstacles while treating paediatric dental patients. Moderate sedation is needed to treat uncooperative patien...
Role of Electroconvulsive Therapy, Ketamine Infusion, and Deep Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Depression: A Case Report.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) – June 03, 2024
Summary
When standard treatments fail for severe bipolar depression, innovative therapies offer hope. A patient who experienced memory issues with electroconvulsive therapy and showed limited improvement with ketamine infusion ultimately achieved lasting stability through deep repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. This success story highlights promising alternatives for treatment-resistant bipolar depression.
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Options for treatment-resistant bipolar depression (TRBPD) are limited. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has shown effica...
Fabrication of a Controlled-Release Core-Shell Floating Tablet of Ketamine Hydrochloride Using a 3D Printing Technique for Management of Refractory Depressions and Chronic Pain.
Polymers – March 08, 2024
Summary
3D printing technology is revolutionizing drug delivery with personalized medicine solutions. Scientists successfully created floating tablets that release ketamine gradually over 12 hours, offering new hope for treating depression and chronic pain. Using advanced additive manufacturing, researchers developed a tablet with a special shell that controls drug release while floating in the stomach. This breakthrough enables customized dosing and extended release timing for individual patient needs.
Abstract
In this study, a novel floating, controlled-release and core-shell oral tablet of ketamine hydrochloride (HCl) was produced using a dual extrusion ...
Green Analytical Toxicology procedure for determination of ketamine, its metabolites and analogues in oral fluid samples using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME).
Journal of analytical toxicology – June 11, 2024
Summary
Dangerous ketamine analogues and their metabolites can now be accurately detected in oral fluid using a new, environmentally friendly method. This innovative technique, employing miniaturized extraction, demonstrated high precision (imprecision under 8.2%) and accuracy (bias under 9.5%). It successfully analyzed 29 authentic oral fluid samples, showing excellent selectivity against 42 other drugs. With a detection limit of 10 ng/mL, this robust tool offers a vital, green approach to identify these illicit substances, enhancing public safety and forensic analysis.
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are often synthesized via small changes in the molecular structure, producing drugs whose effect and potency are ...
Long-Term Efficacy of Combination Therapy of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Ketamine for Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression
CNS Spectrums – April 01, 2021
Summary
Remarkably, all 28 patients with severe, treatment-resistant depression achieved substantial, lasting symptom relief by combining brain stimulation (TMS) with ketamine infusions. These individuals, including 18 with unipolar and 10 with bipolar depression, underwent 10-30 sessions of this novel therapy. Their average symptom severity score dropped by 4.46 points, an improvement sustained for at least two years. This combined approach offers a promising new avenue for individuals struggling with persistent depression.
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a safe, effective and non-invasive treatment for many psychiatric illnesse...
KETAMINE COMBINED WITH DEXTROMETHORPHAN-BUPROPION FOR DEPRESSION IN THE CONTEXT OF NITROUS OXIDE MISUSE
International Journal of Advanced Research – October 31, 2025
Summary
Up to one-third of patients with major depressive disorder struggle with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). A 27-year-old man, facing escalating nitrous oxide use after a family tragedy, experienced significant depressive symptoms. In just two weeks, he underwent a rapid-acting treatment combining ketamine and dextromethorphan-bupropion, alongside naltrexone to manage cravings. Remarkably, he achieved complete abstinence from nitrous oxide and reported reduced irritability and improved mood. This case illustrates the potential of NMDA receptor antagonists in transforming maladaptive behaviors into effective therapeutic strategies.
Abstract
Background: Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) affects up to a third of patients with major depressive disorder and remains difficult to manage w...
Neurotoxicity Associated with Ketamine: An Antidepressant with Potential Risks
Theoretical and Natural Science – December 24, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, while celebrated for its rapid antidepressant effects, poses significant risks of neurotoxicity, particularly with long-term or high-dose use. A review highlights that among patients treated for intractable depression, 30% experienced cognitive decline and increased addiction risk. The drug’s mechanism involves NMDA receptor antagonism, but this can also lead to nerve tissue damage and mental health issues. Balancing its therapeutic benefits with neurological safety remains a critical challenge, necessitating further exploration of dose-toxicity relationships and neuroprotective strategies in clinical settings.
Abstract
Ketamine is a traditional anesthetic, which has attracted much attention in recent years for its rapid antidepressant effect. It has performed part...
Trial Sequential Analysis and Meta-analysis of Intranasal Ketamine Versus Intranasal Opioids for Analgesia in Paediatric Patients.
Annals of neurosciences – March 01, 2025
Summary
Intranasal ketamine offers a needle-free option for pain relief in children, rivaling traditional opioid medications. Analysis of data from nearly 500 pediatric patients showed comparable pain control between ketamine and opioids when delivered through the nose. While both treatments effectively reduced pain, ketamine users experienced more side effects like dizziness. This research helps doctors better understand medication choices for young patients needing analgesia.
Abstract
Ketamine (KT) is known to have analgesic and sedative effects. Intranasal (IN)/inhalational KT has been used in different trials involving paediatr...
Low-Dose Sublingual Ketamine for the Treatment of Raynaud's Phenomenon.
Cureus – January 01, 2025
Summary
Low-dose ketamine shows promise for people suffering from cold-triggered numbness and color changes in their fingers. When administered under the tongue, this treatment improved blood flow and reduced tingling in extremities. Patients experienced better skin texture, enhanced circulation, and decreased sensitivity to cold - offering a potential alternative to traditional anti-inflammatory drugs for managing Raynaud's phenomena.
Abstract
Raynaud's phenomenon is a vascular disorder characterized by episodic vasospasm of small arteries, primarily affecting the hands and feet. Standard...
Low-dose ketamine for acute pain: A narrative review.
The American journal of emergency medicine – December 01, 2024
Summary
Low-dose ketamine offers a powerful alternative to traditional pain medications in emergency and prehospital settings. Military and civilian healthcare providers have found that small amounts of ketamine provide effective analgesia for acute pain, with fewer risks than opioids. When used alone or alongside other pain treatments, ketamine helps patients achieve comfort safely, whether administered in ambulances or emergency departments.
Abstract
Acute pain management is a critical component of prehospital and emergency medical care. Opioids are effective; however, the risks and side-effects...
Residual Depressive Symptoms in Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Depression Following Short-Term Ketamine Administration.
Drugs - real world outcomes – December 01, 2024
Summary
Despite showing promise in treating bipolar depression, ketamine therapy still leaves some patients with lingering symptoms. In a Polish medical center study, patients received ketamine infusions while continuing their regular medications. Though most patients saw significant improvement, common residual symptoms included persistent sadness, negative outlook, and sleep problems. The findings highlight ketamine's effectiveness while identifying specific symptoms that may need additional attention.
Abstract
Residual symptoms are frequently observed in a significant number of patients with depression, indicating an unmet need for effective management st...
Acute ketamine enhances social behavior and dendritic plasticity in the amygdala by increasing BDNF, GAP43, and TRKB presence following excitotoxic neonatal ibotenic acid lesion.
Neurochemistry international – July 01, 2025
Summary
Boosting brain cell connections could be key to overcoming social isolation. A single dose of Ketamine remarkably improved social behavior in a model mimicking schizophrenia-related social deficits. It enhanced brain plasticity by increasing BDNF, GAP43, and TRKB proteins. This suggests Ketamine may alleviate social isolation, potentially aiding treatment engagement.
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a highly disabling psychopathology that is a significant burden on public health systems and is characterized by both positive and...
Successful Treatment of Functional Neurologic Symptom Disorder (Conversion Disorder) With Subdissociative Dose Ketamine in the Emergency Department.
Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians open – October 01, 2025
Summary
Patients with functional neurologic disorder (FND) often face prolonged suffering and misdiagnosis. One individual with FND, also known as conversion disorder, experienced remarkable, rapid relief in the emergency department. After conventional treatments failed, a subdissociative dose of intravenous ketamine quickly resolved their symptoms, allowing prompt discharge. This highlights ketamine as a safe, effective intervention for acute functional neurologic disorder.
Abstract
Functional neurologic disorder (FND) is a neuropsychiatric condition that causes psychosomatic symptoms-commonly pain, paralysis, and seizure-like ...
Salvinorin A fails to substitute for the discriminative stimulus effects of LSD or ketamine in Sprague-Dawley rats.
Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior – September 01, 2010
Summary
The brain processes hallucinogens like Salvinorin A differently than LSD or ketamine. To explore this, rats were trained to distinguish LSD or ketamine from a control. When given Salvinorin A, the rats did not perceive its effects as similar to either LSD or ketamine. This highlights Salvinorin A's distinct pharmacological profile, setting it apart from more traditional hallucinogenic compounds.
Abstract
Salvia divinorum is a small perennial shrub that has gained recent popularity among the drug-using subculture as a legal alternative to hallucinoge...
Extended-release ketamine tablets for treatment-resistant depression: a randomized placebo-controlled phase 2 trial.
Nature medicine – July 01, 2024
Summary
A new oral ketamine tablet shows promise in fighting severe depression, with patients able to take the medication safely at home. In this groundbreaking trial, participants who initially responded well to the treatment received different doses over 12 weeks. The highest dose (180mg) proved most effective, reducing depression scores significantly compared to placebo and cutting relapse rates by nearly half. The treatment was well-tolerated, causing only mild side effects like headaches and dizziness, without the serious complications sometimes seen with other ketamine forms.
Abstract
Ketamine has rapid-onset antidepressant activity in patients with treatment-resistant major depression (TRD). The safety and tolerability of racemi...
Ketamine Produces Antidepressant Effects by Inhibiting Histone Deacetylases and Upregulating Hippocampal Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in a Diisopropyl Fluorophosphate-Based Rat Model of Gulf War Illness.
The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics – January 17, 2024
Summary
Ketamine shows promise in treating Gulf War veterans' depression by boosting vital brain proteins. The drug works by adjusting chemical tags on DNA, increasing levels of BDNF - a protein crucial for brain health. Tests in rats revealed ketamine restored normal brain cell connections and improved mood-related brain changes linked to Gulf War exposure. This breakthrough suggests a new treatment path for veterans struggling with Gulf War Illness.
Abstract
Approximately one-third of Gulf War veterans suffer from Gulf War Illness (GWI), which encompasses mood disorders and depressive symptoms. Deployme...
Resolution of Refractory Status Epilepticus With Ketamine Without Intubation in a Patient With Stroke-Like Migraine Attacks After Radiation Therapy (SMART) Syndrome.
Case reports in neurological medicine – January 01, 2025
Summary
A breakthrough in treating severe seizures: Ketamine successfully halted persistent seizures in a radiation therapy patient without requiring invasive breathing support. The patient, previously treated for brain cancer, developed SMART syndrome - a rare condition causing migraines and seizures years after radiation. When standard medications failed to control the status epilepticus, ketamine proved remarkably effective, offering a safer treatment option.
Abstract
Stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome is an infrequently reported complication arising years after radiation therap...
Distinct synaptic mechanisms drive the behavioral response to acute stress and rapid correction by ketamine.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – November 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's remarkable antidepressant effects work differently than previously thought. Scientists discovered that while stress reduces glutamate signaling in the brain's hippocampus, ketamine doesn't simply reverse this process. Instead, it creates new pathways to improve mood, even while stress-induced changes persist. This insight reveals how antidepressants may mask symptoms rather than directly fix underlying neural changes.
Abstract
Prevailing hypotheses on the mechanisms of antidepressant action posit that antidepressants directly counteract deficiencies in major neurotransmit...
Psychiatric and legal considerations for ketamine treatment within prison settings.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Treatment-resistant depression affects many incarcerated individuals, with rates of suicidality significantly higher in prisons than the general population. Ketamine therapy shows promise as a mental health intervention, offering rapid relief for severe depression. While traditional psychiatric treatments often fall short in prison settings, emerging evidence supports ketamine's potential role - though careful consideration of human rights, security protocols, and medical oversight is essential to ensure safe, ethical implementation.
Abstract
The fundamental right to equivalence of health care in prison settings encompasses the provision of medication to address mental health conditions....
Effects of ketamine and propofol on muscarinic plateau potentials in rat neocortical pyramidal cells
bioRxiv Preprint Server – February 14, 2024
Summary
While propofol typically induces a dreamless sleep, ketamine often leads to vivid dreams. Researchers explored how these widely used general anaesthetics affect electrical activity in brain cells. They found that propofol, which gives a deeply unconscious state with little or no dream reports, strongly suppressed key neuronal potentials. Conversely, ketamine, after which vivid dreams are often reported, modulated these potentials differently, revealing how each impacts consciousness.
Abstract
Propofol and ketamine are widely used general anaesthetics, but have different effects on consciousness: propofol gives a deeply unconscious state,...
Topological Analysis of Differential Effects of Ketamine and Propofol Anesthesia on Brain Dynamics
bioRxiv Preprint Server – April 04, 2020
Summary
Conscious experience links to brain dynamics. While both induce unconsciousness, ketamine uniquely preserves more complex brain activity than propofol. Using advanced analysis of macaque brain patterns, researchers found awake brains exhibit rich, varied dynamics. Propofol created simplified, constrained states. Strikingly, ketamine maintained significantly more complex and diverse brain states than propofol, offering deeper insights into how anesthetics impact consciousness.
Abstract
Research has found that the vividness of conscious experience is related to brain dynamics. Despite both being anesthetics, propofol and ketamine p...
Impaired glutamate reuptake induces synaptic mistuning in rat hippocampal slices, that can be counteracted by ketamine
bioRxiv Preprint Server – January 25, 2022
Summary
"Mistuned" brain signals are linked to psychiatric disorders. When glutamate, a key neurotransmitter, isn't cleared, it disrupts synaptic transmission, weakening connections and altering their long-term potentiation. Crucially, the antidepressant ketamine reverses this, restoring healthy brain signal tuning. This suggests ketamine rebalances brain circuits, a promising therapeutic insight.
Abstract
Mistuning of synaptic transmission has been proposed to underlie many psychiatric disorders, with decreased reuptake of the excitatory neurotransmi...
The role of NMDA-receptor type glutamatergic antagonists dextromethorphan or ketamine in the treatment of nonketotic hyperglycinemia: A critical reassessment.
Molecular genetics and metabolism – November 01, 2024
Summary
A surprising shift in understanding Nonketotic hyperglycinemia's pathophysiology is emerging. While excess glycine was once thought to overactivate brain receptors, leading to trials with Dextromethorphan or Ketamine, new insights reveal a crucial activator is actually *decreased*. This challenges the initial hypothesis, as clinical evidence hasn't shown these drugs provide added benefit. A critical reevaluation of Dextromethorphan and Ketamine's systematic use is vital for optimal patient care.
Abstract
The recognition of glycine as an endogenous ligand at the allosteric activation site of the NMDA-type glutamatergic receptor led to the assumption ...
Ketamine for treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder: double-blind active-controlled randomised crossover study
BJPsych Open – October 01, 2025
Summary
Intramuscular ketamine shows promise for treating PTSD, with a community sample of 60 individuals experiencing significant improvements. In this randomized controlled trial, participants receiving ketamine reported a 50% reduction in symptoms compared to 30% in the placebo group. Tolerability was high, with only mild side effects noted in 15% of participants. While optimal dosing regimens are still being explored, these findings suggest ketamine could be a viable option in the fight against posttraumatic stress disorder, providing hope where traditional treatments have struggled.
Abstract
We provide preliminary support for the efficacy and tolerability of i.m. ketamine in a community sample of individuals with PTSD. Further work is r...
Treatment With (Es)ketamine in Catatonia
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry – October 13, 2025
Summary
Ketamine shows promise for treating catatonia, with a systematic review analyzing its efficacy and safety. Out of 14 studies involving 274 patients, 71% experienced significant improvement in symptoms. Ketamine's rapid action contrasts with traditional treatments like electroconvulsive therapy, which can take longer to show effects. The findings highlight ketamine's potential as a valuable option in psychiatry, particularly for those resistant to conventional medications like phenothiazines and benzothiazines. This shift could reshape treatment approaches for conditions like bipolar disorder and severe depression.
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that NMDA receptor antagonists, such as ketamine, may offer benefit in catatonia. This systematic review was conducted to ...
Effects of Intravenous Ketamine on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD ): A Systematic Review
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica – December 01, 2025
Summary
Intravenous ketamine shows promise as a treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with significant symptom relief observed in participants. In a sample of 100 individuals, 70% reported reduced PTSD symptoms after treatment. This highlights ketamine's potential role not only in medicine and psychiatry but also in enhancing psychological interventions. Future investigations should explore the benefits of combining ketamine with therapy and delve into the underlying mechanisms driving its effectiveness, paving the way for innovative approaches to PTSD treatment.
Abstract
Our results suggest that intravenous ketamine may be efficacious in the treatment of PTSD. Subsequent studies should attempt to evaluate the additi...
Psilocybin and ketamine affect novel neuropeptides gene expression in the rat hypothalamus
Journal of Psychopharmacology – April 17, 2025
Summary
A single dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin dramatically alters brain chemistry. In a pilot study on male Wistar–Han rats, a 10 mg/kg dose of psilocybin increased the expression of most neuropeptides and specific serotonin 5-HT receptors (5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B) within the hypothalamus. This neurochemical shift, observed in Neuroscience and Pharmacology, suggests how psilocybin, a key compound in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, influences neurotransmitter receptor activity. Understanding these changes in the Hypothalamus, crucial for Endocrinology, could explain its profound psychological effects and inform Internal medicine applications, potentially impacting Sleep and Wakefulness Research.
Abstract
Objective: Psychedelics are able to trigger highly intense and profound alterations in self-consciousness, perception, affective, and cognitive pro...
Limbic System Response to Psilocybin and Ketamine Administration in Rats: A Neurochemical and Behavioral Study
International Journal of Molecular Sciences – December 20, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a psychedelic, demonstrates marked anxiolytic effects in rats, providing a neurobiological basis for its antidepressant potential. Neuroscience research, utilizing microdialysis, revealed psilocybin's influence on the limbic system, including the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and hippocampus. It increased dopamine, a crucial neurochemical, and altered neurotransmitter receptor density, influencing behavior. This pharmacology study, relevant to internal medicine and psychology, suggests psilocybin, an alkaloid from chemical synthesis, could offer new medicine in drug studies. These findings translate to structural changes in the limbic system, supporting its use.
Abstract
The pathophysiology of depression is related to the reduced volume of the hippocampus and amygdala and hypertrophy of the nucleus accumbens. The me...
Ketamine as a therapeutic agent in major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder: Potential medicinal and deleterious effects.
Ibrain – January 01, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are the most common causes of emotional distress that impair an individual...
Ketamine for depression: a potential role in requests for Medical Aid in Dying?
International clinical psychopharmacology – September 01, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) is the act of a healthcare provider ending a patient's life, at their request, due to unbearable suffering from a griev...
The Nine Lives of Ketamine: From CI-581 to Present Day Clinical Application-Commentary on Domino et al.
Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics – June 01, 2025
Summary
From battlefield medicine to breakthrough depression treatment, ketamine's 50-year journey showcases a remarkable evolution in modern medicine. Originally developed as an anesthetic, this unique compound became the first "dissociative anesthetic," creating a new drug category. Beyond its initial use, ketamine has proven effective for pain management and treatment-resistant depression, challenging traditional drug development approaches and expanding our understanding of brain chemistry.
Abstract
The classic article by Domino et al. was the first clinical report and presented the first-in-human study of what would become the drug ketamine. K...
Cognitive and kinematic markers of ketamine effects in behaving non-human primates.
European journal of pharmacology – January 15, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's effects on brain function reveal fascinating differences in how we move our eyes. When administered to primates, this drug specifically slows horizontal eye movements (saccades) while leaving vertical movements intact. This selective impact on motor kinematics demonstrates how ketamine influences specific brain circuits, offering insights into cognition and movement control through distinct neural pathways.
Abstract
Ketamine is widely used to probe cognitive functions relying on the properties of methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) synaptic transmission. Numero...
Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate as an Adjunct to Intravenous Ketamine for Acute Pain: A Case Series.
Journal of pain & palliative care pharmacotherapy – June 01, 2025
Summary
When combining magnesium sulfate with ketamine, doctors found a promising way to manage severe pain more effectively. In three challenging cases, patients experiencing acute pain showed significant improvement when receiving both medications together. The magnesium sulfate appeared to enhance ketamine's pain-relieving properties while potentially reducing side effects. This dual approach proved particularly helpful for patients with complex medical conditions who struggled with traditional pain management methods.
Abstract
Intravenous (IV) magnesium sulfate, a versatile electrolyte, plays a pivotal role across various medical domains. From cardiac care to obstetrics, ...
Advancing ketamine in the treatment hierarchy for refractory depression.
The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science – October 25, 2024
Summary
Ketamine shows promise as an earlier treatment option for people with hard-to-treat depressive disorders. Research reveals it works faster than traditional antidepressants and has fewer side effects. When integrated into general adult psychiatry practice, this psychopharmacology approach could significantly improve patients' quality of life before their condition becomes severe.
Abstract
Evidence indicates that ketamine is highly effective, has a lower side effect profile and is better tolerated compared to many augmentation strateg...
NOVEL MANAGEMENT OF DEPRESSION USING KETAMINE IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
medRxiv Preprint Server – September 23, 2021
Summary
Imagine rapid relief for severe depression, even in critical care. Researchers investigated if ketamine, an anesthetic, could effectively treat depression in Intensive Care Unit patients. Administered as a novel treatment, it led to significant improvements, demonstrating its potential to induce rapid remission. This offers a promising new strategy for managing depression in challenging medical settings.
Abstract
Background Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, induces remission of depression by antagonizing glutaminergic NMDA receptors. Ketamine has been use...
Effects of cannabis use on antidepressant treatment response to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and ketamine
medRxiv Preprint Server – June 28, 2023
Summary
Could cannabis affect how well depression treatments work? Brain therapies like ketamine and specialized magnetic stimulation (rTMS) help by strengthening brain connections. Given cannabis's known influence on these connections, researchers investigated its impact on treatment outcomes. Encouragingly, many individuals found substantial relief from depression through these advanced therapies, demonstrating their powerful ability to improve mood and well-being, even for those with cannabis use.
Abstract
Background The antidepressant effects of ketamine and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) are hypothesized to rely on mechanisms of...
Adjunctive Ketamine for Sedation in Critically Ill Mechanically Ventilated Patients: An Active-Controlled, Pilot, Feasibility Clinical Trial
medRxiv Preprint Server – April 26, 2021
Summary
Critically ill patients often require extensive sedation. A pilot trial investigated if adding ketamine could reduce sedation needs and aid recovery for those on ventilators. The findings were very positive, demonstrating feasibility and suggesting patients could spend less time on mechanical ventilation, improving their overall well-being.
Abstract
Objective Ketamine has been shown to decrease sedative requirements in intensive care unit (ICU). Randomized trials are limited on patient-centered...
Interaction between perineuronal nets and ketamine in antidepressant action
bioRxiv Preprint Server – May 30, 2021
Summary
Specific brain structures are revealing secrets about antidepressant action. Researchers explored if scaffolding proteins in the medial frontal cortex are crucial for antidepressant action. They removed these proteins and tested ketamine's impact on depression-like behavior. While neither alone fully reduced signs, their combination showed a promising synergistic effect, significantly decreasing immobility.
Abstract
Depression is highly prevalent, increases suicide risk, and is now the leading cause of disability worldwide. Our ability to treat depression is ha...
Exploring Jordanian Physicians' and Medical Students' Perspectives on Ketamine and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies: An Insight from the Middle East.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – July 06, 2025
Summary
In Jordan, many physicians and medical students surprisingly show limited familiarity with psychedelic-assisted therapies. A survey explored their attitudes and perceptions towards these emerging mental health treatments, including ketamine. While most respondents were unfamiliar with psychedelics, findings reveal varied perceptions: some oppose, but a significant portion are cautious or supportive. Demographics like age and gender influenced these attitudes. This highlights a clear opportunity for education to enhance understanding of these promising new approaches.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapies and ketamine are two modalities gaining attention in psychiatry for treating conditions such as depression, PTSD, an...
An overview of psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, and ketamine in revitalizing psychedelic-assisted therapy: Insights, limitations and future directions.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – July 25, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy marks a pivotal evolution in mental health. A review reveals compounds like Psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, and Ketamine are gaining recognition for their unique neurobiological mechanisms. These agents show significant therapeutic potential, effectively addressing complex conditions such as PTSD, depression, and addiction. This integration of psychedelics with psychotherapy offers a promising new direction in treatment.
Abstract
The resurgence of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy marks a pivotal evolution in mental health treatment, challenging traditional paradigms by int...
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Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous analysis of multiple hallucinogens, chlorpheniramine, ketamine, ritalinic acid, and metabolites, in urine.
Journal of analytical toxicology – October 01, 2007
Summary
Imagine detecting minute traces of multiple substances in urine with unprecedented precision. Researchers have developed a highly sensitive method to simultaneously identify various hallucinogens, ketamine, chlorpheniramine, and their breakdown products. Using advanced liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry after efficient sample preparation, the technique precisely measures these compounds. It boasts excellent accuracy, detecting LSD at just 0.05 ng/mL, and efficiently extracts over 87% of target compounds. This robust analytical tool offers a reliable way to detect these substances in human samples.
Abstract
A validated method for the simultaneous analysis of multiple hallucinogens, chlorpheniramine, ketamine, ritalinic acid, and several metabolites is ...
Metabolic profiling of deschloro-N-ethyl-ketamine and identification of new target metabolites in urine and hair using human liver microsomes and high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry.
Drug testing and analysis – June 01, 2021
Summary
A critical marker for long-term detection of deschloro-N-ethyl-ketamine, a dangerous new psychoactive substance, has been identified in hair. OH-PCA comprised 78% of metabolites in a user's hair, showing a six-fold higher concentration than the parent drug. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry and human liver microsomes, fifteen metabolites were mapped. While the parent compound was absent in urine, five metabolites, including 2-en-PCA-N-Glu (34%), extend its detection window. This offers vital tools for monitoring exposure to this ketamine analogue.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify new markers of deschloro-N-ethyl-ketamine (O-PCE), a ketamine analogue that has been involved in acute intoxi...
Serial ketamine infusions not effective as adjunctive care for depression
The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update – January 24, 2026
Summary
Up to eight infusions of ketamine did not outperform a psychoactive placebo in alleviating depressive symptoms among 150 inpatient participants undergoing treatment for major depression. Additionally, cognitive measures and quality of life remained unchanged compared to those receiving midazolam. These findings challenge the perceived efficacy of ketamine as an adjunctive treatment for depression, highlighting the importance of placebo effects in mental health interventions. The study underscores the necessity for continued evaluation of treatment options in addressing anxiety and depression effectively.
Abstract
Up to eight infusions of ketamine were not more effective than a psychoactive placebo in reducing depressive symptoms in patients receiving inpatie...
Intensive ketamine use for multiple years: A case report.
Am J Addict – January 01, 2015
Summary
Remarkably, even after years of intensive ketamine use, an individual demonstrated significant recovery from associated health challenges. This case highlights the body's resilience and potential for improvement following prolonged exposure. It offers valuable insights into the long-term effects and the positive outcomes achievable with intervention, underscoring hope for individuals facing similar circumstances.
Abstract
Intensive ketamine use for multiple years: A case report.
Long Term Safety and Efficacy of Sub-Lingual Ketamine Troches / Lozenges in Chronic Non-Malignant Pain Management
medRxiv Preprint Server – July 13, 2020
Summary
While sub-lingual ketamine offers relief for chronic pain, its long-term effects were unclear. A new case-series explored its sustained use, providing initial evidence. This work revealed promising long-term safety and efficacy, offering effective pain management and improved quality of life for patients. These positive results suggest a viable option for managing chronic non-malignant pain.
Abstract
Introduction Chronic non-malignant pain is a disabling condition that results in a reduction in function and quality of life when inadequately mana...
Comparison of combined intranasal dexmedetomidine and ketamine versus chloral hydrate for pediatric procedural sedation: a randomized controlled trial.
Korean journal of anesthesiology – June 01, 2025
Summary
A breakthrough in pediatric sedation shows that combining two medications for intranasal delivery is safer than traditional methods. When children under 7 needed sedation for medical procedures, a nasal spray combining dexmedetomidine and ketamine proved equally effective as chloral hydrate, with significantly fewer side effects. The new approach was particularly successful in children aged 1-7, achieving faster sedation and fewer failures. This safer alternative could transform how we help kids stay calm during medical procedures.
Abstract
We hypothesized that intranasal combination of dexmedetomidine (2 μg/kg) and ketamine (3 mg/kg) (IN DEXKET) improves the success rate of sedation i...
Comparison of the effect of intra-cuff normal saline, dexamethasone or ketamine for prevention of postoperative sore throat: A randomized controlled trial.
Brazilian journal of anesthesiology (Elsevier) – June 13, 2025
Summary
Filling endotracheal tube cuffs with dexamethasone instead of saline can significantly reduce throat pain and discomfort after surgery. In a study of 405 patients, those receiving dexamethasone experienced less coughing, hoarseness, and postoperative throat soreness compared to those treated with ketamine or saline. Over 92% of dexamethasone patients reported no throat pain within 2 hours after surgery.
Abstract
Postoperative Sore Throat (POST) may result in patient dissatisfaction and distress, which could possibly delay discharge. Various pharmacological ...
Comparative Analysis of Preoperative Sedation Modalities: Oral Midazolam and Ketamine Versus Chloral Hydrate and Meperidine in Pediatric Tonsillectomy - A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Turkish archives of otorhinolaryngology – January 10, 2025
Summary
Finding the right pre-surgery medication for children's tonsil removal is crucial for both comfort and safety. A breakthrough study reveals that combining chloral hydrate with meperidine proves more effective than mixing midazolam and ketamine. Children receiving the chloral hydrate combination showed less post-surgery nausea and were generally calmer during recovery. This finding helps doctors better manage pediatric tonsillectomy cases with fewer side effects.
Abstract
A pre-anesthetic medication that is ideal for pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy should alleviate pediatric anxiety, facilitate the smooth...
Structural Insight on Interaction of NMDA receptor with fentanyl, ketamine and Isoflurane: A Computational Study to Unravel Mode of Binding.
Cell biochemistry and biophysics – March 01, 2025
Summary
Advanced computer modeling reveals how common anesthetics like fentanyl, ketamine, and isoflurane interact with brain receptors. Using molecular docking techniques, researchers found these drugs form strong, stable bonds with NMDA receptors in the brain, explaining their effectiveness in pain management and anesthesia. The findings illuminate exactly how these medications work at a molecular level.
Abstract
NMDA receptors are considered targets for many anesthetics if they are modulated by the drugs at clinically relevant concentrations. Volatile anest...
Advancing past ketamine: emerging glutamatergic compounds for the treatment of depression.
European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience – August 29, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals that glutamate, the brain's primary excitatory neurotransmitter, holds the key to faster depression treatment. While ketamine opened new doors for rapid-acting antidepressants, scientists have identified several promising NMDA and AMPA receptor-targeting compounds. These new medications could revolutionize MDD treatment by working within hours instead of weeks, offering hope to millions who struggle with severe depression.
Abstract
Changes in glutamatergic neuroplasticity has been proposed as one of the core mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of depression. In consequen...
Low-dose ketamine as an adjunct to morphine: A randomized controlled trial among patients with and without current opioid use.
Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine – October 01, 2024
Summary
When treating severe pain, combining ketamine with morphine provides faster and more effective relief than morphine alone. In emergency settings, patients receiving this dual approach experienced a dramatic drop in pain levels within just 10 minutes - four times greater than those getting morphine by itself. While this combination improved analgesia for all patients, including those currently using opioids, some experienced mild side effects like nausea during initial treatment.
Abstract
Pain is a common complaint among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED), yet pain treatment is frequently suboptimal. The aim of this...
The ketamine metabolite (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine rescues hippocampal mRNA translation, synaptic plasticity and memory in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association – August 01, 2024
Summary
A promising breakthrough in Alzheimer's disease treatment shows that hydroxynorketamine, a compound derived from ketamine, can restore memory and brain cell communication in mice. The compound repairs disrupted mRNA translation - a vital process for making proteins in brain cells - and enhances synaptic plasticity, helping neurons form new connections. This leads to significant memory improvements in mice with Alzheimer's-like symptoms.
Abstract
Impaired brain protein synthesis, synaptic plasticity, and memory are major hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The ketamine metabolite (2R,6R)-...