Oral Ketamine for the Treatment of Depression: A randomized controlled trial and meta-analysis
medRxiv Preprint Server – March 21, 2025
Source: medRxiv
Summary
Treating depression at home could soon be a reality. Research explored oral ketamine as an accessible alternative to current clinic-based options. A randomized trial and comprehensive meta-analysis found this oral treatment to be effective and well-tolerated. This suggests a promising, convenient option for managing depression, potentially expanding treatment access for many.
Abstract
Background Ketamine represents a significant advancement in antidepressant therapy, but the commonly used intravenous and intranasal application routes currently limit its availability beyond specialized centers. By contrast, oral ketamine treatment might constitute an alternative that is easy to administer with established safety and efficacy for patients with chronic and severe pain at home.