A patient with bipolar I disorder and a long history of substance dependence used large daily doses of ketamine (1-3 g) for five years. He reported acute antidepressant effects and reduced cravings for alcohol. Although his use was unsustainable and led to inpatient admission, he experienced no withdrawal syndrome and showed no observable cognitive deficits after stopping. This unique profile suggests that further research into ketamine's risks and therapeutic potential for mood and addiction disorders is warranted.
A patient with bipolar I disorder and a history of substance dependence used large daily doses of ketamine (1–3 g) over 5 years, reporting acute antidepressant effects and reduced alcohol cravings. Despite the unsustainable use leading to inpatient admission, he experienced no withdrawal syndrome or observable cognitive deficits after stopping. This case suggests that ketamine's unique profile warrants further investigation of its risks and therapeutic potential for mood and addiction disorders.