1705 results for "Ketamine"
Increased sensitivity to psychomotor effects of ketamine enantiomers in the Wistar-Kyoto depression model.
Journal of psychiatric research – April 01, 2025
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals that depressed subjects may be more sensitive to ketamine's effects than previously thought. Scientists compared two forms (enantiomers) of this promising antidepressant in a depression model using specialized Wistar-Kyoto rats. The S-form showed stronger immediate psychomotor effects than its R-counterpart, particularly in depressed subjects. However, with repeated treatment, tolerance developed, suggesting side effects may decrease over time.
Abstract
Ketamine, a fast-acting antidepressant, is a racemic mixture, composed of equal amounts of R- and S-ketamine. Preclinical studies are comparing the...
Effects of Subanesthetic Ketamine Administration on Visual and Auditory Event-Related Potentials (ERP) in Humans: A Systematic Review
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience – April 16, 2018
Summary
Ketamine profoundly alters how the brain processes sensory information, impacting nociception and cognition. A Neuroscience review of 18 studies, drawn from 141 pre-selected articles, revealed this NMDA receptor antagonist significantly reduces specific Event-related potential (ERP) amplitudes (N2, P2, P3) within the sensory system. This dissociative effect, explored via functional brain connectivity studies, suggests Ketamine decreases affective discrimination of sensory input, a key insight for Psychology. Such neural mechanisms are crucial for understanding its role in the treatment of Major Depression and even Audiology.
Abstract
Ketamine is a non-competitive N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist whose effect in subanesthetic doses has been studied for chronic pain...
Effect of Low-Dose Ketamine Infusion in the Intensive Care Unit on Postoperative Opioid Consumption and Traumatic Memories After Hospital Discharge: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Anesthesia and analgesia – February 05, 2025
Summary
Low-dose ketamine helped reduce post-surgery opioid use by 15% in intensive care patients, but came with an unexpected trade-off. Patients receiving ketamine reported more frightening memories of their hospital stay. In this trial of 118 surgical patients, those given ketamine needed significantly less fentanyl for pain control, particularly after abdominal surgery. However, follow-up interviews revealed these patients were more likely to recall disturbing memories of their ICU experience.
Abstract
Low-dose ketamine may have an opioid-sparing effect in critically ill patients but may also predispose them to traumatic memories. We evaluated the...
Effect of Low-dose Ketamine Infusion on Opioid Consumption in Children Undergoing Open Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Double-Blind Study.
Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia – October 01, 2024
Summary
Low-dose ketamine offers new hope for reducing pain medication needs in young cardiac patients. Children receiving ketamine during and after heart surgery required significantly less opioid medication for pain control. This breakthrough in pediatric analgesia showed that carefully administered ketamine not only reduced pain scores but also avoided common side effects. The treatment proved both safe and effective, with patients experiencing better pain management while using fewer powerful painkillers.
Abstract
This study was designed to evaluate the effect of low-dose ketamine infusion on the perioperative consumption of opioids in pediatric open cardiac ...
Differential effects of opioid receptor antagonism on the anti-dyskinetic and anti-parkinsonian effects of sub-anesthetic ketamine treatment in a preclinical model.
Neuropharmacology – October 01, 2024
Summary
New research reveals ketamine's promising dual action in Parkinson's disease: it reduces both movement problems and the unwanted jerking movements caused by levodopa therapy. When combined with naloxone (which blocks opioid receptors), ketamine's ability to control involuntary movements remained strong, while its power to improve general movement actually increased. These findings suggest ketamine could offer relief to Parkinson's patients through multiple biological pathways.
Abstract
Sub-anesthetic ketamine treatment has been shown to be an effective therapy for treatment-resistant depression and chronic pain. Our group has prev...
Increasing Prevalence of Ketamine in Drivers in New York City Including the Identification of 2-Fluoro-Deschloroketamine.
Journal of analytical toxicology – September 17, 2021
Summary
An analysis of New York City driving incidents revealed a stark reality: recreational ketamine use is a persistent and growing problem. From 2015-2020, 47 cases of suspected driving under the influence (DUID) involved ketamine, with 100% confirmed as non-medical misuse. This trend is increasing. Most drivers were male (94%) and aged 21-39 (85%), frequently combining ketamine with other substances like cannabinoids (38%) or alcohol (32%). This underscores the ongoing challenge of recreational ketamine use despite its expanding therapeutic applications.
Abstract
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used in veterinary and human medicine since the 1970s. Its clinical use has expanded to control of seizures, ...
Ketamine Anesthesia Does Not Improve Depression Scores in Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Journal of Neurosurgical Anesthesiology – October 01, 2018
Summary
Ketamine anesthesia during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) offers a distinct advantage in seizure reliability. All 23 patients receiving ketamine achieved adequate seizures, with only 4% needing bilateral stimulation. In contrast, 15% of 27 patients given methohexital failed to achieve adequate seizures, and 26% required bilateral ECT. While both anesthetics improved depression scores similarly, only ketamine elevated plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This suggests ketamine provides specific physiological benefits and consistent seizure induction, even if not solely reflected in standard depression assessments.
Abstract
Background: Although interest in ketamine use during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has increased, studies have been equivocal with regard to its ...
Effect of Acute Ketamine Treatment on Sympathetic Regulation Indexed by Electrodermal Activity in Adolescent Major Depression.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – March 10, 2024
Summary
Ketamine rapidly eased severe depressive symptoms in adolescents. Researchers investigated if a single ketamine infusion impacted sympathetic regulation, measured by electrodermal activity, alongside depressive symptomatology in adolescent girls with major depressive disorder. Findings showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms with no change in electrodermal activity. This indicates ketamine's potential as a safe, acute treatment for a severe episode of major depressive disorder in adolescence, positively affecting mood without altering sympathetic regulation.
Abstract
Ketamine is a potential rapid-onset antidepressant characterized by sympathomimetic effects. However, the question of ketamine's use in treating ad...
Six weeks open-label oral ketamine for patients with treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – June 05, 2025
Summary
Oral ketamine shows promise as a convenient at-home treatment for multiple mental health conditions. Patients with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and OCD who sipped ketamine mixed with orange juice 1-3 times weekly maintained their previous improvements over a 6-week period. Most participants completed the full maintenance treatment, with doses gradually increasing for optimal benefit. The treatment proved both effective and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects.
Abstract
We previously completed a double-blind randomised crossover study assessing intramuscular ketamine for treatment-resistant depression (TR-D), post-...
Oral ketamine for rapid reduction of suicidal ideation in major depressive disorder: A midazolam-controlled randomized clinical trial.
Asian journal of psychiatry – April 01, 2025
Summary
A single dose of oral ketamine showed remarkable potential in rapidly reducing suicidal thoughts in people with major depressive disorder. In this controlled trial, patients received either oral ketamine or midazolam (a comparison drug). Those given ketamine experienced significant improvements in both suicidal ideation and depression symptoms within 4 hours, with benefits lasting up to a week. While some experienced mild adverse effects like nausea, the treatment was well-tolerated.
Abstract
The simplest, most convenient, and least expensive way to treat depressed and suicidal patients with ketamine is to administer racemic ketamine by ...
Proteomic patterns associated with ketamine response in major depressive disorders.
Cell biology and toxicology – January 10, 2025
Summary
Blood proteins may hold the key to predicting depression treatment success. Scientists identified specific biomarkers in patients' blood that can forecast who will respond best to ketamine therapy for major depressive disorder (MDD). By analyzing plasma proteomics before and after treatment, researchers discovered six key proteins linked to positive outcomes. The findings revealed that immune response plays a crucial role in ketamine's effectiveness, potentially revolutionizing how we personalize depression treatment.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. Ketamine has been widely used to treat MDD...
Ketamine Reduces Avoidance Responses During Re-Exposition to Aversive Stimulus: Comparison Between (S)-Isomer and Racemic Mixture.
Brain sciences – December 22, 2024
Summary
Ketamine, a promising treatment for mental health conditions, shows remarkable potential in reducing fear-based avoidance behaviors. In mouse studies, both standard ketamine and its S-isomer form effectively decreased depression symptoms and helped animals cope better with stressful situations. The standard mixture proved particularly powerful, reducing anxiety and limiting avoidance responses to unpleasant stimuli, suggesting broader therapeutic benefits for treating anxiety and depression.
Abstract
Recent studies have investigated the effects of ketamine on fear memory in animals. However, it is unclear if ketamine might affect avoidance memor...
Effects of ketamine on metabolic parameters in depressive disorders: A systematic review.
Journal of affective disorders – December 15, 2024
Summary
Promising news for depression treatment: Ketamine shows no negative effects on metabolism or blood sugar control. This breakthrough matters because people with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) often face higher diabetes risks. Studies reveal ketamine actually improves glucose uptake in key brain regions and maintains healthy insulin function, making it a safer choice than many traditional antidepressants for treating resistant depression.
Abstract
Persons with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), notably treatment-resistant depression (TRD), are differentially affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus...
Ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy for severe depression: A network meta-analysis of efficacy and safety.
Journal of psychiatric research – July 01, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking treatments offer new hope for those battling severe depression. A comprehensive network meta-analysis reveals that both electroconvulsive therapy and ketamine significantly improve symptoms, with ECT showing the strongest results. When comparing these treatments across multiple studies involving 1,370 patients, ECT emerged as the most effective option, followed by combined ECT-ketamine therapy, and ketamine alone.
Abstract
Ketamine, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and their combination are effective for treating severe depression, but few large-scale studies have com...
Exploring perinatal ketamine for postpartum depression following cesarean section: A systematic review.
PCN reports : psychiatry and clinical neurosciences – September 01, 2024
Summary
Promising new evidence suggests that perinatal ketamine could offer relief for new mothers experiencing postpartum depression after cesarean sections. When administered during C-sections, this medication showed significant potential in reducing depression symptoms in most studies. Analysis of multiple clinical trials revealed lower depression scores in mothers who received ketamine compared to those who didn't, offering hope for safer, more effective treatment options.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the use of perinatal ketamine to see if it can be used for the reduction of postpartum depression (PPD) follow...
Expanding Ketamine Application for Treatment of Acute Suicidality in Long-Duration Spaceflight.
Aerospace medicine and human performance – June 01, 2025
Summary
Addressing acute suicidality in long-duration spaceflight is a critical challenge. A comprehensive literature review explored how ketamine, known for its rapid efficacy on Earth, could be a vital intervention for psychiatric emergencies in space. This analysis of 122 publications suggests ketamine offers a safe, multifaceted tool for Earth-independent medical operations, significantly enhancing behavioral health support for future spaceflight missions.
Abstract
The transition to exploration missions places a heightened risk on behavioral health in spaceflight. Although serious psychiatric emergencies durin...
(R)-Ketamine reduces alcohol intake and alcohol seeking induced by reconsolidation of alcohol-related memories in female Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring rats.
Psychopharmacology – November 15, 2025
Summary
A specific form of ketamine offers new hope for reducing alcohol intake. Researchers investigated if (R)-ketamine, a dissociative psychedelic with fewer side effects, could combat Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). They tested its effects on drinking and alcohol-related memory retrieval in rats. Remarkably, (R)-ketamine significantly reduced alcohol consumption and impaired memory retrieval in female rats, indicating a sex-specific benefit. This suggests exciting potential for new AUD treatments.
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) represents a significant medical challenge, with available therapeutic approaches having limited efficacy. Emerging data...
Mapping the Use of Ketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression and Other Psychiatric Disorders: A Scoping Review of Practice Patterns, Efficacy, and Patient Demographic Trends.
American journal of therapeutics
Summary
Ketamine therapy shows promising results for patients who don't respond to traditional depression treatments, with success rates reaching 70% in some cases. This comprehensive analysis of treatment patterns reveals that IV administration remains the preferred method, though accessibility varies widely. Private clinics offer more flexible psychiatric care than hospitals, but health care accessibility remains a challenge, especially in rural areas. Most patients are middle-aged, and insurance coverage limitations create financial barriers to this innovative treatment option.
Abstract
Ketamine has emerged as a novel treatment for psychiatric disorders, particularly treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Although intravenous (IV) k...
Environmental determinants of ketamine's prohedonic and antianhedonic efficacy: Persistence of enhanced reward responsiveness is modulated by chronic stress.
The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics – May 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's ability to treat depression may depend heavily on environmental stress levels. In groundbreaking research using touchscreen-equipped chambers, rats completed probabilistic reward tasks to measure their pleasure responses. Ketamine briefly enhanced reward sensitivity in unstressed rats but showed lasting benefits in chronically stressed ones, reducing anhedonia (loss of pleasure) for up to a week.
Abstract
Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic with well documented abuse liability, can also provide rapid-onset and persistent antidepressant effects and is...
Ketamine, a new (or old) kid on the block: A comprehensive three-year spatio-temporal study in Belgium through wastewater-based epidemiology.
Water research – May 15, 2025
Summary
Belgian cities show a 7-11x increase in ketamine use over the past decade, revealed through innovative wastewater analysis. Scientists tracked ketamine and its metabolite norketamine in wastewater across 26 locations, finding widespread use in both urban and rural areas. Higher levels occurred on weekends, suggesting recreational use. By analyzing metabolite ratios, researchers could distinguish between actual consumption and direct disposal.
Abstract
Based on reports of ketamine seizures, self-reported consumption and harmful associated health effects, there are signs of increased ketamine use. ...
Systematic review of parenteral ketamine for managing acute agitation in emergency settings.
Asian journal of psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
In emergency departments, managing severe agitation requires fast, effective solutions. Ketamine, traditionally known as an anesthetic, shows remarkable promise in calming aggressive patients quickly and safely. When administered by injection, it takes effect in just 6 minutes on average, providing rapid relief in psychiatric emergencies. Studies spanning 1,500+ patients found it particularly effective, with most requiring only a single dose for successful sedation. While some patients experienced mild side effects like increased heart rate, serious complications were extremely rare.
Abstract
Agitation, a significant psychiatric issue often linked to conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression, invariably pose c...
Associations between hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hormone levels, major depression features and antidepressant effects of ketamine.
Journal of affective disorders – March 15, 2025
Summary
Stress hormones may hold clues to depression's duration and severity. New research reveals that ketamine, a promising rapid-acting antidepressant, works independently of key stress hormones like cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone. While these hormone levels don't predict treatment success, lower hormone levels correlate with shorter depressive episodes, potentially offering a way to gauge illness duration.
Abstract
Subanesthetic doses of (R,S)-ketamine (ketamine) have demonstrated rapid and robust antidepressant effects in individuals with depression. However,...
Decoupling of motor cortex to movement in Parkinson's dyskinesia rescued by sub-anaesthetic ketamine.
Brain : a journal of neurology – June 03, 2025
Summary
Ketamine shows promise in treating movement complications from Parkinson's medication. Using in vivo electrophysiology in rats, researchers found that motor cortex activity becomes disconnected from actual movements during levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Sub-anesthetic ketamine helped restore this connection by reorganizing neural population states, reducing unwanted movements without disrupting normal motor function.
Abstract
Gamma-band and single-unit neural activity in primary motor cortex are involved in the control of movement. This activity is disrupted in Parkinson...
Ketamine vs Electroconvulsive Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.
JAMA network open – June 03, 2024
Summary
Patients with moderate to severe depression showed better improvement with ketamine infusions compared to electroconvulsive therapy when treated as outpatients. For those with very severe depression requiring hospitalization, both treatments proved effective, though ECT showed faster initial results. This groundbreaking comparison across five medical centers helps doctors better match treatments to individual patient needs.
Abstract
The ELEKT-D: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) vs Ketamine in Patients With Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD) (ELEKT-D) trial demonstrated noninfe...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians-Ketamine.
American journal of therapeutics
Summary
Ketamine, once solely used as an anesthetic, now shows remarkable promise in mental health treatment. A single dose can reduce depression symptoms within hours - far faster than traditional antidepressants. It effectively treats severe depression, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts, while also helping manage post-surgery pain with fewer opioids needed. Though effects may be temporary, its rapid action and safety profile make it a valuable tool for clinicians.
Abstract
Ketamine, an arylcyclohexylamine dissociative anesthetic agent, has evolved into a versatile therapeutic. It has a rapid-onset, well-understood car...
Maintenance Ketamine Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology – August 01, 2018
Summary
Maintenance ketamine infusions show promise for sustaining antidepressant effects in some individuals with treatment-resistant depression. All 11 patients in a recent review experienced reduced depression scores after initial treatment, with lower scores maintained during ongoing therapy. At the review's conclusion, 5 patients (45%) continued maintenance or transitioned to intranasal ketamine. While 4 patients (36%) discontinued due to lost effect and one due to side effects, no major adverse events were reported, suggesting good tolerability for this approach.
Abstract
Abstract Background Previous studies have demonstrated ketamine to have a rapid antidepressant effect in some patients with treatment-resistant dep...
Ketamine does not rescue plaque load or gap detection in the 5XFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
Frontiers in aging neuroscience – January 01, 2025
Summary
Despite ketamine's promise in treating various brain disorders, new research reveals it doesn't slow Alzheimer's progression in mice. Scientists tested ketamine's effects on brain changes and hearing abilities in 5xFAD mice, which mirror human Alzheimer's. While the study confirmed that auditory gap detection serves as a reliable biomarker for early disease, neither single nor daily ketamine doses improved plaque buildup or hearing behavior in the auditory cortex.
Abstract
Ketamine has received growing attention for its effects on neuroplasticity and neuroinflammation, and as a treatment for depression and other menta...
A pilot study of ketamine among individuals with tobacco use disorder: tolerability and initial impact on tobacco use outcomes.
Journal of addictive diseases – January 20, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist that modulates glutamate activity in the brain, shows promise in treating addiction. In this groundbreaking exploration, researchers tested ketamine's potential to help people quit smoking. Ten tobacco users received either a single low-dose ketamine infusion or placebo. While participants tolerated the treatment well, showing only minor temporary effects, the single dose didn't significantly reduce smoking or tobacco cravings over the following week.
Abstract
There is increasing evidence of ketamine's therapeutic potential in reducing substance use in individuals with substance use disorders. However, it...
Safe Ketamine Use and Pregnancy: A Nationwide Survey and Retrospective Review of Informed Consent, Counseling, and Testing Practices.
The Journal of clinical psychiatry – August 26, 2024
Summary
Despite ketamine's growing use in psychiatric treatment, only 14% of clinics require contraception and less than half discuss pregnancy risks. A nationwide survey reveals significant gaps in pregnancy screening and counseling at ketamine clinics. While some facilities conduct regular testing, many lack standardized protocols. At academic centers, weekly pregnancy tests are routine, though only 50% of patients report using contraception during treatment. These findings highlight the need for better reproductive health protocols in ketamine therapy.
Abstract
Objective: Ketamine is contraindicated in pregnancy given the lack of knowledge about potential effects on a developing fetus. This study aimed to ...
A randomized controlled pilot study of daily intravenous ketamine over three days for treatment-resistant depression.
BMC psychiatry – July 18, 2024
Summary
Daily ketamine infusions show promise for hard-to-treat depression. In this groundbreaking trial, patients received either ketamine or a comparison drug over three consecutive days. While both treatments reduced depressive symptoms, ketamine demonstrated good tolerability with only temporary side effects. The treatment's efficacy was tracked for a month, showing sustained response in many participants.
Abstract
Studies have confirmed the rapid antidepressant action of ketamine in depressive episodes. Nevertheless, a standardized procedure for the delivery ...
The Montreal model: an integrative biomedical-psychedelic approach to ketamine for severe treatment-resistant depression
Frontiers in Psychiatry – September 19, 2023
Summary
Ketamine offers rapid antidepressant effects for severe Treatment of Major Depression, a challenging brain disorder. The Montreal model, a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach refined over 6 years in public Psychiatry, integrates Ketamine infusions with holistic care. This model, relevant to Clinical psychology and Medicine, combines structured psychiatric support and ongoing psychotherapy with six Ketamine infusions. Drawing on Psychedelics and Drug Studies, a psychotherapist guides psychedelic-inspired psychological adjuncts, fostering growth and optimizing Ketamine's therapeutic potential for enhanced psychological care.
Abstract
Background Subanesthetic ketamine has accumulated meta-analytic evidence for rapid antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression (TRD), ...
Suicide prevention and ketamine: insights from computational modeling
Frontiers in Psychiatry – June 30, 2023
Summary
Computational modeling offers a promising path to understanding how ketamine rapidly alleviates suicidality. This innovative approach in psychiatry uses advanced generative models to simulate brain processes, revealing how ketamine influences neural circuits involved in learning and decision-making. By analyzing altered brain connectivity and receptor densities, this computational modeling helps pinpoint the precise mechanisms. This powerful tool promises to personalize treatment strategies, offering new hope for individuals.
Abstract
Suicide is a pressing public health issue, with over 700,000 individuals dying each year. Ketamine has emerged as a promising treatment for suicida...
A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Efficacy of Ketamine vs. Electroconvulsive Therapy in Severe Depression with Suicidal Ideation.
Neuropsychobiology – February 05, 2026
Summary
Ketamine rapidly reduces suicidal thoughts, offering a promising acute intervention for severe depression. A trial of 64 patients found 31 receiving ketamine and 33 receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) over two weeks. Ketamine lowered suicidal ideation scores from 12.6 to 2.0, while ECT reduced them from 12.1 to 1.2. Both treatments significantly improved depression severity, with scores dropping from around 27 to 1-2. Ketamine acted faster; ECT showed slightly greater durability. Both were effective and safe, with mild side effects.
Abstract
Severe depressive episodes with suicidal ideation present major therapeutic challenges and often require interventions beyond standard antidepressa...
2-Fluorodeschloroketamine has similar abuse potential as ketamine.
Addiction biology – May 01, 2022
Summary
The unregulated drug 2-fluorodeschloroketamine (2-FDCK) exhibits abuse potential strikingly similar to ketamine. Evidence indicates 2-FDCK induced conditioned place preference at 3 mg/kg, comparable to ketamine. It also triggered locomotor sensitization following repeated 30 mg/kg doses. Furthermore, 2-FDCK readily induced drug self-administration at 0.5 mg/kg/infusion, identical to ketamine, and dose-dependently substituted for ketamine in drug discrimination. These findings underscore 2-FDCK's significant public health risk.
Abstract
2-Fluorodeschloroketamine (2-FDCK) as a substitute for ketamine has emerged among drug abusers in recent years. However, 2-FDCK has not been contro...
S-ketamine alleviates depression-like behavior and hippocampal neuroplasticity in the offspring of mice that experience prenatal stress.
Scientific reports – November 06, 2024
Summary
Stress during pregnancy can significantly impact a child's mental health. New findings show that S-ketamine effectively treats depression in offspring exposed to prenatal stress by enhancing brain adaptability. The drug works by improving neuroplasticity in the hippocampus, a key brain region for emotional regulation, reversing stress-induced changes and boosting vital growth factors for healthy brain function.
Abstract
Prenatal stress exerts long-term impact on neurodevelopment in the offspring, with consequences such as increasing the offspring's risk of depressi...
Intravenous ketamine to prevent post-partum depression following cesarean under neuraxial anesthesia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics – June 14, 2025
Summary
New research challenges assumptions about ketamine's role in preventing postpartum depression. Analysis of over 2,200 women who underwent cesarean sections found that while ketamine administered during surgery reduced pain and lowered opioid use, it didn't significantly impact postpartum depression rates. The findings, drawn from multiple randomized controlled trials, suggest that alternative strategies for preventing post-birth mood disorders may be needed.
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) significantly affects well-being and the ability to function normally, making preventive strategies crucial. The role o...
Triiodothyronine ameliorates S-ketamine-induced hypomyelination via the PPARα pathway in neonatal rat.
Experimental neurology – July 01, 2025
Summary
Thyroid hormone supplements could protect infant brain development during anesthesia. When babies receive S-ketamine anesthesia, it can disrupt myelination - the crucial process of insulating nerve cells. Research shows triiodothyronine (a thyroid hormone) activates PPARα pathways, helping oligodendrocytes maintain healthy nerve insulation and motor skills in young rats exposed to anesthesia.
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that prolonged or repeated exposure to general anesthesia is associated with white matter alteration in children, which m...
Changes in synaptic markers after administration of ketamine or psychedelics: a systematic scoping review
Frontiers in Psychiatry – June 26, 2023
Summary
Ketamine and hallucinogens like Psilocybin significantly enhance brain cell connections, particularly under stress. A comprehensive review of 84 studies (71 on Ketamine, 9 on psychedelics) found Ketamine counteracted stress-related reductions in Hippocampus synaptic markers. Psychedelics generally increased markers like Synapsin I, demonstrating Synaptic plasticity. This Neuroscience insight offers compelling potential for Medicine and Clinical psychology, including Psychiatry and the Treatment of Major Depression, underscoring the therapeutic value in Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
Background Ketamine and psychedelics have abuse liability. They can also induce “transformative experiences” where individuals experience enhanced ...
Ketamine effects on resting state functional brain connectivity in major depressive disorder patients: a hypothesis-driven analysis based on a network model of depression.
Frontiers in neuroscience – January 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, a powerful glutamatergic modulator, can lift depression symptoms within hours - a remarkable contrast to traditional antidepressants that take weeks. Using functional MRI brain scans, researchers found that a single ketamine dose rapidly altered specific brain connection patterns in patients with major depressive disorder. The treatment cut depression scores in half within 24 hours by targeting key neural circuits involved in mood regulation.
Abstract
Ketamine demonstrates robust and rapidly occurring antidepressant effects in patients with difficult-to-treat major depressive disorder. Ketamine's...
Decreasing brain activity caused by acute administration of ketamine and alcohol - A randomized, controlled, observer-blinded experimental study.
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2024
Summary
Mixing ketamine and alcohol alters brain wave patterns in surprising ways, with higher doses of ketamine actually reversing some of alcohol's sedative effects. Scientists tracked brain activity using electroencephalography in lab studies, finding that alcohol alone decreased all brain wave types. When combined, ketamine amplified alcohol's calming effect at low doses but sparked increased brain activity at higher doses, revealing complex interactions relevant to substance-related disorders.
Abstract
Substance abuse is a major public health problem. In recent years, ketamine, which is a parenteral anesthetic, has been consumed increasingly as an...
Characterization of Oral Ketamine Use: A Retrospective Review.
Journal of pain & palliative care pharmacotherapy – March 01, 2025
Summary
Oral ketamine shows promise in pain management, especially for patients who've developed high tolerance to traditional opioids. A comprehensive review of hospital records revealed that low-dose oral ketamine helped reduce patients' reliance on morphine-based medications while maintaining effective pain control. Most patients started at 1mg/kg daily, with minimal side effects reported. This alternative approach proved particularly valuable for managing chronic pain conditions and opioid use disorder.
Abstract
Ketamine is an N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist used to treat pain at subanesthetic doses. Ketamine is beneficial for pain control i...
Neural correlates of treatment response to ketamine for treatment-resistant depression: A systematic review of MRI-based studies.
Psychiatry research – October 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine offers new hope for people with severe depression who haven't responded to traditional treatments. Brain imaging reveals that this medication works by targeting specific neural networks linked to mood, pleasure, and negative thought patterns. Using magnetic resonance imaging, researchers found ketamine reduces anhedonia and suicidal thoughts by activating key brain regions involved in emotion processing. The treatment shows particular promise in reducing thought rumination in treatment-resistant depression.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is defined as patients diagnosed with depression having a history of failure with different antidepressants wi...
Baseline monocyte count predicts symptom improvement during intravenous ketamine therapy in treatment-resistant depression: a single-arm open-label observational study.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
A simple blood test measuring immune cell counts may help predict who will respond best to ketamine therapy for hard-to-treat depression. Higher levels of monocytes—key players in inflammation and immunity—were linked to better treatment outcomes. In a study of 27 patients receiving ketamine infusions, those with elevated monocyte counts showed greater improvement in depression symptoms, with nearly 80% experiencing significant relief. This breakthrough suggests that basic blood work could help identify ideal candidates for this promising treatment.
Abstract
Neuroinflammatory processes in depression are associated with treatment resistance to conventional antidepressants. Ketamine is an effective new th...
Is there evidence for using ketamine among individuals with dementia?
The Journal of international medical research – June 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine shows promise in managing challenging symptoms of dementia, including severe agitation and depression. Three documented cases reveal positive outcomes: one patient's depression improved with subcutaneous treatment, another's acute behavioral disturbance was calmed via intramuscular delivery, and a third case showed success using ketamine during therapy for catatonia. All patients tolerated the treatment well with no major side effects.
Abstract
The aim of this short narrative review was to evaluate the existing literature regarding the clinical use of ketamine among individuals with dement...
Fixed dose ketamine for prehospital management of hyperactive delirium with severe agitation.
The American journal of emergency medicine – July 01, 2024
Summary
Fixed-dose ketamine proves effective in prehospital care for managing hyperactive delirium. A 250mg dose successfully calmed 80% of severely agitated patients, with minimal complications. While traditional sedation relies on weight-based dosing, this standardized approach simplified treatment for emergency responders while maintaining safety. Most patients recovered well, with all surviving to hospital discharge.
Abstract
Patients exhibiting signs of hyperactive delirium with severe agitation (HDSA) may require sedating medications for stabilization and safe transpor...
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase 1 study to investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of an immediate-release oral ketamine capsule in healthy volunteers.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – June 20, 2025
Summary
An oral ketamine capsule shows promise! Initial findings reveal its **safety** and **tolerability** in healthy volunteers. This investigation explored how different doses of **ketamine** are processed by the body (**pharmacokinetics**) and their effects (**pharmacodynamics**). Results showed dose-proportional **pharmacokinetics**, meaning the body handled higher doses predictably. While some mild, temporary effects like dissociation occurred, they were expected and resolved quickly. Overall, the capsule demonstrated a favorable profile, suggesting its potential for future use.
Abstract
Ketamine, a rapid-acting N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist used as a therapeutic for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), is usually admini...
Ketamine in Status Epilepticus: How Soon Is Now?
Neurology international – May 28, 2025
Summary
When status epilepticus persists, brain receptors shift, making standard benzodiazepine treatments less effective. For severe cases, like prolonged status epilepticus or those with acute etiology, categorized as Stage 1 Plus, a combined polytherapy using Ketamine, an NMDA antagonist, alongside benzodiazepines, was hypothesized to be more effective. A review of nine studies found that earlier Ketamine administration significantly improved seizure control in benzodiazepine-refractory status epilepticus, with a favorable safety profile. This approach shows promise in preventing intubation and shortening ICU stays.
Abstract
Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency. Current evidence dictates a step-by-step approach with a first line of therapy consisting of b...
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of (R)-Ketamine Hydrochloride Injection, a Novel Rapid-Acting Antidepressant, in Healthy Chinese Subjects.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – July 21, 2025
Summary
A new compound, a potential rapid-acting antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression, demonstrated promising safety in initial human trials. Researchers investigated the pharmacokinetics and safety of (R)-ketamine in healthy volunteers. They received varying intravenous doses of (R)-ketamine and its metabolite (R)-norketamine. Results showed predictable drug levels and, crucially, it was well-tolerated. Side effects were mild and temporary. Overall, this compound proved safe and well-tolerated, laying groundwork for its potential as a new treatment.
Abstract
Objectives: (R)-ketamine hydrochloride injection is a novel, rapid-acting antidepressant for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression. The a...
Continuous ketamine infusion for surgical patients in the intensive care unit: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with GRADE assessment.
Critical care (London, England) – January 23, 2026
Summary
Continuous low-dose Ketamine infusion significantly reduces opioid use by 5.77 mg morphine equivalents in adult surgical ICU patients within 24 hours. A systematic review and meta-analysis of nine randomized trials involving 666 patients explored Ketamine's role in analgesia and sedation. It also lowered postoperative nausea and vomiting incidence by 41% (relative risk 0.59). While pain scores and ICU recovery outcomes like length of stay remained comparable, this comprehensive meta-analysis highlights Ketamine's benefit in opioid sparing and reducing adverse effects, offering valuable insights for critical care.
Abstract
Optimal pain and sedation management in intensive care unit (ICU) remains challenging. While opioids and benzodiazepines are widely used, their adv...
Acute ketamine withdrawal disrupts memory and monoaminergic neurotransmission in adolescent female rats.
Behavioural brain research – March 28, 2026
preprint
Summary
Even brief ketamine use during adolescence can severely impact cognition. Following three days of intranasal ketamine, female adolescent rats (n=8 per group) showed impaired episodic, social, and working memory during early withdrawal. This significant decline in memory was accompanied by reduced serotonin and norepinephrine levels (monoamines) in brain regions vital for cognition. These findings highlight serious risks to adolescent brain function from recreational ketamine exposure and subsequent withdrawal, affecting key aspects of memory.
Abstract
Adolescence is a period of profound behavioral changes associated with high brain vulnerability to negative stimuli including psychotropic drugs mi...
Administration of low dose intranasal ketamine exerts a neuroprotective effect on whole brain irradiation injury model in wistar rats.
Radiation and environmental biophysics – August 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine, traditionally known as an anesthetic, shows promising potential in protecting brain cells from radiation damage. Low-dose nasal ketamine reduced brain injury in rats exposed to radiation therapy by activating BDNF pathways and decreasing harmful neuroinflammation. The treatment improved memory, social behavior, and learning while fighting oxidative stress. Most importantly, it preserved crucial brain cells in the hippocampus, suggesting ketamine could help protect cognitive function during radiation treatments.
Abstract
Exposure to ionizing radiation leads to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, resulting in neurocognitive impairments. Adverse effects are also a...
Comparing the effects of ECT and intravenous ketamine in psychiatric patients with major depressive episodes.
Journal of affective disorders – June 18, 2025
Summary
While ketamine offers rapid relief for depression, a recent review suggests another treatment may be even more impactful. A comparison of severe depression treatments found that ECT demonstrated greater effectiveness than ketamine. Analyzing 146 patients, researchers observed that ECT led to significantly more robust antidepressant effects, with 67.3% responding compared to 45.7% for ketamine. This highlights ECT's strong role in managing major depressive episodes.
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and intravenous (IV) ketamine are treatments used for severe depression and/or treatment-resistant depression (TRD)...
Ketamine Modulates the Neural Correlates of Reward Processing in Unmedicated Patients in Remission from Depression
medRxiv Preprint Server – December 07, 2020
Summary
Ketamine, a rapid antidepressant, uniquely modulates the brain's reward system. Research explored how ketamine affects reward circuit brain areas in people recovered from depression, even without symptom changes. Participants performed a reward task while receiving ketamine. Positive results showed ketamine significantly impacted reward-related brain areas, notably the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area, particularly when processing smaller rewards. This suggests ketamine may improve anhedonia in depression by fine-tuning how the brain responds to positive feedback.
Abstract
Ketamine as an antidepressant improves anhedonia, a pernicious symptom of depression as early as 2h post-infusion. The effects of ketamine on anhed...
Dose-dependent relationship between intra-operative ketamine administration and postoperative delirium: a retrospective cohort study.
Anaesthesia – July 06, 2025
Summary
Patients receiving low-dose ketamine during surgery experienced significantly fewer instances of postoperative delirium. Researchers investigated if intra-operative ketamine dosage impacts the risk of delirium. A large analysis of over 100,000 patients undergoing general anaesthesia examined how different ketamine doses related to postoperative outcomes. Results showed that a low dose of ketamine (around 0.25-0.34 mg/kg) was linked to a reduced risk of delirium. This suggests that incorporating low-dose ketamine into multimodal anaesthesia protocols could improve patient recovery. Higher doses, however, did not show the same protective effect.
Abstract
Ketamine is used frequently as an adjunct for general anaesthesia, exerting analgesic and opioid-sparing properties at lower doses and psychotomime...
Cognitive effects of intramuscular ketamine and oral triazolam in healthy volunteers.
Psychopharmacology – March 01, 2013
Summary
While some medications subtly impair memory, making users overestimate their performance, others are more transparent about their cognitive impact. A comparison of ketamine and triazolam in healthy volunteers revealed significant differences. Twenty participants received varying doses or placebos to assess physiological, psychomotor, and cognitive effects. Triazolam consistently impaired psychomotor coordination, attention, working memory, and episodic memory, often leading to an underestimation of cognitive impairment. Remarkably, ketamine produced less overall cognitive impairment than triazolam, even at doses with more pronounced subjective effects. This indicates ketamine offers a clearer perception of its impact.
Abstract
Several studies have documented impairments in memory processes as a result of ketamine administration; however, few studies have compared the prof...
The effect of low-dose ketamine on electroencephalographic spectrum during gynecology surgery under desflurane anesthesia.
Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA – October 01, 2024
Summary
A small dose of ketamine during surgery can significantly alter brain wave patterns, even when combined with standard anesthesia. Researchers tracked brain activity in 40 gynecological surgery patients, with half receiving ketamine and half receiving saline. While ketamine changed electrical patterns in the brain, it didn't affect pain levels or recovery. This suggests ketamine's complex effects on consciousness during surgery warrant careful monitoring.
Abstract
The perioperative administration of low-dose ketamine has shown potential in postoperative pain management, opioid sparing, and enhancing pain cont...
Intravenous ketamine versus esketamine for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology – January 01, 2025
Summary
While intranasal esketamine is FDA-approved for severe depression, a comprehensive analysis compared its effectiveness against intravenous ketamine. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated these rapid-acting antidepressants, specifically aiming to compare intravenous ketamine with esketamine (intravenous or intranasal) for adults with depression. Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies, revealing comparable acute response and remission rates between intravenous ketamine and intranasal esketamine. Intriguingly, intravenous ketamine demonstrated a potentially faster onset of positive effects. This systematic review underscores the promising similarities in effectiveness between these treatments.
Abstract
Depression affects approximately 5.7% of adults worldwide, and around one-third of these individuals develop treatment-resistant depression (TRD). ...
Self-reported changes and experiences with substance use among real-world patients treated with medical ketamine.
Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology – July 24, 2025
Summary
Many people using medical ketamine for psychiatric conditions report a surprising benefit: reduced reliance on other substances. A survey of 201 patients explored this, finding over half reported positive changes in their substance use. Notably, those with a history of problematic use experienced the most significant improvements, often citing reduced cravings and enhanced motivation to quit. For individuals with minimal prior substance use, ketamine did not appear to encourage new drug-using behaviors. This suggests medical ketamine can be a valuable tool for those seeking to lessen their dependence on other substances.
Abstract
Ketamine is increasingly used in community clinics as a long-term treatment for different psychiatric and pain conditions, including substance use ...
The effect between etomidate and ketamine on peri-intubation hypotension in elderly patients in the emergency department.
The American journal of emergency medicine – May 16, 2025
Summary
When intubating elderly patients in emergency care, choosing the right medication can be critical. A comparison of two common drugs - etomidate and ketamine - revealed that both performed similarly in preventing dangerous blood pressure drops during intubation. While ketamine showed slightly better survival outcomes in certain high-risk cases, both medications proved safe and effective for elderly patients needing emergency breathing support.
Abstract
Peri-intubation hypotension (PIH) is associated with increased mortality. Etomidate and ketamine are commonly used as induction agents for tracheal...
Effect of ketamine on task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging findings in major depressive disorder: A mini-review.
Journal of affective disorders – February 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine shows promising results in treating major depressive disorder by changing how key brain regions function. Brain scans reveal that this fast-acting medication alters activity in areas controlling emotion and thinking, particularly the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. Using task-based fMRI, researchers found these brain changes directly correlate with mood improvement in patients, offering hope for those who haven't responded to traditional treatments.
Abstract
Over the last two decades, ketamine has gained significant interest in psychiatry as a potential treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), esp...