1705 results for "Ketamine"
Combined Effects of Nasal Ketamine and Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy in Treatment-Resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Case Series.
Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) – August 16, 2024
Summary
Nasal ketamine combined with trauma-focused psychotherapy shows promising results for treating stubborn PTSD cases. In this groundbreaking approach, patients received ketamine-assisted therapy over 8 weeks, leading to significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and depression. All participants showed marked improvements in anxiety, emotional regulation, and trauma processing, with benefits lasting beyond treatment completion.
Abstract
This pilot case series investigated the feasibility and efficacy of an eight-week therapy program, combining nasally administered ketamine (0.5 mg/...
Ketamine Alters Tuning of Neural and Behavioral Spatial Working Memory Precision
bioRxiv Preprint Server – February 10, 2025
Summary
Memory problems in brain disorders might stem from how brain cells "tune in" to information. A drug known to impair memory was found to make this neural tuning less precise in healthy individuals. Brain imaging showed it broadened spatial tuning, reducing activity in memory-critical regions. These tuning changes consistently predicted poorer memory, offering a clearer picture of how brain circuit disruptions lead to memory deficits and guiding new treatments.
Abstract
Deficits in working memory (WM) are a hallmark of neuropsy-chiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, yet their neurobiological basis remains poorly...
Effect of ketamine/esketamine on postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunctions: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials
Indian Journal of Anaesthesia – November 18, 2025
Summary
Perioperative esketamine significantly lowers the risk of postoperative delirium (POD) by 30%, while not affecting postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POND). In a clinical trial involving over 500 patients, subgroup analyses revealed that esketamine is particularly effective in preventing delirium, whereas racemic ketamine offers greater cognitive protection. This suggests that tailored anesthesia strategies could enhance outcomes in intensive care medicine, especially for those at risk of cognitive disorders following surgery. The findings are documented in MEDLINE and support the use of ketamine in anesthesia practices.
Abstract
Perioperative (es)ketamine significantly reduces POD risk but not POND. Subgroup analyses reveal esketamine excels in delirium prevention, while ra...
New insights into methoxetamine mechanisms of action: Focus on serotonergic 5-HT2 receptors in pharmacological and behavioral effects in the rat.
Experimental neurology – November 01, 2021
Summary
Methoxetamine, a Ketamine-substitute, significantly alters brain function by targeting serotonin 5-HT(2) receptors, influencing sensorimotor responses. Blocking these receptors with Ketanserin (0.1 mg/kg) or MDL100907 (0.03 mg/kg) prevented MXE (3 mg/kg) from reducing Prepulse inhibition (PPI) and affecting visual sensory responses. MXE also impacts Glutamate and GABA systems, inhibiting NMDA-mediated potentials and GABA-mediated currents. The Endocannabinoid system, however, appears unaffected. This clarifies Methoxetamine's central mechanisms.
Abstract
Methoxetamine (MXE) is a dissociative substance of the arylcyclohexylamine class that has been present on the designer drug market as a ketamine-su...
Effect and safety of perioperative ketamine/esketamine administration on postoperative pain and depression after breast cancer surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine and esketamine show promise in reducing short-term depression following breast cancer surgery, according to comprehensive analysis of 748 patients. While these medications didn't significantly impact postoperative pain levels, they helped lower depression scores in the first week after surgery and reduced instances of dizziness compared to standard care.
Abstract
Patients with breast cancer experience varying degrees of pain, depression, and anxiety after surgery, which affect their postoperative recovery. A...
Effects of ketamine in electroconvulsive therapy for major depressive disorder: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
General Psychiatry – June 18, 2020
Summary
A surprising finding for major depression treatment suggests that a specific anesthetic used during electroconvulsive therapy may offer quicker relief. Researchers reviewed several trials comparing ketamine-based anesthesia to traditional options. Patients receiving ketamine, or ketamine combined with another agent, showed **improved depressive symptoms** with **greater efficacy**, experiencing rapid relief within days of a single ECT session. This highlights a promising enhancement for depression treatment.
Abstract
Background The use of ketamine in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been examined in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD); however, t...
Rapid and sustained reduction of treatment-resistant PTSD symptoms after intravenous ketamine in a real-world, psychedelic paradigm.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – January 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine therapy delivered in a supportive, psychedelic-inspired setting shows remarkable promise for treating severe PTSD. In a groundbreaking approach, patients received ketamine infusions combined with preparation, intention-setting, and integration sessions. Using music and eye shades during treatment, 75% of participants saw significant improvement, with 61% achieving PTSD remission. This innovative blend of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy offers new hope for those struggling with treatment-resistant trauma.
Abstract
Traditional treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often show limited success with high dropout. Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate an...
The Effects of Psychotherapy on Single and Repeated Ketamine Infusion(s) Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression: The Convergence of Molecular and Psychological Treatment.
International journal of molecular sciences – July 11, 2025
Summary
Combining psychotherapy with ketamine infusion therapy dramatically enhances its rapid antidepressant effects. A review of patient data showed that N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists like ketamine promote neuroplasticity, creating a unique window for therapeutic change. For treatment-resistant depression (TRD), those receiving ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) experienced the most pronounced symptom reduction, highlighting the benefits of integrated care.
Abstract
Ketamine infusion therapy has gained recognition as an innovative treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), demonstrating rapid and robus...
Behavioral sensitization and tolerance induced by repeated treatment with ketamine enantiomers in male Wistar rats.
PloS one – January 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's two mirror-image forms show different effects on the brain, with the S-form proving more potent. In rats, repeated doses of S-ketamine led to increased movement and coordination issues, while developing some tolerance to its effects over time. R-ketamine showed milder effects, suggesting it may be a gentler option for therapeutic use. The findings reveal how ketamine's distinct forms uniquely impact behavior and motor control.
Abstract
Ketamine has gained significant attention as a fast-acting antidepressant. However, ketamine is also associated with undesirable side effects. In o...
(R)-ketamine induces mGlu5 receptor-dependent antidepressant-like effects in the chronic unpredictable mild stress model of depression in mice.
Psychopharmacology – May 08, 2025
Summary
A promising breakthrough in depression treatment shows that (R)-ketamine, when combined with a specific brain receptor modifier, produces powerful antidepressant effects with fewer side effects than traditional options. Scientists found that (R)-ketamine works through the brain's mGlu5 receptor system to reduce depression symptoms in mice. When paired with M-5MPEP, even low doses effectively treated stress-induced depression, improving mood and motivation. The treatment activated key brain proteins like TrkB and EEF2, suggesting a safer approach to rapid depression relief.
Abstract
(S)-Ketamine, which is used to treat depression, has significant undesirable effects and has potential for abuse. A safe alternative to (S)-ketamin...
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Discovery of a Novel Orally Active Ketamine Derivative with Dual Analgesic and Antidepressant Activities, Lacking Psychomimetic Effects.
ACS chemical neuroscience – March 05, 2025
Summary
Scientists have developed a breakthrough pain-relieving compound derived from ketamine that works both orally and through injection. The new acetamide compound matches ketamine's powerful analgesic and antidepressant benefits but without the problematic psychomimetic effects that limit ketamine's clinical use. Testing in mice showed it effectively reduces pain and depression symptoms while allowing normal cognitive function - a significant advance for treating these conditions.
Abstract
This study investigated the synthesis, characterization, and in silico analysis of novel N-acetamide ketamine derivatives aimed at evaluating their...
A Robust and Reproducible Connectome Fingerprint of Ketamine is Highly Associated with the Connectomic Signature of Antidepressants
medRxiv Preprint Server – April 10, 2020
Summary
A new discovery reveals how ketamine impacts brain networks, offering insights into depression treatment. Researchers identified a unique 'connectome fingerprint' for ketamine, showing it robustly alters brain connectivity. This signature, characterized by increased connections between the executive network and other brain regions, was consistently found. Remarkably, these ketamine-induced brain changes predicted how well patients with depression responded to a common antidepressant, sertraline. This work successfully identifies a reliable brain biomarker for ketamine, strongly linking its effects to the mechanisms of existing antidepressants, highlighting a promising avenue for understanding and treating mental health conditions.
Abstract
Over the past decade, various N-Methyl-D-Aspartate modulators have failed in clinical trials, underscoring the challenges of developing novel rapid...
Survey of administration of intravenous ketamine for perioperative pain management in Australia and New Zealand.
Anaesthesia and intensive care – May 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, traditionally known for its role in anaesthesia, is emerging as a powerful tool for pain management during and after surgery. A comprehensive survey of Australian and New Zealand specialists reveals that this medication is widely used to help patients with pre-existing chronic pain or those requiring strong pain relief. Most doctors use ketamine during major operations like abdominal or thoracic surgery, particularly for patients with complex pain needs. The approach shows promise in preventing post-surgical pain complications.
Abstract
Ketamine is an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist approved for use in anaesthesia, with analgesic properties. Despite publication of numerous...
Effects of Ketamine vs. Midazolam in Adolescent Treatment Resistant Depression.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – December 04, 2024
Summary
Novel antidepressant ketamine shows promising results for teens battling severe depression. In a breakthrough study of adolescent patients with treatment-resistant depression, ketamine outperformed midazolam, reducing both depression and anxiety symptoms. Nearly 60% of teens responded positively to ketamine treatment within 24 hours, with notable improvements in inner tension and mood.
Abstract
Background: Adolescent treatment resistant depression (TRD) is increasing in recent years. While ketamine showed rapid antidepressant effects in ad...
Serotonergic transmission plays differentiated roles in the rapid and sustained antidepressant-like effects of ketamine.
British journal of pharmacology – December 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's remarkable ability to lift depression quickly has opened new doors in mental health treatment. Recent findings reveal that serotonin (5-HT) plays a crucial role in how this fast-acting antidepressant works. While ketamine's initial effects occur independently, its sustained benefits rely heavily on serotonin transmission and AMPA receptor activation in the brain, suggesting a complex mechanism behind its long-lasting antidepressant properties.
Abstract
The emerging antidepressant effects of ketamine have inspired tremendous interest in its underlying neurobiological mechanisms, although the involv...
The landscape of ketamine use disorder: Patient experiences and perspectives on current treatment options.
Addiction (Abingdon, England) – April 28, 2025
Summary
Ketamine addiction affects users across multiple continents, with daily consumption averaging 2 grams. A comprehensive survey revealed that 60% of users experience bladder and nasal problems, yet most don't seek treatment. Those who do pursue help often find services inadequately prepared for ketamine-specific dependence, with only 36% reporting satisfaction with care. Cost remains the primary barrier to treatment-seeking behavior.
Abstract
To report the symptoms and aetiology of ketamine use disorder (KUD), gauge the effectiveness of current treatment services and identify strategies ...
Ketamine in the effective management of chronic pain, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder for Veterans: A meta-analysis and systematic review.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Veterans suffering from chronic pain and mental health conditions found significant relief through ketamine treatments, with remarkable success rates across multiple studies. This groundbreaking analysis revealed that ketamine effectively reduced symptoms of depression, PTSD, and chronic pain in both active-duty military and veteran populations. The treatment showed positive results regardless of dosage or administration method, offering hope for those who haven't responded to traditional therapies.
Abstract
Ketamine has emerged as a promising treatment alternative for the management of chronic pain. Despite encouraging findings in civilian populations,...
Fluorodeschloroketamine found as a street drug in drug seizures and drug driving cases in Hong Kong.
Forensic science international – August 01, 2024
Summary
A concerning trend emerges in Hong Kong as drug dealers switch from ketamine to its analog, fluorodeschloroketamine (FDCK). Analysis of drug seizures and driving cases revealed 74 FDCK-related incidents in just 13 months. Most seized samples contained pure FDCK or FDCK mixed with ketamine, often disguised to look identical to regular ketamine. Six drug driving cases showed blood concentrations that suggest FDCK's potential role in driving impairment.
Abstract
With the decline of the use of ketamine, one of the common drugs of abuse in Hong Kong, detection of ketamine-related analogues in local laboratori...
The Behavioral and Neuroinflammatory Impact of Ketamine in a Murine Model of Depression and Liver Damage.
International journal of molecular sciences – April 10, 2025
Summary
Ketamine shows promise in treating depression even when liver problems are present - a crucial finding for millions affected by both conditions. In mice with fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and depression-like symptoms, ketamine effectively reduced depressive behaviors and anxiety, particularly in older subjects. The treatment improved social interaction and mood without worsening liver health, though memory benefits were limited in animals with liver damage. These results suggest ketamine could be valuable for patients dealing with both depression and liver conditions.
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been associated with depression and inadequate response to antidepressants. While ketamine has demons...
Effects of Subanesthetic Intravenous Ketamine Infusion on Stress Hormones and Synaptic Density in Rats with Mild Closed-Head Injury.
Biomedicines – March 24, 2025
Summary
A single dose of ketamine after mild brain injury shows promising effects on brain healing. In a groundbreaking study with rats, researchers found ketamine infusions helped restore neural connections in the prefrontal cortex while modulating stress hormone levels. Using advanced imaging, scientists observed increased synaptic density in treated subjects, suggesting ketamine's potential role in brain recovery after trauma.
Abstract
Background: Every year, over 40 million people sustain mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) which affects the glucocorticoid stress pathway and synap...
Oral ketamine for acute postoperative analgesia (OKAPA) trial: A randomized controlled, single center pilot study.
Journal of clinical anesthesia – January 01, 2025
Summary
A breakthrough in post-surgical pain management shows that oral ketamine can significantly reduce opioid use after spine surgery. Patients who received low-dose ketamine not only required fewer painkillers but also spent less time on opioid medications and typically left the hospital sooner. This innovative approach to analgesia proved safe and effective, offering a promising alternative to traditional pain management methods while maintaining similar comfort levels for patients recovering from major spinal procedures.
Abstract
Although opioids represent the mainstay of treating surgical pain, their use is associated with significant side effects. There is an urgent need t...
Predicting treatment response to ketamine in treatment-resistant depression using auditory mismatch negativity: Study protocol.
PloS one – January 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine shows promise in rapidly treating severe depression, but doctors can't reliably predict which patients will benefit. This research explores using brain wave patterns during sound processing to forecast treatment success. By analyzing EEG recordings from 30 patients before ketamine therapy, researchers aim to identify neural signatures that could help personalize depression treatment and improve success rates.
Abstract
Ketamine has recently attracted considerable attention for its rapid effects on patients with major depressive disorder, including treatment-resist...
Ketamine and its enantiomers for depression: a bibliometric analysis from 2000 to 2023.
European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience – April 25, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals ketamine's remarkable rise as a depression treatment, with over 4,000 scientific publications tracking its evolution since 2000. Advanced visualization techniques mapped how this anesthetic became a breakthrough therapy, particularly after esketamine's approval for treatment-resistant depression. The data shows two main research trends: studying ketamine's safety and exploring how its molecular forms (enantiomers) work in the brain.
Abstract
Ketamine has demonstrated rapid and sustained antidepressant effects, marking its emergence as an innovative treatment of depression. Despite the g...
Trends and characteristics in ketamine use among US adults with and without depression, 2015-2022.
Journal of affective disorders – March 15, 2025
Summary
Ketamine use among US adults doubled between 2015-2022, with notable increases among both depressed and non-depressed individuals. Analyzing nationally representative samples, researchers found usage rose from 0.11% to 0.28% of adults. While depression initially predicted higher ketamine use, this connection weakened by 2022. College graduates and adults aged 26-34 emerged as new demographic groups showing increased use, particularly alongside other substances like MDMA.
Abstract
Ketamine's potential for treating depression has drawn increased clinical interest in recent years. However, despite growing therapeutic use, recre...
A Comparison of Ketamine to Midazolam for the Management of Acute Behavioral Disturbance in the Out-of-Hospital Setting.
Annals of emergency medicine – May 01, 2025
Summary
When treating severely agitated patients in emergency situations, both ketamine and midazolam proved equally safe and effective. In a study of 376 patients requiring emergency sedation, both medications showed similar low rates of breathing complications (around 11-12%). Ketamine and midazolam demonstrated comparable safety profiles, with minimal differences in emergency intubation rates and mortality, giving emergency responders confidence in using either option for managing acute behavioral emergencies.
Abstract
Acute behavioral disturbance is characterized by altered mental status and psychomotor agitation. Pharmacological sedation may be required, risking...
Ketamine modulates the exploratory dynamics and homebase-related behaviors of adult zebrafish.
Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior – December 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine, a common anesthetic, shows promising effects in reducing anxiety-like behaviors in zebrafish. When exposed to low doses, fish displayed more confident exploration patterns and reduced wall-hugging behavior in open field tests. The drug, which blocks NMDA receptors in the brain, increased movement while decreasing repetitive behaviors over time, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits beyond its traditional use.
Abstract
Anxiety can be a protective emotion when animals face aversive conditions, but is commonly associated with various neuropsychiatric disorders when ...
Identifying Ketamine Responses in Treatment-Resistant Depression Using a Wearable Forehead EEG
arXiv Preprint Archive – May 29, 2018
Summary
A breakthrough in depression treatment: wearable forehead sensors can now predict with over 80% accuracy which patients will respond positively to ketamine therapy. Brain wave patterns, particularly in the prefrontal area, serve as reliable indicators of treatment success. Lower theta waves before treatment and increased alpha waves after ketamine administration signal better outcomes in patients with hard-to-treat depression.
Abstract
This study explores the responses to ketamine in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) using a wearable forehead electroencephalograph...
Comparing benzodiazepine-ketamine and benzodiazepine-fentanyl sedation in phacoemulsification: A double-blind crossover non-inferiority clinical trial (BEKEF study).
Advances in ophthalmology practice and research – January 01, 2025
Summary
Patients undergoing phacoemulsification for cataract surgery now have another excellent sedation option. A trial compared Ketamine-based sedation to Fentanyl-based sedation, finding both provided equally effective comfort and high patient satisfaction. This confirms Ketamine is a safe, beneficial alternative for sedation during cataract surgery.
Abstract
Topical anesthesia for cataract surgery often requires adjunctive sedation to manage intraoperative discomfort and improve patient cooperation. Ket...
Ketamine for acute management of refractory stiff person syndrome: a case report.
BMC neurology – April 09, 2025
Summary
A breakthrough in treating Stiff Person Syndrome shows ketamine can effectively manage severe muscle rigidity and painful spasms when traditional treatments fail. In a remarkable case, doctors successfully used ketamine infusions to provide rapid relief for a young patient with debilitating symptoms. This novel approach not only reduced pain and anxiety but also helped control muscle stiffness during acute flares.
Abstract
Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder characterized by progressive muscle rigidity and painful spasms. Standard tr...
Efficacy and safety of ketamine for pediatric and adolescent super-refractory status epilepticus and the effect of cerebral inflammatory conditions.
Journal of the neurological sciences – April 15, 2024
Summary
When severe seizures don't respond to standard treatments, ketamine offers hope. This medication reduced seizure frequency by over 50% in 83% of young patients with hard-to-treat epilepsy. However, those with cerebral inflammation or acute encephalitis showed less improvement. While ketamine proved generally safe with few side effects, patients with inflammatory conditions needed longer treatment periods and had more challenges in recovery.
Abstract
To investigate the short-term benefits and adverse effects of ketamine in the treatment of pediatric and adolescent super-refractory status epilept...
EEG vigilance and response to oral prolonged-release ketamine in treatment-resistant depression - A double-blind randomized validation study.
Psychiatry research. Neuroimaging – July 01, 2025
Summary
Brain activity patterns measured through EEG may help predict which patients with treatment-resistant depression will respond best to ketamine therapy. Scientists found that specific brainwave patterns, particularly stable vigilance levels, indicated a 75% accuracy in predicting positive responses to higher-dose ketamine treatment. This biomarker could help doctors better target this promising therapy to patients most likely to benefit.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is associated with reduced quality of life and elevated mortality, posing a major challenge to psychiatric car...
Green liquid-liquid microextraction for quantification of ketamine and metabolites in human urine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Journal of analytical toxicology – May 16, 2025
Summary
Scientists developed an eco-friendly way to detect ketamine abuse through urine testing, using just a tiny drop of organic solvent. The method accurately identifies ketamine and its breakdown products using specialized gas analysis. Testing of real samples revealed that measuring a specific ketamine byproduct called dehydronorketamine may be the most reliable way to confirm drug use. This efficient approach is both environmentally conscious and highly sensitive.
Abstract
This study aimed to develop and validate a green method for the detection of ketamine and its metabolites in human urine samples and subsequently d...
Oral ketamine effects on dynamics of functional network connectivity in patients treated for chronic suicidality.
European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience – May 21, 2024
Summary
Ketamine treatment for chronic suicidality works by enhancing brain network flexibility and communication. Research shows that patients receiving oral ketamine experienced increased neural network transitions and stronger brain connectivity patterns, particularly in regions controlling cognitive function. Using fMRI scans, scientists found that successful treatment led to more dynamic functional connectivity between brain regions. Those who responded best showed distinct patterns in cognitive control networks before treatment, suggesting potential markers for identifying ideal candidates for ketamine therapy.
Abstract
The underlying brain mechanisms of ketamine in treating chronic suicidality and the characteristics of patients who will benefit from ketamine trea...
Ketamine - An Imperfect Wonder Drug?
Biochemical pharmacology – November 01, 2024
Summary
Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine has emerged as a remarkable medication with multiple therapeutic benefits. This fast-acting drug provides powerful pain relief (analgesia) and shows promise as a rapid antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression. While its clinical value in anesthesia and mental health is significant, careful monitoring is essential due to its potential for abuse and hallucinogenic effects. Recent studies highlight its effectiveness when administered under medical supervision.
Abstract
Ketamine is a potent sedative and dissociative anesthetic agent that has been used clinically for over 50 years since it was first developed in the...
Ketamine for catatonia: A novel treatment for an old clinical challenge? A systematic review of the evidence.
Schizophrenia research – September 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine, traditionally used as an anesthetic, shows remarkable promise in treating catatonia - a complex condition where patients become unresponsive or display unusual movements. New research reveals an 80% response rate when using ketamine or esketamine treatments, with particularly strong results in patients who have underlying mood disorders. This breakthrough offers hope for those who don't respond to standard treatments.
Abstract
Catatonia, documented since the 19th century, remains a significant challenge in terms of recognition and treatment. Over the last two decades, ket...
Ketamine in Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Narrative Review.
Alpha psychiatry – March 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine therapy shows remarkable promise in treating substance abuse, with studies revealing up to 65% reduction in cravings. This breakthrough treatment appears particularly effective for alcohol dependence, working by disrupting addiction pathways in the brain while promoting new neural connections. Clinical evidence suggests ketamine-assisted therapy helps patients maintain sobriety longer and experience fewer withdrawal symptoms.
Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) continues to pose a significant global health challenge, necessitating innovative and effective therapeutic interventi...
Ketamine can produce oscillatory dynamics by engaging mechanisms dependent on the kinetics of NMDA receptors.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America – May 28, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals how ketamine creates distinct brain wave patterns through its unique interaction with brain receptors. By blocking NMDA-receptors, ketamine triggers specific neural rhythms - fast gamma oscillations at various doses, and slower delta waves at higher doses. These biophysical mechanisms help explain both its rapid antidepressant effect and its anesthetic properties.
Abstract
Ketamine is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor antagonist that produces sedation, analgesia, and dissociation at low doses and profound uncons...
Lessons learned from the regulatory alignment in ketamine, esketamine and arketamine clinical trials: A cross-sectional analysis of protocols from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Psychiatry research – August 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine and its variants show promise in treating severe mood disorders, but how these treatments are studied varies widely. Analysis of 40 clinical trials reveals key differences in testing methods and safety protocols. While esketamine received FDA approval, ongoing research with ketamine and arketamine highlights challenges in conducting reliable trials. The main issue? Ketamine's unique effects make it difficult to run truly blind studies, potentially skewing results. Better standardized testing methods could help these promising treatments reach more patients safely.
Abstract
Ketamine and its enantiomers, esketamine and arketamine, have emerged as promising treatments for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This cross-...
The Impact of Intravenous Ketamine on Attentional Bias: Probing Mechanisms of Rapid-Acting Antidepressant Effects in Two Clinical Studies.
Biological psychiatry – April 15, 2025
Summary
Intravenous ketamine shows promise in rapidly shifting how depressed patients process emotional information. Research reveals that a single ketamine dose significantly reduces negative attention patterns within 24 hours. This rapid-acting antidepressant not only improves mood but also changes how the brain focuses on sad versus neutral information. Testing across multiple patient groups confirmed these results, demonstrating both the treatment's reliability and its ability to quickly alter attentional bias in depression.
Abstract
Ketamine is known for its rapid antidepressant effect, but its impact on affective information processing (including attentional bias [AB], a putat...
High-order brain interactions in ketamine during rest and task: A double-blinded cross-over design using portable EEG.
Research square – March 21, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's effects on brain activity reveal fascinating patterns of increased neural redundancy, particularly during rest. Using portable EEG devices, researchers tracked brain changes in 30 participants receiving either ketamine or saline. The drug increased shared information patterns between brain regions, especially in alpha wave frequencies, correlating with dissociative experiences. These findings demonstrate how ketamine alters consciousness by changing how different brain areas communicate and process information.
Abstract
In a double-blinded cross-over design, 30 adults (mean age = 25.57, SD = 3.74; all male) were administered racemic ketamine and compared against sa...
Systemic ketamine toxicity following dermal application of a compounded pain cream.
The American journal of emergency medicine – February 01, 2025
Summary
A seemingly harmless pain cream led to an unexpected emergency when excessive dermal application of a ketamine-containing topical treatment caused severe systemic toxicity. A patient with skin ulcers experienced altered mental status and erratic behavior after applying large amounts of the medicated cream. Blood tests confirmed ketamine overdose. The case highlights important safety concerns about topical pain treatments, especially when used on damaged skin.
Abstract
Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist commonly used as a dissociative anesthetic and analgesic. Though it is conventionally administered via the ...
Patient safety of adjunct pre-operative intravenous S-ketamine for pain relief in third molar surgery - a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.
British journal of pain – June 20, 2024
Summary
S-ketamine shows promise as a safe pain relief option for dental surgery, with minimal physiological effects when properly administered. In this groundbreaking trial, 168 patients receiving wisdom tooth removal were given either S-ketamine or a placebo. While high-dose patients showed brief changes in oxygen levels, no serious adverse events occurred. The medication proved safe and effective when combined with standard sedation, offering a valuable option for surgical pain management.
Abstract
To study patient safety in third molar surgery, where two different doses of S-ketamine were administered for pain relief and compared to a placebo...
Effects of combined postweaning social isolation and ketamine administration on schizophrenia-like behaviour in male Sprague Dawley rats.
Behavioural brain research – January 05, 2025
Summary
Social isolation combined with ketamine exposure creates a powerful "double hit" that mimics schizophrenia symptoms in rats more effectively than either factor alone. When young rats experienced both isolation and ketamine treatment, they showed increased aggressive behaviour, higher anxiety, and reduced social interaction compared to group housed peers. The isolated, ketamine-treated rats also demonstrated memory problems and elevated stress hormones, closely matching patterns seen in schizophrenia. These findings suggest that multiple environmental factors may work together to influence mental health outcomes.
Abstract
The pathophysiology behind negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia is not well understood, thus limiting the effectiveness of treatment on...
Towards an expanded neurocognitive account of ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects.
The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology – February 04, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's remarkable ability to lift severe depression within hours has revolutionized our understanding of mental health treatment. New research reveals this breakthrough antidepressant works by simultaneously targeting multiple brain systems - enhancing reward processing, improving body awareness, and shifting self-perception. This neurocognitive approach explains how ketamine helps break the cycle of negative thinking and emotional numbness common in depression.
Abstract
Ketamine is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist that has shown effectiveness as a rapidly acting treatment for depression. Although advance...
Suicidal ideation following ketamine prescription in patients with recurrent major depressive disorder: a nation-wide cohort study.
Translational psychiatry – August 09, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking analysis of over 500,000 patients reveals ketamine's powerful potential in reducing suicidal thoughts among those with recurring depression. The medication showed remarkable effectiveness, cutting the risk of suicidal ideation by nearly 40% in the first week after prescription, with benefits lasting up to 9 months. These protective effects were particularly strong in adults over 24, regardless of gender.
Abstract
Ketamine has gained attention for its effective treatment for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidal ideation; Despite numerous...
Electroconvulsive Therapy, Ketamine, and Esketamine in a Patient with Major Depressive Disorder and Multiple Comorbidities: A Case Report over 10-year Treatment from Adolescence to Adulthood.
Psychopharmacology bulletin – April 08, 2025
Summary
A decade-long journey shows how innovative treatments can help overcome severe depression. A patient battling treatment-resistant depression and multiple mental health comorbidities found lasting stability through a combination of therapies. While electroconvulsive therapy offered temporary relief, ketamine and esketamine treatments proved most effective, leading to two years without hospitalization or crisis - marking a significant breakthrough in managing complex depression.
Abstract
In this case report, we present a patient with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and comorbid generalized anxiety disorder, eating disorder, pos...
Successful Treatment of Paradoxical Vocal Cord Motion with Sub-dissociative Dose Ketamine: Case Report.
Clinical practice and cases in emergency medicine – May 01, 2025
Summary
A rare vocal cord condition that mimics severe asthma found an unexpected solution: low-dose ketamine. When a 23-year-old woman's vocal cords inappropriately constricted during breathing, standard treatments failed to help. Doctors tried a small dose of ketamine, which quickly resolved her symptoms. This breakthrough suggests ketamine could offer fast relief for similar cases, avoiding intensive care stays and misdiagnosis.
Abstract
Paradoxical vocal cord motion (PVCM) is a primarily neuropsychiatric condition that causes inappropriate adduction of the vocal cords during respir...
Chiral analysis of ketamine enantiomers in human urine and hair: Application to authentic cases of ketamine use.
Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis – August 15, 2025
Summary
Scientists can now identify whether ketamine in a person's system came from legal medical use or illegal sources. Through precise chiral separation techniques, researchers analyzed R,S-ketamine enantiomers in hair and urine samples. Medical ketamine contains only the S-form, while illegal versions typically contain both forms in equal amounts. This distinction helps law enforcement trace drug origins and verify legitimate medical use.
Abstract
Ketamine, which possesses important anesthesia and antidepressant properties, has been used clinically in its racemate form. In the 1990s, the sing...
S-ketamine Alleviates Neuroinflammation and Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Depression Via Targeting SIRT2.
Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) – April 02, 2025
Summary
New research reveals how S-ketamine fights depression by reducing brain inflammation through a unique molecular pathway. The drug works by activating SIRT2, a protein that dampens inflammatory responses in the brain. Unlike its chemical cousin R-ketamine, S-ketamine specifically targets and binds to SIRT2, effectively reducing inflammation and improving mood-related behaviors in preclinical tests.
Abstract
Depression, a pervasive mental health condition, has increasingly been linked to neuroinflammation, as evidenced by elevated levels of pro-inflamma...
Exploring ketamine's reinforcement, cue-induced reinstatement, and nucleus accumbens cFos activation in male and female long evans rats.
Neuropharmacology – September 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's therapeutic potential comes with important considerations about addiction risk. New research reveals that both male and female rats will self-administer higher doses of ketamine, with females showing stronger addiction-like behaviors. The dose-response relationship suggests safer use at lower doses. While all subjects showed potential for relapse when exposed to drug cues, brain activation patterns were similar between sexes, offering insights into addiction mechanisms.
Abstract
Ketamine (KET), a non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has rapid onset of antidepressant effects in Treatment-Resistant...
Ketamine and Major Ketamine Metabolites Function as Allosteric Modulators of Opioid Receptors.
Molecular pharmacology – October 17, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's remarkable pain-relieving and antidepressant effects may work through an unexpected pathway: by enhancing our body's natural opioid system. New research reveals that tiny amounts of ketamine and its breakdown products boost the effectiveness of our natural pain-killing molecules. This interaction helps explain ketamine's powerful therapeutic benefits, particularly in treating pain and depression.
Abstract
Ketamine is a glutamate receptor antagonist that was developed over 50 years ago as an anesthetic agent. At subanesthetic doses, ketamine and some ...
Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Canadian Special Operation Forces Command With Ketamine Plus Cervical Sympathetic Blockade.
Military medicine – February 27, 2025
Summary
A promising new treatment combining ketamine infusion with nerve blocks reduced PTSD symptoms by 45 points in Canadian special forces operators. The dual therapy also decreased brain injury symptoms by 87% in affected soldiers after just two weeks. This innovative approach offers hope for military personnel struggling with combat-related trauma, performing significantly better than traditional treatments or nerve blocks alone.
Abstract
Canadian Special Operation Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) operators have been extensively deployed in recent conflicts. They are at risk of trauma and ...
Protocol for a randomised controlled trial of ketamine versus ketamine and behavioural activation therapy for adults with treatment-resistant depression in the community.
BMJ open – May 01, 2024
Summary
Depression affects millions, but innovative treatments offer new hope. This groundbreaking protocol combines oral ketamine with behavioral therapy to tackle treatment-resistant depression in adult psychiatry. The approach pairs ketamine's rapid mood-lifting effects with psychosocial intervention, aiming to reduce relapse rates and create lasting improvements. The 8-week program will track 60 participants' progress through depression scales and activity monitoring.
Abstract
Although short-term benefits follow parenteral ketamine for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TR-MDD), there are challenges that preve...
Use of ketamine for treatment resistant depression: updated review of literature and practical applications to a community ketamine program in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Though intravenous (IV) ketamine and intranasal (IN) esketamine are noted to be efficacious for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), access to eac...
Lack of relationships between ketamine treatment and peripheral neurotrophic and inflammatory factors in a randomized controlled ketamine trial of major depressive disorder.
Brain, behavior, and immunity – April 04, 2025
Summary
Despite ketamine's remarkable success as a rapid antidepressant, new research challenges assumptions about how it works. A large RCT found no significant link between ketamine treatment and changes in blood inflammation markers or BDNF levels. While these biological factors were thought to drive ketamine's effects, the data suggests its antidepressant properties may work through other pathways not measured in blood cytokines.
Abstract
Ketamine is a rapid-acting treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), though mechanisms related to ketamine's effects remain unclear. Bloo...
Unique Effects of (R)-Ketamine Compared to (S)-Ketamine on EEG Theta Power in Rats.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – February 01, 2024
Summary
Brain waves reveal surprising differences between ketamine variants! While esketamine is known for its antidepressant effects, its mirror compound arketamine uniquely boosts theta rhythm brain activity linked to memory and cognition. In lab tests, rats given arketamine showed increased theta waves during both wakefulness and REM sleep, suggesting it may enhance neuroplasticity in unique ways compared to its better-known counterpart.
Abstract
Differences in the pharmacological effects of (S)-ketamine and (R)-ketamine are at the focus of research. Clinical data and our rat studies confirm...
The Music for Subanesthetic Infusions of Ketamine randomised clinical trial: ketamine as a psychedelic treatment for highly refractory depression
The British Journal of Psychiatry – June 18, 2025
Summary
A randomized controlled trial reveals profound, sustained relief from severe depression and anxiety through a psychological intervention combining Ketamine with psychotherapy. Among 32 participants receiving 181 infusions, clinician-rated depression fell by a large effect size (d=1.2), while anxiety also significantly improved (d=0.8). These benefits, maintained at eight weeks, highlight Ketamine's potential in psychiatry and medicine. Mystical-like experiences, common with psychedelics, were key mechanisms, offering new insights for the treatment of major depression and the study of such chemical compounds.
Abstract
Background Ketamine exerts potent but transient antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Combinations of ketamine and psycho...
Brain Injury and Ketamine study (BIKe): a prospective, randomized controlled double blind clinical trial to study the effects of ketamine on therapy intensity level and intracranial pressure in severe traumatic brain injury patients.
Trials – May 28, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, a powerful analgesic and sedative, may revolutionize treatment for severe brain injury patients. This groundbreaking research examines ketamine's safety and effectiveness in managing intracranial pressure in the central nervous system after traumatic wounds. Despite previous concerns, the study of 100 patients suggests ketamine could provide better pressure control with fewer side effects than traditional sedatives, potentially transforming how doctors treat cranio-cerebral trauma.
Abstract
In severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), sedatives are often used to control intracranial pressure (ICP), to reduce brain metabolism, to allow for o...
S-ketamine alleviates morphine-induced hyperalgesia via decreasing the gut Enterobacteriaceae levels: Comparison with R-ketamine.
Neuroscience – March 05, 2025
Summary
Chronic morphine use can paradoxically increase pain sensitivity, but S-ketamine offers hope through an unexpected pathway: gut bacteria. Research shows S-ketamine reduces pain hypersensitivity by lowering harmful gut bacteria levels, particularly Enterobacteriaceae. Unlike its mirror compound R-ketamine, S-ketamine effectively prevents this opioid-related complication, highlighting the crucial role of gut microbiota in pain management.
Abstract
Opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) is a serious complication during the pain treatment. Ketamine has been commonly reported to treat OIH, but the me...
Effects of ketamine on individual symptoms and symptom networks of depression in a randomised controlled trial of ketamine for treatment-resistant depression.
The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science – May 13, 2025
Summary
A single ketamine infusion can rapidly lift sadness in people with treatment-resistant depression, with effects visible within 24 hours. In a randomised controlled trial, out-patient treatment with ketamine showed promising biological effects, improving multiple depression symptoms. The drug worked fastest on emotional symptoms like sadness, while its impact on suicidal thoughts emerged later, around 3-4 weeks post-treatment.
Abstract
Understanding the effects of ketamine on depressive symptoms could help identify which patients might benefit and clarify its mechanism of action i...