[Intravenous ketamine in suicidal crisis : indications and patient referral].
Rayan Nasserdine, Laura Xhymshiti, Anne-Charlotte Paporé, Verena Marini, Stergios Tsartsalis, Hélène Richard-Lepouriel
Revue Médicale Suisse September 16, 2026 DOI: 10.53738/revmed.2026.22.975.49121 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Practical guide or manual Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Intravenous ketamine |
| Topics | Esketamine Ketamine |
| Key points | The article argues that IV ketamine offers rapid relief for treatment-resistant depression and acute suicidal crisis, with effects possibly within hours, but requires specialized hospital-based administration with monitoring and psychiatric assessment; it guides primary care physicians on indications, referral, and care-pathway placement, illustrated by a clinical vignette. |
Abstract
Intravenous (IV) ketamine is a rapidly acting therapeutic option for the management of treatment-resistant depression and acute suicidal crisis. Unlike conventional antidepressants, its effects may occur within hours, allowing a rapid reduction in suicidal ideation and psychological distress. Its use remains specialized and requires hospital-based care with medical monitoring and a comprehensive psychiatric assessment. This article provides a practical overview for primary care physicians, focusing on the indications, referral criteria, and role of IV ketamine within the care pathway of patients with treatment-resistant depression or acute suicidal crisis, illustrated by a clinical vignette.