Association of Combined Naltrexone and Ketamine With Depressive Symptoms in a Case series of Patients With Depression and Alcohol Use Disorder

Summary

Naltrexone pretreatment does not interfere with the antidepressant effects of ketamine. In the study, participants who received naltrexone before ketamine treatment showed similar reductions in depressive symptoms as those who received a placebo before ketamine. The findings suggest that ketamine's antidepressant action does not depend on the opioid system, contrary to some previous theories.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This study examines whether naltrexone pretreatment interferes with the antidepressant effects of ketamine.