Ketamine and Depression: A Review
Wesley C Ryan, Cole Marta, Ralph J. Koek
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies July 1, 2014 DOI: 10.24972/ijts.2014.33.2.40 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Ketamine |
| Topics | Depression Ketamine Esketamine |
| Keywords | Tolerability Depression economics Dissociative Adverse effect Anesthesia Pharmacology Cognition |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | Intravenous ketamine shows rapid efficacy for treatment-resistant depression, with longer benefit in unipolar than bipolar depression and potential to reduce suicidality. |
Abstract
Ketamine, via intravenous infusions, has emerged as a novel therapy for treatment-resistant depression, given rapid onset and demonstrable efficacy in both unipolar and bipolar depression. Duration of benefit, on the order of days, varies between these subtypes, but appears longer in unipolar depression. A unique property is reduction in suicidality although data are more limited. Strategies to extend duration, via multiple doses, maintenance treatment, or subsequent augmenting medications have yielded mixed results. There is a relative paucity of data regarding alternate methods of administration such as intramuscular, intranasal, and oral routes, though preliminary results are promising. Adverse effects most reliably incl ude dissociative and sympathomimetic effects, both transient and mild, and suggest good tolerability. Ketamine's unique effects may represent an opportunity for a paradigm shift in the pharmacologic treatment of depression.