Ketamine as a promising prototype for a new generation of rapid‐acting antidepressants
Chadi G. Abdallah, Lynnette A. Averill, John H. Krystal
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences February 27, 2015 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12718 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Open-label Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Ketamine Esketamine |
| Keywords | Pharmacology |
| Citations | 117 |
| Key findings | Ketamine produces rapid and robust antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant populations and is generally well tolerated, though optimal dosing and long-term safety are not fully known. |
Abstract
The discovery of ketamine's rapid and robust antidepressant effects opened a window into a new generation of antidepressants. Multiple controlled trials and open-label studies have demonstrated these effects across a variety of patient populations known to often achieve little to no response from traditional antidepressants. Ketamine has been generally well tolerated across patient groups, with transient mild-to-moderate adverse effects during infusion. However, the optimal dosing and route of administration and the safety of chronic treatment are not fully known. This review summarizes the clinical effects of ketamine and its neurobiological underpinnings and mechanisms of action, which may provide insight into the neurobiology of depression, relevant biomarkers, and treatment targets. Moreover, we offer suggestions for future research that may continue to advance the field forward and ultimately improve the psychopharmacologic interventions available for those individuals struggling with depressive and trauma-related disorders.