Repurposed Drugs of Abuse (Stimulants, Ketamine, and Psychedelics): Focus on Risks
Breno Souza-Marques, Ana Teresa Caliman-Fontes, Gustavo C. Leal, Igor D. Bandeira, Rodrigo P Mello, Raíza Alves-Pereira, Lucas C Quarantini
Bipolar Disorder 2025 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-85519-1_28 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Esketamine Ketamine |
| Keywords | Psychedelics Drug abuse Substance use risks Mental health Addiction potential Therapeutic applications |
| Key findings | Repurposed drugs of abuse, including stimulants, ketamine, and psychedelics, show promise for treating bipolar disorder but carry risks of addiction, symptom exacerbation, and adverse effects, requiring careful risk–benefit analysis. |
Abstract
Despite the availability of many treatment options, several individuals with bipolar disorders experience persistent symptoms, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in repurposing drugs of abuse, such as stimulants, ketamine, and psychedelics, for the treatment of bipolar disorders. While some of these drugs have demonstrated promising efficacy in clinical trials, concerns regarding their potential risks have emerged. This chapter investigates the complex relationship between repurposed drugs of abuse and bipolar disorder, examining both the potential benefits and in particular the associated risks. This will include a discussion of the potential for addiction, exacerbation of existing psychiatric symptoms, and adverse physical and cognitive effects. We will engage in a balanced risk–benefit analysis, weighing the potential benefits of repurposed drugs of abuse against the associated risks. This will involve a consideration of the severity of bipolar disorders, the availability of alternative treatment options, and the potential for individualized risk stratification. This analysis will inform clinical decision-making and guide future research endeavors in this rapidly evolving treatment field.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on ketamine, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ketamine and Ketamine Metabolite Pharmacology: Insights into Therapeutic Mechanisms | 2018 | Review | |
| Mechanisms of Ketamine Action as an Antidepressant | 2018 | Review | |
| Synthesizing the Evidence for Ketamine and Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: An International Expert Opinion on the Available Evidence and Implementation Adults with treatment-resistant depression | 2021 | Review | |
| Ketamine Pharmacology: An Update (Pharmacodynamics and Molecular Aspects, Recent Findings) | 2013 | Review | |
| A Consensus Statement on the Use of Ketamine in the Treatment of Mood Disorders | 2017 | Review and consensus statement |
Citations in the library
Cites 21
- A Randomized Add-on Trial of an N-methyl-D-aspartate Antagonist in Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Depression Archives of General Psychiatry August 1, 2010
- Ketamine Anesthesia & Analgesia November 1, 1998
- R-ketamine: a rapid-onset and sustained antidepressant without psychotomimetic side effects Translational Psychiatry September 1, 2015
- Taming the Ketamine Tiger Anesthesiology August 6, 2010
- Reviewing the ketamine model for schizophrenia Journal of Psychopharmacology November 20, 2013
and 16 more in the library