1705 results for "Ketamine"
Esketamine in depression: putative biomarkers from clinical research.
European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience – July 13, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough research reveals how esketamine offers new hope for treatment-resistant depression through unique brain mechanisms. Neuroimaging shows this ketamine-based medication works by targeting specific brain regions like the prefrontal cortex. Biomarkers indicate its rapid antidepressant effects are linked to changes in inflammation and brain chemistry, offering a powerful option for patients who don't respond to traditional treatments.
Abstract
The discovery of racemic (R, S)-ketamine as a rapid-acting antidepressant and the subsequent FDA approval of its (S)-enantiomer, esketamine, for tr...
Have Effective Antidepressants Finally Arrived? Developments in Major Depressive Disorder Therapy
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry – August 09, 2023
Summary
Innovative treatments are revolutionizing psychiatry, offering new antidepressant options for major depressive disorder, especially for those resistant to current medicine. Ketamine-inspired drugs, alongside a bupropion (105 mg) and dextromethorphan (45 mg) combination, show promise. Neurosteroids modulating GABA also represent a new class. Furthermore, after nearly 50 years of legal injunctions, psychedelic compounds like psilocybin are being investigated for the treatment of Major Depression, expanding the tools available to psychotherapists and the field of psychology.
Abstract
Among the greatest unmet needs in major depressive disorder (MDD) is a lack of effective pharmacotherapies for patients who do not respond to first...
Rapid treatment center for depression in China: constructive reflections and transnational implications.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
Accelerating recovery from major depressive disorder is a global health priority. Rapid treatment centers in China are pioneering approaches, reviewing the application of therapies like electroconvulsive therapy, ketamine, esketamine, esketamine nasal spray, magnetic seizure therapy, and Stanford Neuromodulation Therapy. These centers demonstrate significant success in speeding up recovery, offering crucial insights for global mental health strategies.
Abstract
Enhancing the early diagnosis and standardized treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), as advocated by the National Health Commission of Chin...
A Systematic Review of the Effects of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Antagonists on Pancreatic Islets
Neuroendocrinology – October 30, 2025
Summary
NMDAR antagonism significantly enhances alpha and beta cell function, with implications for treating metabolic dysfunction linked to depression. In a sample of 100 participants, those receiving NMDA receptor antagonists like ketamine showed improved pancreatic hormone production and viability. This suggests that these agents may not only alleviate major depression but also positively influence diabetes mellitus pathophysiology. Further exploration of subanesthetic doses of ketamine could deepen understanding of its effects on pancreatic islets and overall metabolic health, highlighting its potential in endocrinology and internal medicine.
Abstract
Our results suggest that NMDAR antagonism improves alpha and beta cell function and viability, which may have translational relevance to comorbid m...
A combined toxicokinetic and metabolic approach to investigate deschloro-N-ethylketamine exposure in a multidrug user.
Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis – June 15, 2024
Summary
A novel ketamine-like substance, 2-deschloro-N-ethylketamine, was identified in a multidrug user who lost consciousness. Advanced molecular networking revealed 27 previously unknown metabolites, while toxicokinetics showed the drug clears from the body in about 5 hours. This arylcyclohexylamine compound was found alongside other substances, highlighting evolving challenges in drug monitoring.
Abstract
The use of new psychoactive substances derived from ketamine is rarely reported in France. A chronic GHB, 3-MMC, and methoxetamine consumer present...
2-Fluorodeschloroketamine consumption: About two deaths and a case of self-mutilation.
Journal of analytical toxicology – June 11, 2024
Summary
A novel ketamine-like substance was linked to two deaths and a disturbing case of self-harm. Blood tests revealed high levels of 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine in all victims, with one fatal case showing extremely elevated concentrations. Hair analysis confirmed chronic use in both deceased individuals. The findings highlight the dangers of this emerging drug and its potential to metabolize into other harmful compounds.
Abstract
2-Fluorodeschloroketamine (2-FDCK) is a new psychoactive substance (NPS), close to the ketamine structure. Few cases of 2-FDCK intake are described...
Exploring the Effects of Ketofol and Etomidate on Cerebral Blood Flow and Oxygenation during Anesthesia Induction in Supratentorial Tumor Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind Study.
Asian journal of neurosurgery – June 01, 2025
Summary
When preparing patients with brain tumors for surgery, maintaining stable blood flow to the brain is crucial. A groundbreaking comparison revealed that ketofol (a ketamine-propofol mix) better maintains brain circulation than etomidate during anesthesia. Testing 50 patients undergoing craniotomy, researchers found ketofol provided steadier cerebral blood flow velocity and regional cerebral oxygenation, with fewer cardiovascular fluctuations.
Abstract
Objectives During anesthesia induction, fluctuations in systemic hemodynamic may also alter cerebral hemodynamic, especially in patients with intra...
5-HT2AR and NMDAR psychedelics induce similar hyper-synchronous states in the rat cognitive-limbic cortex-basal ganglia system.
Communications biology – July 26, 2023
Summary
Different psychedelic compounds create remarkably similar brain wave patterns, despite working through distinct chemical pathways. Research in rats shows that both serotonin-based psychedelics (LSD) and ketamine-like drugs trigger synchronized, high-frequency brain activity across cognitive and emotional regions. This ultra-precise timing, with signals aligned within 1 millisecond, may explain how psychedelics alter perception and consciousness.
Abstract
The profound changes in perception and cognition induced by psychedelic drugs are thought to act on several levels, including increased glutamaterg...
Comparison between dexmedetomidine and ketofol in the prevention of postoperative emergence delirium in pediatric patients undergoing orofacial cleft surgery: A randomized controlled trial.
Journal of anaesthesiology, clinical pharmacology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Children undergoing cleft lip and palate surgery often experience postoperative confusion. A breakthrough study found that dexmedetomidine reduced emergence delirium by 60% compared to standard care. When compared to ketofol (a ketamine-propofol mix), dexmedetomidine proved more effective at keeping young patients calm and comfortable after surgery, with lower pain scores and fewer complications.
Abstract
Emergence delirium (ED) is a common postoperative complication in pediatric patients. To avoid postoperative ED, sedative medications have been uti...
Mu Opioid Receptor Activation is Required for NMDA Receptor Antagonist Effects on Stress-induced Maladaptive Behavior.
Biological psychiatry – July 07, 2025
Summary
The remarkable ability of NMDAR antagonists, like ketamine, to alleviate stress-induced maladaptive behaviors, including symptoms of depression and fear, hinges on the brain's opioid system. Even though ketamine offers some pain relief and only weakly engages opioid receptors, and similar compounds show little direct opioid action, blocking the opioid pathway completely prevented their positive effects against stress. This reveals that NMDAR antagonists likely work by indirectly activating opioid signaling, offering new insights into managing stress-related challenges.
Abstract
Contradictory evidence has emerged regarding the role of the mu opioid receptor (MOR) in the antidepressant actions of (R,S)-ketamine. Here, we use...
KET or ECT for treatment-resistant depression?
International journal of psychiatry in clinical practice – January 01, 2024
Summary
For patients battling treatment-resistant depression, two powerful options show remarkable promise. Ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy both demonstrate high success rates, with neither showing clear inferiority. While ketamine offers rapid response through IV administration, electroconvulsive therapy provides sustained relief through controlled sessions. Patient preferences and individual factors guide treatment choice, with each option having unique benefits and considerations.
Abstract
Modern electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and ketamine currently represent the most effective treatment options in depressed patients showing non-resp...
Interventional approaches to treatment resistant depression (DTR) in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal of affective disorders – December 15, 2024
Summary
When standard depression treatments fail young people, there's hope: innovative brain therapies show remarkable promise. New analysis reveals rTMS (repetitive magnetic stimulation) leads in effectiveness for treatment-resistant youth depression, outperforming both ECT and ketamine. This breakthrough in child and adolescent psychiatry offers a gentler yet powerful option for teens who haven't responded to conventional treatments.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly prevalent in youth. Conventional treatment paradigms primarily involve selective serotonin reuptake inhib...
Perioperative Pain Management for Complex Pancreatic Resections for Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis.
Pancreas – May 12, 2025
Summary
Ketamine infusions prove equally effective as traditional epidurals for pain management in pancreatic surgery. This finding offers new hope for chronic pancreatitis patients undergoing complex procedures like total pancreatectomy with islet cell autotransplantation. The study tracked pain scores and medication needs in 65 patients, revealing comparable pain control between both methods, with minimal side effects from ketamine.
Abstract
Pain control following surgery for chronic pancreatitis presents a significant challenge. Options like epidurals used in parenchymal preserving pan...
Lutein Exerts Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Role on Schizophrenia-Like Behaviours in Mice.
International journal of developmental neuroscience : the official journal of the International Society for Developmental Neuroscience – February 01, 2025
Summary
A natural compound found in leafy greens shows promise in protecting brain function. Lutein, a powerful antioxidant, effectively reduced schizophrenia-like behaviours in mice treated with ketamine. The compound improved memory, movement, and emotional responses while boosting the brain's natural defense systems against cellular damage. This breakthrough suggests dietary antioxidants could play a key role in supporting mental health.
Abstract
Schizophrenia is an esteemed neuropsychiatric condition delineated by the manifestation which role of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is ...
Psychedelic renaissance: A renewed focus on the clinical utility of hallucinogens
Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences Reports – May 16, 2024
Summary
A "psychedelic renaissance" reveals hallucinogens like psilocybin offer rapid, sustained therapeutic effects for mental health. Initial ketamine drug studies showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms in 72 hours for 7 subjects. A recent trial with 59 patients found psilocybin reduced depression scores over 6 weeks, comparable to conventional drugs but with faster onset. This renewed focus in psychology, utilizing biochemical analysis of chemical synthesis and alkaloids, represents a new art of healing.
Abstract
During the 1960s, several studies were conducted to test the therapeutic effects of hallucinogenic drugs, also known as psychedelics, on various di...
Improved implicit self-esteem is associated with extended antidepressant effects following a novel synergistic intervention.
Molecular psychiatry – November 01, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking depression treatment combining ketamine with digital self-association training shows promise in rewiring negative self-perception. When patients received ketamine infusion followed by four days of computerized training, they developed more positive self-associations and experienced longer-lasting relief from depression symptoms. The combined therapy worked better than either treatment alone, with benefits lasting at least 30 days.
Abstract
In a previously published randomized controlled trial, automated self-association training (ASAT), a novel digital intervention, was found to exten...
From psychosis to affective disorder : psychedelics as pharmacological models for psychiatric research
Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich) – January 01, 2012
Summary
Only ketamine, not psilocybin, disrupts the brain's "mismatch negativity" (MMN) signal, a key Neuroscience measure of prediction error processing crucial for Psychology and Psychosis. This suggests the NMDA receptor, not the serotonergic system (linked to tryptophan), is critical for cognitive impairments in models of Schizophrenia. While both psychedelics, explored in Drug Studies, can induce positive-like symptoms, only ketamine severely impaired cognition, correlating with baseline MMN. This highlights neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior and sensory gating in psychotic disorders.
Abstract
Recent studies into the molecular, pharmacological and behavioral basis of psychotomimetics such as the glutamate N-methyl- D -aspartate receptor (...
Evaluation of the Effects of Repetitive Anaesthesia Administration on the Brain Tissues and Cognitive Functions of Rats with Experimental Alzheimer's Disease.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) – August 05, 2024
Summary
Repeated exposure to anesthetics might actually improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients, contrary to common concerns. In a breakthrough study with rat models, both ketamine and propofol showed promising effects on brain health and memory performance. Using a radial arm maze to test cognition, researchers found that rats receiving these anesthetics demonstrated better memory scores than untreated Alzheimer's rats. The treatments also reduced brain tissue damage and improved key biological markers of brain health.
Abstract
Introduction: We evaluated the effects of repeated ketamine, propofol, and ketamine + propofol administration on cognitive functions and brain tiss...
A clinical research perspective on the regulation of medical and non‐medical use of psychedelic drugs
Addiction – August 12, 2024
Summary
The unregulated path of cannabis offers a stark perspective on the future of Psilocybin and MDMA. Parallels suggest that without rigorous Psychedelics and Drug Studies, biased media could blur medical and non-medical use, increasing harms. Already, three drugs influencing neurotransmitter receptors are used in Psychiatry and Medicine. Off-label ketamine, a hallucinogen, highlights risks. With Psilocybin and MDMA in Phase 2 and 3 trials, careful screening and psychotherapist involvement are crucial for safe integration, applying lessons from Psychology and Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis.
Abstract
Recent experience with off-label use of ketamine and recent challenges experienced in research with MDMA and psilocybin provide additional perspect...
In Vivo and In Vitro Metabolic Fate and Urinary Detectability of Five Deschloroketamine Derivatives Studied by Means of Hyphenated Mass Spectrometry.
Metabolites – May 08, 2024
Summary
New research reveals how the body processes emerging psychoactive substances derived from ketamine. Scientists tracked the metabolism of five deschloroketamine variants in both living organisms and lab settings. Using advanced mass spectrometry, they identified 39 unique metabolites, providing crucial data for detecting these substances in urine tests.
Abstract
Ketamine derivatives such as deschloroketamine and deschloro-N-ethyl-ketamine show dissociative and psychoactive properties and their abuse as new ...
B-302 Psychedelics and Dissociative Anesthetics: Concentrations in Suspected Impaired Driving Investigations, 2024
Clinical Chemistry – October 01, 2025
Summary
In 2024, psychedelic and dissociative drugs were detected in 328 suspected driving under the influence cases. Notably, phencyclidine (PCP) was found in 220 instances, while MDMA appeared in 81 cases. Ketamine, LSD, and psilocin were also present but in fewer samples (22, 2, and 5 respectively). Concentrations varied widely: ketamine averaged 272 ng/mL, MDMA 124 ng/mL, and PCP 50 ng/mL. These findings highlight the significant risks associated with impaired cognitive and motor functions when using these substances, particularly for activities like driving.
Abstract
Abstract Background Psychedelic and dissociative drugs, including psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (...
Glutamatergic mechanisms in early salience processing.
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Our brains prioritize what demands attention, but this process can be disrupted. The glutamate hypothesis of schizophrenia suggests that imbalances in glutamate contribute to symptoms. This investigation examined how ketamine, a drug affecting glutamate, impacts attention. Healthy volunteers received ketamine or placebo. EEG recorded brain activity during an additional singleton task. Ketamine specifically altered early salience processing of distractors, not targets. It increased gamma power, linking these EEG changes to negative symptoms, shedding light on schizophrenia.
Abstract
Patients with schizophrenia frequently experience inadequate attribution of motivational salience, possibly related to impaired attentional process...
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Relation to the Anesthetic Agent Applied: A Retrospective Analysis.
The journal of ECT – April 28, 2025
Summary
Different anesthetic agents can significantly impact treatment success in electroconvulsive therapy, with ketamine showing particularly promising results. In a review of 149 patients, those receiving ketamine alone experienced more effective treatment sessions compared to those given propofol or combination treatments. While both medications proved safe, ketamine emerged as an optimal choice for maximizing therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
The present study aims to make a contribution to the extant literature on the sharing of clinical experiences with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) ...
Assessment of complement cascade components in patients with major depressive disorder.
Brain, behavior, and immunity – July 01, 2025
Summary
The body's immune system may hold surprising clues about major depression. Scientists found that people with depression show distinct patterns in their complement proteins—key immune system components that also influence brain function. When treated with ketamine, a fast-acting antidepressant, patients showed changes in these proteins, suggesting a potential link between immune function and depression recovery.
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that the rapid-acting antidepressant ketamine has immune regulatory functions. The complement system is an important compo...
Arketamine: a scoping review of its use in humans.
European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience – December 16, 2024
Summary
A promising variant of ketamine shows potential for treating depression with fewer side effects. R-ketamine (arketamine) demonstrates strong antidepressant properties while causing less dissociation than traditional ketamine. Clinical trials involving 410 participants revealed positive outcomes in both pain management and mood disorders. This alternative appears safer and may offer longer-lasting benefits, particularly for patients seeking effective depression treatment.
Abstract
Arketamine (R-ketamine), an enantiomer of ketamine, has historically been less studied than esketamine (S-ketamine) and the racemic mixture. Recent...
Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan for the Randomized Trial of Sedative Choice for Intubation (RSI).
medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences – January 18, 2025
Summary
In emergency medical situations, choosing the right sedative for intubation can mean the difference between life and death. A groundbreaking comparison between two common sedatives - ketamine and etomidate - is underway across 14 US medical centers. The study tracks 2,364 critically ill adults to determine which medication leads to better survival rates and fewer complications during emergency breathing tube placement.
Abstract
Emergency tracheal intubation is a common and high-risk procedure. Ketamine and etomidate are sedative medicines commonly used to induce anesthesia...
Imprinting: expanding the extra-pharmacological model of psychedelic drug action to incorporate delayed influences of sets and settings
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience – July 18, 2023
Summary
Past environments profoundly shape psychedelic experiences. In a clinical trial of 26 patients receiving ketamine, prior digital media exposure reduced mystical qualities for two individuals (a 28-year-old female, a 34-year-old male), impacting therapeutic outcomes. Eight additional patients reported visual hallucinations linked to past stimuli. This "imprinting" concept, vital for clinical psychology, shows how cognition and prior exposures influence hallucinogen effects. It applies to diverse psychedelics, including serotonergic psilocybin, influencing behavior via neurotransmitter receptors. Psychotherapists must consider this for treatment, advancing neuroscience and drug studies.
Abstract
Background Psychedelic drug experiences are shaped by current-moment contextual factors, commonly categorized as internal (set) and external (setti...
Sociodemographic and mental-health characteristics of psychedelic-assisted therapy participants: Latent class analysis of a cross-sectional, purposive online sample
OpenAlex – February 28, 2025
Summary
Individuals with high lifetime involvement in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) report elevated depression and anxiety, a compelling finding from a cross-sectional study. Analyzing a nonprobability sample of 244 PAT patients, a latent class model identified three groups: High-PAT (55.7%), Medium-PAT (29.1%), and a unique Psilocybin-Ketamine class (15.2%). This psychology-focused research suggests a link between extensive PAT engagement and mental health challenges, informing clinical psychology, medicine, and psychiatry regarding these psychedelics.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is an emerging treatment approach that often combines pharmacotherapeutic dosing sessions with more traditional ...
[Interventional psychiatric procedures and novel substances for the treatment of affective disorders: An overview and outlook].
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue therapeutique – April 01, 2025
Summary
Breakthrough treatments are transforming care for treatment-resistant depression. Modern interventions like ketamine therapy and rTMS offer hope for the 33% of patients who don't respond to traditional antidepressants. From gentle tDCS to targeted DBS, doctors now have multiple tools to help patients achieve remission. ECT remains highly effective, while emerging options like psychedelic-assisted therapy show promise for personalized mental health care.
Abstract
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders. The effectiveness of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments is well documented. Re...
Long-Term Cognitive Outcomes of Esketamine Nasal Spray in Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Preliminary Report.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – January 27, 2025
Summary
Patients with treatment-resistant depression showed improved memory, attention, and mental flexibility after using esketamine nasal spray for six months. The treatment enhanced cognitive performance while reducing severe depression symptoms, with most improvements visible within three months. No cognitive decline was observed, suggesting esketamine's potential as a safe, long-term solution for those who don't respond to standard antidepressants.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Ketamine/esketamine has a rapid/robust antidepressant effect on treatment-resistant depression (TRD). However, its long-term...
Mitochondrial Metabolism in Major Depressive Disorder: From Early Diagnosis to Emerging Treatment Options.
Journal of clinical medicine – March 17, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals that cellular powerhouses - mitochondria - play a crucial role in Major Depressive Disorder. Scientists found that mitochondrial dysfunction triggers brain inflammation and energy deficits, offering new paths for diagnosis and treatment. Promising therapies include ketamine, psychedelics, and transcranial stimulation, which improve brain cell energy production and reduce symptoms.
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most disabling diseases in the world. MDD is traditionally diagnosed based on a patient's symptoms, w...
Ayahuasca – potential therapeutic properties in psychiatry. Research review
Psychiatria Polska – April 30, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional South American psychedelic, shows promise in treating anxiety and depression, particularly in treatment-resistant cases. Its active compound, DMT, acts as a serotonin receptor agonist, while beta-carboline alkaloids serve as potent monoamine oxidase inhibitors. With growing global interest over the past 25 years, studies indicate that ayahuasca may provide therapeutic effects comparable to ketamine for depression. However, variability in plant species used raises concerns about potential interactions and side effects, highlighting the need for careful consideration in its use.
Abstract
Ayahuaska, zwana również „lianą duszy”, „pnączem duszy” to rytualny psychodelik podawany tradycyjnie w formie wywaru roślinnego, od stuleci stosowa...
Neurociencias y aplicaciones psicoterapéuticas en el renacimiento de la investigación con psicodélicos
Revista chilena de neuro-psiquiatría – June 01, 2014
Summary
Psilocybin, a 5-HT2A receptor agonist, has shown remarkable effects, including a 50% reduction in anxiety and mood disorder symptoms among participants. It deactivates the Default Mode Network, enhancing autobiographical memory access and fostering positive emotional attention. MDMA significantly aids PTSD therapy by strengthening therapeutic alliances and reducing avoidance behaviors, linked to oxytocin release. Initial studies on ayahuasca and ketamine indicate promising results in decreasing problematic substance use, with over 40% reporting reduced cravings. These findings highlight the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics in mental health treatment.
Abstract
El objetivo de esta revisión consiste en exponer los principales avances en la investigación reciente con sustancias psicodélicas en las neurocienc...
Exploring Esketamine's Therapeutic Outcomes as an FDA-Designated Breakthrough for Treatment-Resistant Depression and Major Depressive Disorder With Suicidal Intent: A Narrative Review.
Cureus – February 01, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking depression treatment, esketamine nasal spray, shows remarkable success in helping patients who haven't responded to traditional SSRIs. FDA-approved studies reveal significant improvements in depression scores using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, with particular promise for suicide prevention. This NMDA receptor antagonist proves especially effective for treatment-resistant depression when combined with standard antidepressants.
Abstract
The expansive spectrum of major depressive disorder (MDD) continues to pose challenges for psychiatrists to treat effectively. Oral antidepressant ...
Rapid-acting antidepressant drugs modulate affective bias in rats
Science Translational Medicine – January 10, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin uniquely fostered a positive mood bias, dependent on new learning, unlike other rapid-acting antidepressants. Neuroscience research, using associative learning in rats, explored how these treatments for Major depressive disorder impact mood and cognition. Acute antidepressant treatment with psychedelics like psilocybin and ketamine attenuated negative cognitive biases. Low doses reversed this bias within 24 hours. Psilocybin alone induced a positive bias. Ketamine’s relearning effects involved neuroplasticity in the prefrontal cortex. This Psychology study reveals mechanisms linking neural plasticity to rapid mood improvements.
Abstract
How rapid-acting antidepressants (RAADs), such as ketamine, induce immediate and sustained improvements in mood in patients with major depressive d...
Psilocybin does not induce the vulnerability marker HSP70 in neurons susceptible to Olney’s lesions
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience – November 07, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, appears significantly safer for the brain than S-ketamine, despite both offering rapid antidepressant effects in Medicine. While S-ketamine caused clear signs of neuronal damage in a specific brain region, no such stress markers were detected in rats treated with psilocybin. This Neuroscience insight, vital for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggests psilocybin's chemical properties present less of a vulnerability to brain health. Its potential in Psychology for mental health is substantial, avoiding the neurotoxicity seen with other compounds.
Abstract
Abstract S-ketamine, a N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, and psilocybin, a 5-hydroxy-tryptamine (serotonin) 2A receptor (5-HT 2A R)...
In vitro and in vivo metabolic study of three new psychoactive β-keto-arylcyclohexylamines.
Journal of analytical toxicology – May 20, 2024
Summary
Designer drugs similar to ketamine are increasingly appearing on the black market. Scientists identified 49 unique ways these substances break down in the body by studying both human liver cells and zebrafish. This research helps law enforcement detect drug use through specific chemical markers in urine tests, improving forensic screening accuracy.
Abstract
Since the 2000s, an increasing number of new psychoactive substances have appeared on the illicit drug market. β-Keto-arylcyclohexylamine compounds...
Combinatorial targeting of NMDARs and 5-HT4Rs exerts beneficial effects in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's research & therapy – July 15, 2025
Summary
Treating complex diseases like Alzheimer's may require a multi-pronged approach. A recent investigation explored if combining two specific drug types could offer an effective adjunctive treatment. Using a mouse model, researchers tested whether a combination of **Ketamine** and **Prucalopride** could improve cognitive decline and address **neuroinflammation**. Positively, this dual strategy significantly enhanced memory and reduced signs of **neurodegeneration**, suggesting a promising new multimodal therapy.
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia. There are limited approved medications that delay cognitive decline or lessen neuropsych...
Use of plant-based hallucinogens and dissociative agents: U.S. Time Trends, 2002-2019.
Addictive behaviors reports – December 01, 2022
Summary
Recent data reveals a significant shift in psychedelic use among Americans: while younger people are using less, adults over 26 show increased interest in natural hallucinogens. Analysis of 1 million+ respondents shows rising lifetime use of psilocybin, ketamine, and tryptamine psychedelics, while mescaline use declined. This reflects evolving drug use trends, particularly among mature adults.
Abstract
Information on time trends in use of different plant-based hallucinogens is lacking. The current study used nationally representative U.S. data to ...
NMDA receptors antagonists alleviated the acute phase of traumatic brain injury.
Iranian journal of basic medical sciences – January 01, 2025
Summary
Promising drugs used in anesthesia and Alzheimer's treatment may help protect the brain after severe injuries. Ketamine and memantine, which block specific brain receptors, reduced inflammation and harmful chemical reactions in injured brain tissue. Tests showed these medications helped maintain healthy brain chemistry and decreased swelling in injured areas, potentially offering a new approach for treating traumatic brain injuries.
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of mortality and disability worldwide. TBI has been associated with factors such as oxidative s...
The dynamic strategy shifting task: Optimisation of an operant task for assessing cognitive flexibility in rats.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Scientists have developed a breakthrough method to test cognitive flexibility in rats, offering new hope for understanding brain disorders. This innovative operant task measures how well rats can switch between different rules and strategies - from following visual cues to responding to sounds. Testing 84 rats, researchers found that ketamine affected their ability to adapt to new rules, particularly improving performance on visual tasks. This work could accelerate the development of treatments for neuropsychiatric diseases.
Abstract
Although schizophrenia is associated with a broad range of symptoms including hallucinations, delusions, and reduced motivation, measures of cognit...
Making the Case for Psychedelics: Comparing Alternative Treatment Options for Depression
OpenAlex – January 01, 2022
Summary
Revolutionizing mental health, certain psychedelics offer rapid relief for mood disorders. Hallucinogens like Ketamine are now approved for depression, and Psilocybin, an alkaloid, shows similar promise as a fast-acting antidepressant. Unlike traditional medicine that takes weeks, a single treatment can provide swift effects. This progress in psychiatry and psychology highlights the tolerability and efficacy of these compounds. Working with a psychotherapist, these novel approaches in drug studies are transforming depression treatment by influencing neurotransmitter receptors, offering new hope.
Abstract
Given the number of people who are treated for depression each year and the knowledge that treatments work differently for everyone, there is a pre...
Acute effects of intranasal esketamine application on thalamic structures in healthy individuals.
The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology – June 06, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, traditionally known as an anesthetic, can rapidly transform brain structures within hours. This groundbreaking research reveals how intranasal ketamine causes immediate changes in the thalamus, a brain region crucial for sensory processing. In healthy volunteers, a single dose led to measurable growth in specific thalamic areas linked to visual processing. These structural changes help explain both ketamine's promise in treating MDD and its ability to temporarily mirror schizophrenia-like experiences.
Abstract
The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist ketamine has found broad application in the field of psychiatry. Due to its rapid antidepressant and a...
Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and behavioural studies of deschloroketamine in Wistar rats.
British journal of pharmacology – January 01, 2022
Summary
Deschloroketamine, a recreational drug, rapidly enters the brain, reaching peak levels in just 30 minutes and remaining high for 2 hours. Its NMDA receptor antagonist activity is comparable to ketamine, with the S-deschloroketamine enantiomer being more potent. In Wistar rats, deschloroketamine stimulated locomotion, induced place preference, and robustly disrupted prepulse inhibition. Its pharmacokinetics are slightly slower than ketamine, explaining its longer duration. The S-enantiomer showed more pronounced stimulatory properties than the R-enantiomer, yet both enantiomers disrupted prepulse inhibition similarly. This profile mirrors ketamine's, highlighting risks.
Abstract
Deschloroketamine (DCK), a structural analogue of ketamine, has recently emerged on the illicit drug market as a recreational drug with a modestly ...
Disembodiment and Affective Resonances in Esketamine Treatment of Depersonalized Depression Subtype: Two Case Studies.
Psychopathology – January 01, 2024
Summary
Surprising discovery: dissociative effects of esketamine may actually help treat certain types of depression. Two patients with depersonalized depression, marked by emotional numbness and disconnection from bodily sensations, showed remarkable improvement through esketamine therapy. The treatment temporarily disrupts rigid emotional patterns, enhancing bodily awareness and emotional responsiveness.
Abstract
Dissociative experiences are considered undesirable ketamine's adverse events. However, they might be crucial for ketamine's antidepressant effects...
Tusi use among the New York City nightclub-attending population.
Addiction (Abingdon, England) – April 20, 2025
Summary
Pink cocaine, known as Tusi, is gaining popularity in NYC nightlife, with 2.7% of dance club attendees reporting use in the past year. Through saliva testing and self-report surveys, researchers found Hispanic partygoers were 5x more likely to use this drug mixture. Many users unknowingly consumed ketamine and other party drugs, highlighting risks in the nightlife scene.
Abstract
'Tusi', also known as 'tusibí' or 'pink cocaine', is a drug concoction which previously emerged in Latin America and Europe and has recently acquir...
Estimation of the prevalence of substance use by wastewater-based epidemiology study in four cities of Guangdong, China.
PloS one – January 01, 2025
Summary
Analysis of wastewater from 67 treatment plants across four Chinese cities revealed surprising drug use patterns in Guangdong Province. Scientists tracked drug metabolites in sewage to estimate regional substance use, finding methamphetamine as the most prevalent drug, followed by heroin and ketamine. While heroin use decreased over the study period, meth and ketamine consumption showed concerning upward trends.
Abstract
The widespread use of illegal drugs and their associated problems have emerged as a significant public health concern. This study was conducted to ...
Gamma Oscillations and Excitation/Inhibition Imbalance: Parallel Effects of NMDA Receptor Antagonism and Psychosis.
Biological psychiatry. Cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging – January 18, 2025
Summary
Brain wave patterns in schizophrenia mirror those caused by ketamine, revealing a crucial link. Using EEG monitoring, researchers found that both people with schizophrenia and healthy individuals given ketamine showed similar disruptions in gamma brain waves and auditory processing. This suggests that NMDA receptor dysfunction may be a key mechanism behind schizophrenia's symptoms.
Abstract
Auditory steady-state response (ASSR) abnormalities in the 40-Hz (gamma band) frequency have been observed in schizophrenia and in rodent studies o...
Recent Interventions for Acute Suicidality Delivered in the Emergency Department: A Scoping Review.
The western journal of emergency medicine – November 01, 2024
Summary
Emergency departments now have promising new tools to help suicidal patients. Ketamine and Crisis Response Planning (CRP) show particular potential for rapid intervention. Single-dose ketamine treatment and brief psychological interventions delivered in the ER helped reduce acute suicidal thoughts. While sample sizes were small, both approaches proved quick to implement and showed meaningful results in stabilizing patients during critical moments.
Abstract
Suicidality is a growing problem in the US, and the emergency department (ED) is often the front line for the management and effective treatment of...
Ahnak in the prefrontal cortex mediates behavioral correlates of stress resilience and rapid antidepressant action in mice.
Frontiers in molecular neuroscience – January 01, 2024
Summary
Scientists have discovered a key protein that helps some individuals stay mentally strong under stress. The protein Ahnak, found in the brain's prefrontal cortex, plays a crucial role in stress resilience and the effectiveness of rapid-acting antidepressants like ketamine. When Ahnak levels are higher, mice show greater resistance to chronic stress. Removing this protein makes animals more susceptible to stress and blocks ketamine's antidepressant effects, suggesting it's essential for natural resilience and treatment response.
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a key neural node mediating behavioral responses to stress and the actions of ketamine, a fast-acting antidepressant...
Loss of the sustained antidepressant-like effect of (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine in NMDA receptor GluN2D subunit knockout mice.
Journal of pharmacological sciences – March 01, 2024
Summary
A breakthrough in depression treatment shows that hydroxynorketamine, a safer derivative of ketamine, provides lasting relief through specific brain receptors. Scientists found that while this compound works quickly to lift depression in mice, its long-term benefits depend on a specific brain protein called GluN2D. The tail-suspension test revealed that removing this protein blocks the sustained antidepressant effects.
Abstract
Ketamine, an N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has attracted attention for its acute and sustained antidepressant effects in patient...
Hallucinogen use in the United States, 2021-2023: Diverging trends and subgroup patterns.
Drug and alcohol dependence reports – March 01, 2026
Summary
Despite overall hallucinogen use remaining stable at around 2.8% from 2021-2023, national substance use trends show a significant shift. Epidemiology data from ages 12+ reveal LSD use declined from 0.88% to 0.58%, while ketamine use, another psychedelic, increased from 1.61% to 1.91%. This indicates evolving patterns among hallucinogens, with ketamine's prevalence rising (adjusted odds ratio 1.11 annually) as LSD's falls (adjusted odds ratio 0.83 annually). These substance use trends highlight changing preferences, influencing public health strategies.
Abstract
While interest in the therapeutic and recreational use of hallucinogens has increased, national surveillance often reports use in aggregate, potent...
Licit use of illicit drugs for treating depression: the pill and the process.
The Journal of clinical investigation – June 17, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough treatments for depression may depend not just on the medication itself, but also on the therapeutic setting and support provided. Research shows that psychedelic medicines like psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine work best when combined with professional psychological guidance. The patient's mindset and treatment environment significantly influence outcomes, suggesting these medications are most effective as part of a comprehensive therapeutic approach.
Abstract
Psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine have emerged as potentially effective treatments for rapid amelioration of the symptoms of mood and related psychiat...
Intravenous anesthetics have differential effects on human potassium channels.
Acta biochimica et biophysica Sinica – September 13, 2024
Summary
Different anesthetics can uniquely affect the body's vital potassium channels, which help control heart rhythm and blood pressure. Scientists found that common anesthetics like propofol and ketamine interact differently with these channels - some boosting their activity while others blocking them. These interactions may explain why certain anesthetics can cause hypotension or respiratory depression during surgery.
Abstract
General anesthetics are widely used in the clinic and greatly promote the development of surgery. However, the incidence of cardiovascular and resp...
Molecular mechanisms of rapid-acting antidepressants: New perspectives for developing antidepressants
Pharmacological Research – June 26, 2023
Summary
Ketamine offers rapid antidepressant effects, a significant advance given that conventional treatments for Major Depression often take weeks and fail two-thirds of patients. This pharmacology involves more than just the NMDA receptor, influencing other key receptors in the brain. Neuroscience is also exploring other psychedelics, like the hallucinogen psilocybin, which shows promise for rapid treatment. These drug studies highlight new avenues in medicine and psychology, targeting novel receptors to revolutionize antidepressant care.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic relapsing psychiatric disorder. Conventional antidepressants usually require several weeks of continuo...
Efficacy and Safety of Pharmacological Treatment in Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – June 20, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough findings reveal two promising medications for complex regional pain syndrome, offering new hope for those suffering from this debilitating condition. A comprehensive meta-analysis of 23 clinical trials found that both bisphosphonates and ketamine provide significant long-term pain relief. While these pharmacological treatments showed mild side effects, they emerged as the most effective options for managing chronic pain symptoms.
Abstract
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a disabling condition that usually affects the extremities after trauma or surgery. At present, there is n...
Significant changes in preference of illicit drug use in a population of Hanoi, Vietnam-A 6-year wastewater study (2018-2023).
Addiction (Abingdon, England) – July 23, 2025
Summary
Wastewater analysis in Hanoi, Vietnam, offers a unique lens into public health, revealing a major shift in illicit drug use. Over six years (2018-2023), samples showed a significant decline in methamphetamine use. However, ketamine surged, becoming the most prevalent drug by 2022. Heroin and cocaine levels remained low, even after the Covid-19 pandemic. This innovative monitoring method provides crucial insights into dynamic drug markets in Vietnam.
Abstract
Illicit drug use causes great harm and economical loss to society, yet there is limited understanding of its prevalence in the population in low-in...
Neurophysiological biomarkers of treatment response in suicidal ideation: a systematic review.
Translational psychiatry – November 17, 2025
Summary
Brain activity patterns offer crucial insights into effective treatments for suicidal thoughts. A review of 24 studies explored specific brain changes linked to treatment response. Findings show intravenous ketamine’s rapid benefits are tied to the anterior cingulate cortex, explaining its superior effects over oral forms. Electroconvulsive and magnetic seizure therapies improve symptoms by engaging the prefrontal cortex. These distinct brain region responses suggest how therapies might be refined for enhanced, positive outcomes.
Abstract
Suicidal ideation (SI) is associated with increased morbidity and is one of the main modifiable risk factors for suicide. While initial evidence in...
Licit use of illicit drugs for treating depression: the pill and the process
Journal of Clinical Investigation – June 16, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin and MDMA, powerful hallucinogens, consistently show promise in Psychiatry for treating Anxiety and other disorders, but always alongside a psychotherapist. This highlights the crucial role of Context and psychological Intervention in medicine. Ketamine, another potent drug, also benefits from such support. Future clinical psychology trials must compare these psychedelics and other drugs alone versus with structured psychological support, understanding how Expectancy theory and Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior contribute to therapeutic outcomes. This approach is vital for advancing Drug Studies and the application of chemical synthesis in medicine.
Abstract
Psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine have emerged as potentially effective treatments for rapid amelioration of the symptoms of mood and related psychiat...
Relationship between perioperative medications and risk of emergence agitation in children after sevoflurane anesthesia: a network meta-analysis.
Pediatric research – January 27, 2026
Summary
Reducing distress in children waking from anesthesia is a major goal. A comprehensive analysis of 70 studies, encompassing 7617 participants, identifies several highly effective medications for preventing emergence agitation after sevoflurane. Among 19 drugs evaluated, dexmedetomidine, propofol, midazolam, fentanyl, nalbuphine, and ketamine consistently and significantly lowered the incidence of agitation. These findings provide crucial evidence for optimizing pediatric anesthesia care, promoting calmer recoveries for young patients.
Abstract
To explore the efficacy of perioperative medications in preventing emergence agitation (EA) in children after sevoflurane anaesthesia. This network...