Intravenous ketamine is ineffective compared to midazolam for treatment-resistant depression: a double-blind, randomized controlled study
Keerati Pattanaseri, Juthawadee Lortrakul, Kankamol Jaisin, Maytinee Srifuengf, Naratip Sa-Nguanpanich, Natee Viravan, Pornjira Pariwatcharakul, Wattanan Makarasara, Woraphat Ratta-Apha
preprint DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4179664/v1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Double-blind |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 33 |
| Population | Adults aged 18-64 with treatment-resistant depression |
| Interventions | Ketamine Midazolam |
| Duration | 40-minute infusions daily for 3 consecutive days, with assessments at 10 and 31 days post-infusion |
| Measures | Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Clinical Global Impression (CGI) |
| Topics | Depression Esketamine Ketamine |
| Registration | NCT05026203 |
| Key findings | Intravenous ketamine given over three consecutive days did not show a notable antidepressant advantage compared with the active placebo midazolam. Both groups improved on MADRS scores at days 10 and 31, and both treatments were well tolerated, with dissociative symptoms in the ketamine group being temporary and ceasing by the end of each infusion. |
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Studies have confirmed the rapid antidepressant action of ketamine in depressive episodes. Nevertheless, a standardized procedure for the delivery of ketamine infusion in individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression, particularly in terms of infusion frequency and total dosage, remains undetermined. In addition, an efficacious ketamine regimen for persistent pain management involved a continuous 10-day infusion period with no notable adverse effects. Consequently, the primary objective of this study was to evaluate the antidepressant capacity of consecutive ketamine infusions spanning over three successive days, the duration of therapeutic response, and the overall safety profile of the treatment.
Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, participants aged 18-64 with treatment-resistant depression were randomized to receive either intravenous ketamine or midazolam (used as an active placebo) for 40 minutes daily over three consecutive days. Statistical analysis using repeated measures ANOVA was employed to assess the changes in the total score of the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the clinical global impression (CGI) from the initial assessment to 10 and 31 days post-infusion. Additionally, the duration of response and remission was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.
Results: Out of 33 randomisedparticipants, 20 underwent the treatment as planned. By day 10, the ketamine group had a mean reduction in MADRS score of 12.55 (95% CI = 6.70–18.09), whereas the midazolam group had a decrease of 17.22 (95% CI = 11.09–23.36). This pattern continued to day 31, with ketamine showing a mean score decrease of 13.73 (95% CI = 7.54–19.91) and midazolam a fall of 12.44 (95% CI = 5.61–19.28). Both treatments were well tolerated, with dissociative symptoms in the ketamine group being temporary and ceasing by the end of each infusion.
Conclusion: Intravenous ketamine given for 3 consecutive days did not show a notable antidepressant advantage when compared to the active placebo midazolam, highlighting the need for further research into effective treatments schedules for treatment-resistant depression.
Trial Registration: NCT05026203, ClinicalTrials.gov, registered on 24/08/2021.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on ketamine for depression, most cited first.