1731 results for "Ketamine"
A meta-analysis of the effects of ketamine on suicidal ideation in depression patients.
Translational psychiatry – June 10, 2024
Summary
Ketamine shows remarkable promise in rapidly reducing suicidal thoughts, with effects visible within 24 hours of treatment. Analysis of 1,380 patients across multiple studies revealed that repeated treatments yielded even better results than single doses. The medication proved 4 times more effective than placebos at reducing suicidal ideation, offering new hope for rapid intervention in severe depression cases.
Abstract
The treatment of suicidal ideation in patients with depression has been a major problem faced by psychiatric and emergency departments, and reasona...
Ketamine for mood disorders, anxiety, and suicidality in children and adolescents: a systematic review.
European child & adolescent psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine shows promise as a rapid-acting treatment for depression and anxiety in young people. Research spanning 16 studies found that both ketamine and esketamine significantly improved mood and reduced suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. Youth with severe depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety experienced quick relief, with benefits lasting weeks to months. Side effects were generally mild.
Abstract
Mood disorders, anxiety, and suicidality in youth are increasing and rapid-acting treatments are urgently needed. One potential is ketamine or its ...
Age affects temporal response, but not durability, to serial ketamine infusions for treatment refractory depression
medRxiv Preprint Server – August 31, 2020
Summary
Ketamine can swiftly alleviate severe depression, but its lasting impact varies. One investigation explored how age influences this. It revealed that older individuals might experience a slower onset of relief from serial infusions. Crucially, however, the durability of their positive response was just as strong as in younger patients. This highlights that while age can affect how quickly benefits appear, it doesn't diminish the long-term effectiveness.
Abstract
Background Ketamine is a rapid-acting treatment for patients with treatment refractory depression (TRD), however treatment responses are often tran...
Ketamine Effects on Energy Metabolism, Functional Connectivity and Working Memory in Healthy Humans
bioRxiv Preprint Server – February 21, 2023
Summary
Ketamine significantly alters how the brain uses energy. Advanced imaging revealed that this NMDAR blocker increases oxygen consumption and blood flow in critical brain areas like the prefrontal cortex. While brain communication networks remained unaffected, these metabolic changes were linked to shifts in working memory performance. This highlights that brain energy use and communication are distinct, and directly measuring energy changes is crucial for understanding drug impacts on the brain.
Abstract
Working memory (WM) is a crucial resource for temporary memory storage and the guiding of ongoing behavior. N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor...
Ketamine and sleep modulate neural complexity dynamics in cats.
The European journal of neuroscience – March 01, 2022
Summary
Neural informational complexity, measured by the Lempel Ziv algorithm, reveals intriguing insights into consciousness. In a study involving five cats, complexity was lowest during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep but similar in wakefulness and REM sleep. Interestingly, varying doses of ketamine (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg) produced an inverted U-shaped response in prefrontal cortex activity. This highlights how ketamine influences neural dynamics differently than sleep stages, emphasizing the nuanced effects of psychedelics on consciousness across species.
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that the level of consciousness can be captured by neural informational complexity: for instance, complexity, as measu...
Ensuring the affordable becomes accessible-lessons from ketamine, a new treatment for severe depression.
The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry – February 01, 2024
Summary
Generic racemic ketamine, priced around $5 per dose, shows comparable antidepressant effects to the patented Spravato® at $600-$900 per dose. Despite its potential, generic ketamine's evaluation faced delays and lack of support, leaving it largely inaccessible in Australia even two years post-approval. With an annual investment request of AUD$100 million rejected twice, affordable treatment options remain elusive. Systemic reforms are necessary to facilitate access to low-cost treatments, especially as new psychedelic therapies emerge on the horizon.
Abstract
In this paper, the case study of ketamine as a new treatment for severe depression is used to outline the challenges of repurposing established med...
Ketamine for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders: comprehensive systematic review
BJPsych Open – December 23, 2021
Summary
Ketamine shows robust, rapid antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects, offering a new frontier in Medicine and Psychiatry. A comprehensive systematic review, drawing from 83 published reports including 33 systematic reviews and 29 randomized controlled trials, explored ketamine's impact on mental health. Searching MEDLINE and PsycINFO, the meta-analysis confirmed its potential for Major depressive disorder and Suicidal ideation. While promising for the Treatment of Major Depression, the AMSTAR Checklist revealed a high risk of bias, suggesting caution for Clinical psychology and Mental Health Research Topics.
Abstract
Background In the past two decades, subanaesthetic doses of ketamine have been demonstrated to have rapid and sustained antidepressant effects, and...
The role of frontal EEG in predicting clinical response of major depressive disorder to intranasal ketamine and esketamine.
Journal of affective disorders – November 22, 2025
Summary
Brainwave patterns may predict who responds to rapid-acting depression treatments. Researchers found that specific frontal EEG biomarker patterns, like increased functional connectivity and decreased Entropy, before treatment, successfully identified individuals with Depression who would benefit from Ketamine or Esketamine. These distinct brain signals offer a promising way to personalize care, highlighting the potential of EEG to guide effective treatment for depression.
Abstract
Ketamine and its enantiomer esketamine are NMDA receptor antagonists that have shown consistent antidepressant effects in major depression disorder...
Ketamine Pharmacodynamics Entangled: Reply
Anesthesiology – September 12, 2022
Summary
How Medicine categorizes powerful psychedelics like Ketamine is evolving. For over two decades, Drug Studies involving three drugs (Ketamine, cannabis, psilocybin) in patients and healthy volunteers revealed similar mind-altering effects. Traditional Anesthesia and Pharmacology terms like "dissociation," or focusing on a single Neurotransmitter Receptor, prove insufficient. A new Pharmacodynamics term, "psychoplastogen," is proposed. This describes molecules promoting rapid neural plasticity in the cortex, explaining their healing mechanisms for Treatment of Major Depression, beyond subjective experiences.
Abstract
We thank Bowdle et al.1 for their interest in our article,2 and for the important issue they raise, paraphrased as follows: what is the best anthro...
Efficacy of Oral Ketamine in Patients with Depression and Suicidality: A Retrospective Study.
Indian journal of psychological medicine – January 22, 2026
Summary
Oral ketamine shows promise as a rapid-acting antidepressant, significantly reducing depression and suicidality. In 41 patients, oral ketamine therapy led to an average 8.19-point drop in depression scores and a 4.95-point reduction in suicidality after just three sessions. This suggests its potential for immediate benefit in outpatient settings, especially considering diverse sociocultural factors. Common side effects included dizziness and nausea. This effective treatment offers a new avenue for managing severe depression and its associated suicidality.
Abstract
Depression is a significant global health issue, often accompanied by suicidality, which requires urgent and effective interventions. Oral ketamine...
Effect of Ketamine Supplementation in Axillary Plexus Blockade: A Comparative Study.
Cureus – December 01, 2025
Summary
Adding ketamine significantly improves pain relief after surgery. A study of 81 patients undergoing axillary brachial plexus block for below-elbow procedures found ketamine, combined with ropivacaine, led to a faster onset time. Patients (27 intravenous, 26 regional) experienced significantly lower NRS scores at 16, 20, and 24 hours compared to ropivacaine alone (28 patients). This suggests enhanced postoperative analgesia and reduced rebound pain, offering a promising approach for managing discomfort following brachial plexus procedures.
Abstract
Introduction Axillary brachial plexus block is a widely used regional anesthesia technique for below-elbow surgeries. The use of adjuvant medicatio...
Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Comprehensive Insight of Ketamine Infusion Therapy, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
Annals of Punjab Medical College – December 31, 2024
Summary
New hope emerges for treatment-resistant depression, with effective alternative therapies showing promise. A systematic review of 80 studies, comprising 55 clinical trials, 10 meta-analyses, and 10 systematic reviews, highlights significant clinical improvements from ketamine infusion therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Ketamine and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, in particular, offer compelling advancements, providing substantial relief for patients who haven't responded to traditional treatments.
Abstract
Background: The phenomenon of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) remains a problem in the sphere of mental health treatment since the majority of...
Copper Concentrations in Ketamine Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Brain Sciences – December 11, 2020
Summary
Ketamine, a rapid antidepressant for severe depression, significantly alters serum copper concentrations. Levels before treatment were higher than after the fifth infusion, and post-treatment levels were also higher than after the fifth infusion. However, these fluctuations in copper were not associated with improvements in depressive symptoms, as measured by psychometric scales, nor with patients' other health conditions. This provides data on copper's dynamic role during short-term ketamine therapy, independent of its immediate impact on mood.
Abstract
Changes in serum copper concentration are observed in patients with depressive symptoms. Unmet needs in contemporary antidepressant treatment have ...
Modulation of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors as a Strategy to Improve the Efficacy and Safety of Ketamine as an Antidepressant
Cells – December 11, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, has revolutionized depression treatment by offering rapid and lasting relief for 70% of patients resistant to traditional therapies. However, its side effects raise safety concerns. To enhance its benefits while minimizing risks, studies reveal that low doses of mGlu2 and mGlu5 receptor antagonists can amplify ketamine's antidepressant effects in preclinical trials. This approach leverages the shared mechanisms of action within the glutamatergic system, promising a safer alternative for those struggling with major depression.
Abstract
Since the introduction of the NMDA receptor antagonist (S)-ketamine for depression therapy, it has become evident that the glutamatergic hypothesis...
Side Effects and Adverse Events in Prehospital Ketamine Analgesia for Trauma
International Journal of Paramedicine – October 08, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, an effective analgesic for traumatic pain, shows a low incidence of serious adverse effects in prehospital settings, with only 3% experiencing severe complications among 1,301 patients analyzed across eight studies. Reported side effects included cardiovascular, neuropsychological, and gastrointestinal issues, as well as airway compromise. Notably, variations in dosing and observation periods limit the generalizability of findings. When used judiciously in selected patients, Ketamine can enhance pain management strategies for paramedics, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Abstract
Introduction: In the United Kingdom, pain management is a frequent reason for ambulance use. The benefits of adequate pain management are well docu...
Cognitive changes in patients with unipolar TRD treated with IV ketamine: A systematic review.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – December 20, 2024
Summary
Intravenous ketamine shows promising cognitive benefits for people with treatment-resistant depression. Studies reveal improvements in memory, thinking speed, and mental processing after treatment. This breakthrough offers hope for patients who haven't responded to traditional antidepressants, potentially enhancing both mood and cognitive function. The treatment particularly helps with attention, working memory, and emotional processing.
Abstract
Unipolar treatment-resistant depression (MDD-TRD) is associated with neurocognitive impairment. Ketamine, an emerging treatment for MDD-TRD, may ha...
Synergistic use of deep TMS therapy with IV ketamine infusions for major depressive disorder: a pilot study.
Psychopharmacology – July 01, 2024
Summary
Combining Deep TMS therapy with ketamine infusions shows promising results for treating Major Depressive Disorder, with response rates over 80%. This innovative approach pairs brain stimulation with targeted medication to help patients who haven't responded to conventional treatments. Both combined and TMS-only treatments significantly reduced depression symptoms, with similar success rates between groups.
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a pervasive psychiatric condition effecting approximately 21 million adults in the U.S. (8.4%). An estimated 30-...
Temporal Immune Effects of Oral Ketamine on PTSD: Transcriptomic Evidence of Short-Term Inflammation Suppression and Long-Term Immune Remodelling
medRxiv Preprint Server – May 26, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's rapid relief for PTSD may stem from its profound impact on the body's immune system. Researchers explored how oral ketamine affects gene activity in PTSD patients, finding initial suppression of inflammation. Over weeks, this transitioned to sustained immune regulation and tissue repair, with significant changes. These insights reveal ketamine's long-term therapeutic potential, paving the way for personalized mental health care.
Abstract
Ketamine’s rapid acting symptom relief make it a promising intervention for PTSD. However, the mechanisms driving its long-term efficacy over weeks...
S100B+ Astrocytes Are Altered in the Mouse Brain Upon Ketamine Challenge: Implications for the Symptoms of Schizophrenia.
Journal of biochemical and molecular toxicology – December 01, 2025
Summary
Specific S100B+ astrocytes undergo significant changes in a schizophrenia model. Ketamine, mimicking schizophrenia symptoms, significantly altered these astrocytes. In mice, ketamine exposure changed S100B+ astrocytes in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and olfactory regions. Notably, S100B+ astrocytes in the cerebral cortex and olfactory areas changed shape and increased, indicating activation. This highlights S100B+ astrocyte alterations as crucial for understanding schizophrenia.
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. The pathophysiology of schizophren...
High Baseline Plasma Anthranilic Acid Predicts Remission Upon Acute-Series Ketamine Infusion for Treatment-Resistant Depression.
Biological psychiatry global open science – July 01, 2025
Summary
A blood compound called anthranilic acid may predict who will benefit most from ketamine therapy for severe depression. Higher levels of this naturally occurring substance were linked to better treatment outcomes in patients receiving ketamine infusions. This discovery could help doctors identify which patients with treatment-resistant depression are most likely to achieve remission through ketamine treatment.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) remains a challenge, but intravenous racemic ketamine offers rapid antidepressant effects. Reliable biomarkers...
Non-response to short-term ketamine use for treatment-resistant depression.
Pharmacological reports : PR – April 30, 2025
Summary
While ketamine offers hope for severe mood disorders, new findings reveal surprising patterns in treatment response. Among patients with treatment-resistant depression, those with fewer psychiatric complications were actually less likely to benefit from ketamine therapy. This challenges traditional assumptions in psychopharmacology, suggesting that complex cases may respond better to ketamine than those with "pure" depression.
Abstract
Ketamine is currently gaining attention as a rapid-acting antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). However, many patients fail to r...
General Anesthesia Occludes Ketamine's Antidepressant Response in a Rodent Model of Chronic Stress.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – December 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's antidepressant effects may depend on being conscious during treatment, new research reveals. When mice under general anesthesia received ketamine, they didn't experience the drug's typical antidepressant response. The findings suggest that being awake during ketamine therapy—including its dissociative subjective effects—could be crucial for relieving chronic stress and depression.
Abstract
Psychedelic-induced experiences are thought to play an important role in the therapeutic actions of rapid-acting antidepressants. General anesthesi...
Rationale and design of a large trial of perioperative ketamine for prevention of chronic post-surgical pain.
Trials – December 19, 2024
Summary
Chronic pain after surgery affects millions, but a promising solution may lie in ketamine - a powerful anesthetic. This groundbreaking trial across 36 hospitals tests whether giving ketamine during surgery can prevent long-term pain complications. Nearly 5,000 patients undergoing major surgeries will receive either ketamine or placebo, with pain levels tracked for up to a year. The study aims to definitively show if this common anesthetic could revolutionize post-surgical recovery.
Abstract
Chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) is recognised as one of the most common and debilitating complications of major surgery. Progression from acute t...
Resting-State Electroencephalogram Complexity Is Associated With Oral Ketamine Treatment Response: A Bayesian Analysis of Lempel-Ziv Complexity and Multiscale Entropy.
Brain and behavior – November 01, 2024
Summary
Brain activity patterns may predict who will benefit from ketamine treatment for suicidal thoughts. Scientists found that patients who responded well to ketamine showed distinct electrical patterns in their brain's left frontal area during electroencephalogram recordings. Higher complexity in these brain signals before treatment was linked to better outcomes, suggesting doctors could potentially identify ideal candidates for ketamine therapy.
Abstract
Subanesthetic doses of ketamine are a promising novel treatment for suicidality; however, the evidence for predictive biomarkers is sparse. Recentl...
Morphological correlates of anxiety-related experiences during a ketamine infusion.
The world journal of biological psychiatry : the official journal of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry – November 01, 2024
Summary
Brain size matters when it comes to ketamine experiences. New findings reveal that people with smaller hippocampus regions tend to experience more anxiety during ketamine treatment. By examining brain morphology through advanced imaging, researchers found that the size of specific brain areas, particularly the hippocampus and amygdala, can predict how individuals might react to ketamine therapy. This insight could help doctors better prepare patients for treatment.
Abstract
Ketamine exerts rapid antidepressant effects by enhancing neuroplasticity, particularly in the amygdala and hippocampus-regions involved in fear pr...
Sleep alterations in treatment-resistant depression patients undergoing ketamine treatment.
Pharmacological reports : PR – December 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine therapy's impact on sleep patterns in people with treatment-resistant depression reveals unexpected findings. While this promising depression treatment helps many patients, a group of 28 individuals receiving ketamine infusions showed no significant changes in their sleep patterns - including issues like insomnia and early morning waking. This challenges previous research suggesting ketamine improves sleep quality during treatment.
Abstract
This study examines self-reported sleep alterations in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) inpatients following intravenous ketamine administratio...
Off-label Use of Lamotrigine and Naltrexone in the Treatment of Ketamine Use Disorder: A Case Report.
Journal of addiction medicine
Summary
A promising treatment breakthrough emerges for ketamine addiction: combining two existing medications - lamotrigine and naltrexone - helped a patient overcome severe cravings and achieve sustained recovery. The medications reduced hallucinogenic effects, triggered nausea when using ketamine, and decreased cravings. When paired with therapy and support groups, this novel approach offers hope for treating ketamine dependency.
Abstract
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic increasingly utilized in United States medical settings for the treatment of mental health conditions. Additi...
Out-of-Hospital Intranasal Ketamine as an Adjunct to Fentanyl for the Treatment of Acute Traumatic Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Annals of emergency medicine – October 01, 2024
Summary
Adding nasal ketamine to fentanyl for emergency pain control showed no significant advantage in treating acute trauma pain before hospital arrival. In this trial, paramedics treated injured patients with either standard fentanyl plus ketamine or fentanyl plus placebo. While 45% of ketamine patients reported improved pain versus 36% with placebo, the difference wasn't meaningful enough to justify changing current practices.
Abstract
To evaluate if out-of-hospital administration of fentanyl and intranasal ketamine, compared to fentanyl alone, improves early pain control after in...
Effects of ketamine on the severity of depression and anxiety following postoperative mechanical ventilation: a single-blind randomized clinical trial in Iran.
Acute and critical care – May 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine shows promising results in protecting brain surgery patients from post-ICU mental health challenges. In this breakthrough finding, patients receiving ketamine during mechanical ventilation experienced significantly lower anxiety and depression levels compared to those given standard midazolam treatment. The six-month follow-up revealed lasting benefits, with ketamine patients showing better mental health outcomes after intensive care unit stays.
Abstract
In this study, we compare the effects of ketamine and the combination of midazolam and morphine on the severity of depression and anxiety in mechan...
Subanesthetic Ketamine Suppresses Locus Coeruleus-Mediated Alertness Effects: A 7T fMRI Study.
The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology – June 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's impact on brain alertness reveals a surprising connection to mood disorders. Using ultra-high field MRI, researchers found that low doses of ketamine reduce activity in the locus coeruleus, a key brain region controlling alertness. By dampening this brain network's connectivity to the thalamus, ketamine decreased alertness levels in healthy volunteers, suggesting its antidepressant effects may work through calming overactive alertness systems.
Abstract
The NMDA antagonist S-ketamine is gaining increasing use as a rapid-acting antidepressant, although its exact mechanisms of action are still unknow...
The association between ketamine and esketamine with alcohol and substance misuse: Reports to the Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system (FAERS).
Journal of affective disorders – September 01, 2024
Summary
While ketamine shows promise for treatment-resistant depression, new data from FDA adverse event reports reveals contrasting safety profiles between ketamine and esketamine. Ketamine showed higher rates of substance misuse reports, while esketamine actually had lower rates of drug abuse and dependence. This analysis of FAERS data helps inform the ongoing discussion about abuse liability in depression treatments.
Abstract
Ketamine and esketamine have been proven to be effective in treating adults with treatment resistant depression (TRD). Preliminary evidence indicat...
Evidence from preclinical and clinical metabolomics studies on the antidepressant effects of ketamine and esketamine.
Neuroscience letters – May 14, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough findings reveal how ketamine and esketamine combat treatment-resistant depression by altering the body's metabolic pathways. Using advanced metabolomics, researchers identified key changes in energy production, brain signaling, and cellular health after treatment. These biomarkers could revolutionize precision psychiatry, helping doctors predict who will respond best to these medications.
Abstract
The antidepressant effects of ketamine and esketamine are well-documented. Nonetheless, most of the underlying molecular mechanisms have to be unco...
A retrospective analysis of iv ketamine outcome on hospitalisations in an unselected psychiatric sample.
Acta neuropsychiatrica – April 25, 2024
Summary
Ketamine, a promising antidepressive agent, shows potential in treating severe mood disorders. In a clinical analysis of 46 patients with treatment-resistant depression, ketamine therapy reduced depressive symptoms in about one-third of participants. While the treatment demonstrated effectiveness in complex cases, it didn't significantly reduce hospital stays. This highlights ketamine's role as one tool in managing severe psychiatric conditions.
Abstract
This study aims to explore the outcome with iv ketamine treatment in a real-world clinical setting, primarily measured as posttreatment days hospit...
Ketamine for the multivariate effect of PTSD: Systematic review and meta-analysis
medRxiv Preprint Server – June 13, 2021
Summary
New research suggests ketamine could offer significant relief for individuals with long-term trauma. An extensive review of data from 705 patients investigated ketamine as a potential treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While not recommended for short-term cases, findings indicate ketamine effectively reduced symptoms in chronic PTSD, ameliorating arousal, avoidance, and dissociative symptoms. This highlights its promise as a new therapeutic approach.
Abstract
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the efficacy, anti-effect of ketamine (intervention) for post-traumatic stress d...
Multiday intravenous ketamine infusion therapy for the management of central sensitisation syndrome secondary to chronic chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain.
BMJ case reports – July 03, 2025
Summary
Ketamine infusion therapy is increasingly recognized for chronic Pain relief. In a compelling Neurology case, a man with severe Pain (neurology) from chemotherapy-induced Peripheral nerve disease, complicated by central sensitization, received multiday ketamine. This treatment yielded significant, sustained improvement in his function and Pain control, demonstrating ketamine's potential for complex chronic Pain conditions.
Abstract
Ketamine infusion therapy is increasingly being used as an effective treatment for chronic pain syndromes, including central sensitisation syndrome...
Effects of s-ketamine combined with sevoflurane anesthesia on postoperative cellular immune function and inflammatory response in radical esophageal cancer surgery: A double-blind randomized trial.
Medicine – June 20, 2025
Summary
Anesthesia choices can profoundly impact recovery after major surgery. Researchers explored if adding s-ketamine to standard anesthesia for esophageal cancer surgery could improve immunity and reduce inflammation. Patients undergoing tumor removal received either standard sevoflurane or s-ketamine combined. While cellular immunity and inflammation markers were similar, patients given s-ketamine had a significantly shorter hospital stay, a positive recovery benefit.
Abstract
Immunosuppression and inflammation are associated with postoperative rehabilitation and tumor prognosis. This study aimed to explore the effects of...
Ketamine in Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Effects on Inflammatory Markers and Clinical Outcomes.
Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia – October 01, 2025
Summary
A systematic review and meta-analysis in cardiac surgery patients revealed a key finding: ketamine significantly reduced the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 during off-pump procedures and immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass. This suggests ketamine effectively targets inflammation in specific scenarios. While these positive effects on inflammation were observed, they didn't universally translate into improved clinical outcomes like shorter recovery times across all cardiac surgery types.
Abstract
Cardiac surgery triggers a systemic inflammatory response, especially when cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is used, which may contribute to postoperat...
Spectral signatures of psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and ketamine in healthy volunteers and persons with major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression: A systematic review.
Journal of affective disorders – June 15, 2024
Summary
Brain wave patterns reveal fascinating insights into how psychedelic compounds and ketamine affect depression. Using electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography, researchers found that both serotonergic psychedelics and glutamatergic dissociatives create distinct spectral signatures in the brain, showing increased theta waves and decreased alpha activity. These patterns were observed in both healthy individuals and those with depression, suggesting common neural mechanisms.
Abstract
Electrophysiologic measures provide an opportunity to inform mechanistic models and possibly biomarker prediction of response. Serotonergic psyched...
A Promising Route for Established Indications: A Systematic Review of Nebulized Ketamine in Pain.
Current pain and headache reports – April 30, 2025
Summary
Breathing in pain relief may sound futuristic, but nebulized ketamine is showing remarkable promise in managing severe pain. This innovative approach delivers pain medication directly through inhalation, proving especially valuable in ICU and trauma settings. Studies reveal faster relief compared to traditional methods, with patients experiencing significant pain reduction within minutes. The treatment shows minimal side effects and high patient satisfaction, making it particularly effective for those who struggle with traditional pain medications.
Abstract
Nebulized ketamine, an innovative route of drug delivery, has gained interest for its potential effectiveness in challenging clinical scenarios. Th...
Monitoring the dynamics of ketamine analogues use in China through wastewater analysis: The emergence of 2-FDCNEK and 2-MDCK.
The Science of the total environment – December 20, 2024
Summary
Scientists discovered emerging ketamine analogues in wastewater across 21 Chinese cities, revealing shifting patterns in drug use. Through innovative wastewater analysis, researchers tracked these new psychoactive substances, finding that while some variants quickly disappeared, others showed concerning persistence. The study identified 2-FDCNEK as the most prevalent analogue, while older variants declined following regulation.
Abstract
Ketamine analogues are rapidly emerging around the world and are considered one of the new psychoactive substances (NPS) of greatest concern. Howev...
Time-dependent antidepressant-like effects of reelin and ketamine in the repeated-corticosterone model of chronic stress.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – June 08, 2024
Summary
New hope emerges in depression treatment as researchers discover that reelin, a natural brain protein, works as quickly as ketamine to combat chronic stress effects. When combined, these rapid-acting antidepressants showed enhanced benefits lasting up to a week. The treatments restored normal behavior and brain chemistry in stressed rats, suggesting a promising pathway for helping patients who don't respond to traditional antidepressants.
Abstract
There is an urgent need for novel antidepressants, given that approximately 30% of those diagnosed with depression do not respond adequately to fir...
Prenatal ketamine exposure impairs prepulse inhibition via arginine vasopressin receptor 1A-mediated GABAergic neuronal dysfunction in the striatum.
Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie – April 01, 2023
Summary
Prenatal exposure to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists like ketamine or Methoxetamine can induce psychosis-like behaviors in offspring. Administering these to pregnant rats led to reduced Prepulse inhibition and increased Arginine vasopressin receptor 1A expression in offspring's striatum. Overexpressing Arginine vasopressin receptor 1A inhibited Prepulse inhibition. Treatment also elevated δ-aminobutyric acid levels. This indicates prenatal N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist exposure causes δ-aminobutyric acid neuronal dysfunction and sensorimotor gating issues by regulating Arginine vasopressin receptor 1A.
Abstract
Ketamine is a widely used anesthetic with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonism. Exposure to ketamine and NMDA receptor antagonists may i...
Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ for PTSD: investigating the synergistic effects of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy
European journal of psychotraumatology – November 04, 2025
Summary
In a promising approach to treating PTSD, combining low-dose sublingual ketamine with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms. In a study of eight clients, symptom scores dropped from an average of 15.50 to 9.88 after four sessions, representing a large effect size of 1.01. Functional impairment also decreased from 8.50 to 5.25, with a notable effect size of 0.82. Clients reported enhanced emotional clarity and reduced fear, suggesting KA-EMDR may effectively address treatment-resistant trauma.
Abstract
Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with maladaptive memory reconsolidation and overgeneralized fear responses. EMDR the...
A model to simulate human cardio-respiratory responses to ketamine analgesia
Frontiers in Physiology – November 13, 2025
Summary
Ketamine administration significantly impacts vital signs during medical emergencies. In simulations using a human cardio-respiratory model, mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased by 40%, 30%, and 15% of baseline values with no, moderate, and severe hemorrhage, respectively. The model, validated against data from three studies involving healthy individuals, showed root mean square errors of 6.17 mmHg for MAP and 7.51 beats/min for heart rate. This advancement enhances decision-support systems in combat settings, improving healthcare technology and patient monitoring for effective treatment of major injuries and sepsis.
Abstract
In large-scale combat operations, decision-support systems based on artificial intelligence technology can augment the capability and capacity of m...
Neuroprotective Role of Ketamine in Reducing Neuroinflammation and Enhancing Neuroplasticity Against a Cortisol-Induced In Vitro Stress Model.
Molecular neurobiology – June 05, 2025
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals how ketamine protects brain cells from stress-induced damage. High cortisol levels from chronic stress can trigger inflammation and harm neural connections. However, ketamine was found to shield neurons by blocking inflammatory signals (NF-κB and NLRP3), while boosting BDNF - a key protein that helps brain cells grow and form new connections. This explains ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects.
Abstract
Stress is widely recognized as a major environmental factor contributing to the development of mood disorders. In patients with Major Depressive Di...
Single subanesthetic dose of ketamine exerts antioxidant and antidepressive-like effect in ACTH-induced preclinical model of depression.
Molecular and cellular neurosciences – June 01, 2025
Summary
A single low dose of ketamine shows promise in fighting both depression and harmful oxidative stress in the body. When given to rats with major depressive disorder symptoms, ketamine rapidly improved their condition by boosting natural antioxidant defenses and reducing DNA damage. The treatment was particularly effective in counteracting stress hormones (ACTH), suggesting a powerful new approach for patients who don't respond to traditional antidepressants.
Abstract
Hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and oxidative stress represent important mechanisms that have been implicated in eti...
Exploring Perceived Barriers and Facilitators for Implementing Acute Pain Clinical Trials: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Ketamine Infusions for Sickle Cell Pain.
Journal of pain research – January 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine shows promise as a non-opioid treatment for severe pain in sickle cell disease patients. A comprehensive analysis revealed that while healthcare providers vary in their comfort with ketamine use, both doctors and patients are open to clinical trials testing its effectiveness. Key success factors include clear safety protocols, strong provider-patient trust, and streamlined trial processes that respect patients' time and privacy concerns.
Abstract
Vaso-occlusive events (VOEs) are the primary cause of acute pain in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD), where high-dose opioids are the cur...
Unveiling Ketamine's Influence on Astrocytic Kir4.1 Channels Through Multimodal Analysis: Confocal Microscopy, Immunocytochemistry, Fluorescence Analysis, and Electrophysiology.
Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.) – January 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects may work through brain cells called astrocytes. New research shows ketamine alters specific potassium channels (Kir4.1) in these cells, affecting how they regulate brain activity. Using advanced imaging and electrical recording techniques, scientists found ketamine changes how these channels move and function, potentially explaining its success in treating major depressive disorder.
Abstract
Understanding the elusive mechanisms responsible for the therapeutic efficacy of ketamine in major depressive disorder (MDD) is crucial. Astrocytes...
Acute Subjective Experiences of Intravenous Ketamine Therapy Among Medically Hospitalized Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – June 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine therapy shows promise for treating alcohol use disorder, offering unique healing experiences even in hospital settings. Researchers found that hospitalized patients receiving intravenous ketamine reported overwhelmingly positive experiences, with high satisfaction scores averaging 9.5 out of 10. Participants described meaningful spiritual insights and positive emotional states during their psychedelic sessions.
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is widespread and problematic in the United States, and current pharmacotherapy options have relatively modest effects. ...
Ketamine in insulin resistance: Pharmacokinetics, cardiovascular implications and cellular effects on cardiomyocytes.
Diabetes, obesity & metabolism – May 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's impact on heart health takes an unexpected turn in people with insulin resistance. This anesthetic drug shows altered behavior in diabetic patients, affecting how their heart cells process energy. The drug's movement through the body changes significantly when blood sugar regulation is impaired, potentially increasing cardiovascular disease risk. However, understanding these mechanisms helps doctors better manage ketamine dosing in patients with diabetes complications, leading to safer treatment approaches.
Abstract
Ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic, has expanded its clinical use beyond anaesthesia to pain management and treatment-resistant depression. As an...