Ketamine in depression and electroconvulsive therapy
Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology October 1, 2021 Irene Rozet 9 citations
A rapid antidepressant effect of low-dose ketamine and its enantiomer esketamine has been proven conclusively. A single intravenous infusion of 0.5 mg/kg of ketamine or a single intranasal dose of esketamine produces antidepressant and antisuicidal effects within hours, lasting up to a week. Repeated nasal esketamine is considered to prevent relapse, though longitudinal studies are insufficient. The antidepressant mechanism is thought to be mediated by improved neuroplasticity in cortico-limbic brain areas. This research has led to a neurotrophic concept of depression. Further studies are needed on safety and efficacy of repeated administration.