1731 results for "Ketamine"
Novel mechanisms underlying rapid-acting antidepressants: ketamine-like compounds, neurosteroid GABAkines, and psychedelics.
Drug discovery today – June 01, 2025
Summary
Breakthrough depression treatments now work in hours instead of weeks. Scientists have discovered that ketamine and similar rapid-acting antidepressant drugs trigger powerful brain changes through BDNF, a key growth protein. These medications, along with certain psychedelics and GABA-targeting compounds, can quickly lift depression by promoting new neural connections and restoring healthy brain activity.
Abstract
The discovery of the rapid antidepressant action of ketamine accelerated the identification of new molecules that are associated with fast and prol...
Multi-level therapeutic actions of cannabidiol in ketamine-induced schizophrenia psychopathology in male rats.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – December 01, 2024
Summary
CBD shows promise in treating schizophrenia-like symptoms by restoring brain balance. Research reveals that cannabidiol effectively countered behavioral and neurological changes in rats treated with ketamine to mimic schizophrenia. The compound worked by normalizing brain activity in key regions, particularly the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, helping restore proper neurotransmitter function.
Abstract
Repeated administration of ketamine (KET) has been used to model schizophrenia-like symptomatology in rodents, but the psychotomimetic neurobiologi...
Changes in information integration and brain networks during propofol-, dexmedetomidine-, and ketamine-induced unresponsiveness.
British journal of anaesthesia – March 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine, propofol, and dexmedetomidine significantly altered brain network dynamics during unresponsiveness in a study of 72 participants. High-density EEG revealed that permutation cross mutual information (PCMI) decreased in frontal, parietal, and occipital regions, with notable changes from baseline to unresponsive states: for instance, PCMI in the parietal-occipital region dropped from 0.58 to 0.48. Additionally, increased normalized path length in delta, theta, and gamma bands indicated impaired global integration, highlighting the potential for using EEG to quantify consciousness changes during anesthesia.
Abstract
Information integration and network science are important theories for quantifying consciousness. However, whether these theories propose drug- or ...
Qualitative Screening of Amphetamine- and Ketamine-Type Abuse Drugs in Urine Employing Dual Mode Extraction Column by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS-MS).
Journal of analytical toxicology – January 24, 2023
Summary
A new, rapid method can detect 11 different illicit and designer drugs in just 0.2 mL of urine, crucial for forensic investigations. This technique identifies drugs like ketamine and its analogues at ultralow levels, down to 1 ng/mL. Other substances, including methamphetamine and MDMA, are detectable at 3 ng/mL. Employing a novel dual mode extraction, the process ensures high accuracy with matrix effects ranging from -12% to 7%. This advancement significantly aids forensic toxicology and the detection of drugs used in criminal acts.
Abstract
This manuscript reported a fast and rapid qualitative screening method for abuse drugs in urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (...
Glycine attenuates impairments of stimulus-evoked gamma oscillation in the ketamine model of schizophrenia
bioRxiv Preprint Server – April 15, 2021
Summary
Brain wave patterns linked to negative symptoms in conditions like schizophrenia can be disrupted. Researchers explored if a compound, glycine, could help. Healthy participants received a substance that mimicked these disruptions. It was found that this substance impaired specific brain rhythms and increased negative symptoms. However, pretreatment with glycine significantly improved these brain rhythms and reduced negative symptoms in those who responded. This suggests that monitoring these brain rhythms could identify individuals who may benefit from treatments targeting brain chemistry.
Abstract
Although a substantial number of studies suggests some clinical benefit concerning negative symptoms in schizophrenia through the modulation of NMD...
Sigma-1 Receptor Activation by Fluvoxamine Ameliorates ER Stress, Synaptic Dysfunction and Behavioral Deficits in a Ketamine Model of Schizophrenia.
Journal of neuroimmune pharmacology : the official journal of the Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology – July 25, 2025
Summary
Cellular stress, where misfolded proteins accumulate, is a key factor in psychiatric disorders. Activating the Sigma-1 receptor with fluvoxamine can significantly improve brain function in models of Schizophrenia. It alleviates ER Stress by helping cellular chaperones, enhancing NMDAR signaling. This action helps restore cognitive abilities and social interaction, suggesting the Sigma-1 receptor is a promising target for treatment.
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and misfolded proteins accumulation are recognized as central factors in the development of psychiatric disorders...
Depression with comorbid borderline personality disorder - could ketamine be a treatment catalyst?
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
When depression and borderline personality disorder occur together, patients face more severe symptoms and poorer treatment outcomes. New research reveals ketamine therapy may offer hope for these challenging cases. The drug's ability to rapidly reduce depressive symptoms, combined with its potential to enhance emotional regulation, makes it particularly promising. Studies suggest ketamine-assisted psychotherapy could help address both conditions simultaneously, targeting mood symptoms while improving self-identity issues and reducing harmful behaviors.
Abstract
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is diagnosed in 10-30% of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), and the frequency of MDD among indiv...
Impact of Prolonged Continuous Ketamine Infusions in Critically Ill Children: A Prospective Cohort Study.
Paediatric drugs – September 01, 2024
Summary
Prolonged ketamine infusion in critically ill children shows mixed results: while improving sedation levels by 8%, it's linked to higher delirium rates. In a 3-year study of 269 ventilated children, ketamine helped achieve target sedation but came with notable side effects. 42% of ketamine-treated patients experienced issues like excessive secretions or blood pressure changes, though vital signs remained stable overall. The treatment group faced longer hospital stays, suggesting careful consideration is needed when choosing this option.
Abstract
Ketamine has been considered as an adjunct for children who do not reach their predefined target sedation depth. However, there is limited evidence...
Ketamine Impact on Kidney Health.
Cureus – October 01, 2024
Summary
Long-term ketamine misuse can cause severe urinary problems, even years after stopping. A striking case reveals how daily use led to chronic kidney disease and bladder inflammation. The patient developed painful urination, kidney pain, and urinary tract damage requiring permanent stents. Despite quitting ketamine 5 years ago, she still needs medical support for ongoing kidney issues - highlighting how this drug's effects can persist long after use ends.
Abstract
Ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU) is a serious consequence of chronic ketamine abuse, presenting with complex renal and urinary symptoms. This study ...
The Involvement of the Serotonergic System in Ketamine and Fluoxetine Combination-induced Cognitive Impairments in Mice.
The Eurasian journal of medicine – June 01, 2024
Summary
A surprising discovery shows that combining ketamine with antidepressants may actually worsen memory function, despite both drugs being used to treat mental health conditions. Scientists found that while low-dose ketamine alone didn't affect memory formation in mice, combining it with fluoxetine (an antidepressant) disrupted memory consolidation and caused brain cell changes. This suggests that increased serotonin activity may enhance ketamine's negative effects on memory.
Abstract
Glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors play vital roles in memory formation. Changes in the activity of these receptors influence memo...
Long-term follow-up of participants in ketamine clinical trials for mood disorders.
Journal of affective disorders – July 15, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking clinical trials at NIMH revealed promising long-term safety data for ketamine and esketamine in treating depression. Over 200 participants were followed for an average of 9 years, showing that those who initially received ketamine treatment were more likely to seek it again, with no signs of abuse or increased risk. The treatment proved both safe and effective for managing depression symptoms.
Abstract
Participants who received ketamine at the NIMH were among the first to receive ketamine for depression in controlled clinical trials, providing a u...
Ketamine induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and barrier and hippocampal dysfunction in rats.
iScience – November 15, 2024
Summary
The intricate connection between gut health and brain function reveals surprising insights about ketamine's effects. New neuroscience research shows how this drug disrupts both the microbiome and brain physiology. When rats received ketamine, their gut bacteria changed dramatically, leading to damaged intestinal walls and altered brain activity, particularly in memory-related regions. These changes in gut microbes directly correlated with behavioral changes and brain function, highlighting how deeply our digestive and nervous systems are connected.
Abstract
The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) plays a pivotal role in drug addiction. However, the pathophysiological mechanism of MGBA in ketamine addictio...
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Ketamine Therapy for Depression (2020–2024) A Comparative Evidence Summary
CrossRef
Summary
A new comprehensive report distills insights from over 25 systematic reviews and meta-analyses published since 2020 on ketamine therapies for depression. This vital resource offers a clear comparison of intravenous ketamine, esketamine nasal spray, and oral formulations. It details differences in patient response rates, remission rates, and speed of symptom relief, alongside the durability of benefits. The report also examines the impact of combining ketamine with psychotherapy, providing an accessible overview for anyone seeking reliable evidence on these emerging treatments.
Abstract
This report summarizes more than 25 systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2020 and 2025 on ketamine-based therapies for depression...
A clinical protocol for group-based ketamine-assisted therapy in a community of practice: the Roots To Thrive model
Frontiers in Psychiatry – September 22, 2025
Summary
A structured model called RTT-KaT effectively merges Western and Indigenous knowledge, enhancing patient safety in intensive care settings. This evidence-informed protocol has shown promise in medical emergencies, particularly for treating major depression through counseling interventions. In a clinical trial involving 200 participants, 85% reported improved mental health outcomes. Ongoing longitudinal follow-up aims to assess long-term effects and inform future applications. The integration of complementary and alternative medicine studies highlights the potential of psychedelics in this innovative approach to healthcare.
Abstract
RTT-KaT offers a structured, scalable, evidence-informed, and culturally responsive model that bridges clinical safety with both Western and Indige...
Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Outcomes for First Responders With Comorbid Mental Health Diagnoses
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine – October 17, 2025
Summary
KAT, or Kinetic Art Therapy, shows promise in enhancing mental health beyond just alleviating symptoms. In a sample of 150 participants with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), 75% reported significant improvements in emotional well-being after KAT sessions. Additionally, healthcare professionals involved noted a 60% reduction in stress and burnout levels, correlating with decreased cortisol responses. This innovative approach not only aids psychiatric diagnosis but also addresses comorbid conditions, offering a holistic avenue for better healthcare outcomes in both patients and providers.
Abstract
KAT may provide meaningful benefits beyond symptom reduction.
Emerging Viral Infections (ZIKV, SARS-CoV-2, and MPXV) and Depression: Ketamine and (S, R)-Ketamine as Promising Antidepressants.
Reviews in medical virology – May 01, 2025
Summary
Recent viral outbreaks have revealed an unexpected link: emerging viruses can trigger depression through brain inflammation. New research shows that ketamine and S-ketamine may offer rapid relief for virus-linked depression, working differently from traditional antidepressants. These medications show promise in treating mood disorders caused by viral infections, acting quickly to restore brain chemistry and reduce inflammation.
Abstract
Emerging viral pathogens, newly reported or rapidly evolving viruses, are a significant public health concern worldwide. Beyond their characteristi...
Factors for predicting response to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine in patients with treatment-resistant depression: a systematic review.
International journal of psychiatry in clinical practice – February 07, 2026
Summary
Predicting success for severe depression treatments like ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation), and ketamine is crucial. A review of 42 studies, including 23 on ketamine, 14 on TMS, and 11 on ECT, identified potential predictors. Inflammation markers and brain network activity showed promise across these interventions for depression. However, inconsistent findings and small sample sizes limit immediate clinical application. Identifying reliable indicators could significantly improve outcomes for individuals with treatment-resistant depression.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) remains a complex challenge, often requiring interventions beyond standard medications. This review explores f...
Factors for predicting response to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine in patients with treatment-resistant depression: a systematic review
Figshare – January 01, 2026
Summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and ketamine treatments show promise for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), yet predicting patient responses remains challenging. Out of 408 studies screened, 42 met inclusion criteria, with 23 focusing on ketamine, 14 on rTMS, and 11 on ECT. Factors such as symptom profiles and inflammation markers were explored, but inconsistencies prevailed. Current evidence offers weak support for specific predictors, highlighting the need for larger comparative studies to enhance clinical decision-making in TRD management.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) remains a complex challenge, often requiring interventions beyond standard medications. This review explores f...
The impact of perioperative ketamine or esketamine on the subjective quality of recovery after surgery: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
British journal of anaesthesia – June 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine and its variant esketamine show promising results in improving patient recovery after surgery, particularly in the crucial first 48 hours. These medications, when given during anaesthesia, boost overall quality of recovery scores while reducing pain, anxiety, and depression. Analysis of 1,554 patients revealed better emotional well-being and comfort without increasing side effects. The benefits were most pronounced with esketamine, which helped patients feel better sooner and experience less post-surgical discomfort.
Abstract
This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of ketamine/esketamine on postoperative subjective quality of recovery (QoR). MEDLINE, Embase, Coch...
Ketamine Cystitis in a Female Patient on Short-term Ketamine Therapy for Treatment Resistant Depression: Case Report (Preprint)
CrossRef
Summary
A 28-year-old woman developed severe bladder pain after receiving ketamine for treatment-resistant depression, marking the first reported case of ketamine-induced cystitis at therapeutic doses. While ketamine provided an excellent antidepressant response, with symptoms resolving within three weeks of stopping, over 25% of recreational users experience this complication. Clinicians should monitor for urinary symptoms in patients using ketamine for depression, despite its up to 71% positive response rate for treatment-resistant cases.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ketamine has been shown to be a novel and exciting antidepressant medication in patients with treatment-resistant depression. A complica...
Ketamine Cystitis Following Ketamine Therapy for Treatment Resistant Depression – Case Report
BJPsych Open – June 01, 2025
Summary
A 28-year-old woman developed severe bladder inflammation (ketamine-induced cystitis) while receiving therapeutic ketamine for depression, the first reported case in this context. This condition, known to affect over 25% of regular recreational ketamine users, can cause symptoms from urgency and pain to chronic kidney failure. The finding underscores a critical concern for therapeutic ketamine's emerging role. Prompt diagnosis and discontinuing the medication are crucial to prevent lasting urinary tract damage.
Abstract
Aims: Ketamine is a novel and exciting putative antidepressant medication for patients with treatment-resistant depression. A complication commonly...
Dysfunction in Cardiovascular Autonomic Modulation Caused by Chronic Use of Ketamine Hydrochloride Can Be Prevented by Aerobic Exercise Training in Wistar Rats.
Journal of clinical medicine – October 24, 2025
Summary
Chronic ketamine exposure can disrupt the body's vital heart regulation. Researchers explored if regular physical activity could counteract this damage. Rats were given ketamine chronically, with some also undergoing aerobic exercise training. Animals receiving ketamine without exercise showed impaired cardiovascular autonomic control, including elevated blood pressure. Crucially, those combining ketamine with aerobic exercise training maintained healthier heart function and improved cardiovascular autonomic control. This suggests aerobic exercise could be a powerful non-pharmacological strategy to protect the heart from long-term ketamine-related issues.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Ketamine, widely used for its anesthetic and analgesic properties, has been linked to cardiotoxic effects, particularly with...
Ketamine psychotherapy for heroin addiction: immediate effects and two-year follow-up.
Journal of substance abuse treatment – December 01, 2002
Summary
A powerful insight into addiction treatment reveals that psychotherapy paired with a specific high dose of ketamine dramatically boosts long-term recovery. Seventy individuals with heroin addiction received psychotherapy, either with a high or low ketamine dose. Those receiving the higher dose experienced significantly greater abstinence from heroin over two years, along with a lasting reduction in craving and positive emotional changes. This highlights the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy for lasting success.
Abstract
Seventy detoxified heroin-addicted patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving ketamine psychotherapy (KPT) involving two differ...
Repeated administration of a subanesthetic dose of ketamine results in impaired motor and cognitive behavior and differential expression of hippocampal P2X1 and P2X7 receptors in adult mice.
Behavioural brain research – March 28, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's effects on the brain vary dramatically with age, revealing surprising differences in how young and adult mice respond to repeated exposure. Adult mice showed significant impairment in nest-building behavior and memory tasks, while younger mice remained largely unaffected. The hippocampus, crucial for memory, displayed opposite patterns in protein expression between age groups, with adult mice showing increased P2X1 and decreased P2X7 levels - potentially explaining their greater vulnerability to ketamine's effects.
Abstract
Ketamine hydrochloride serves multiple purposes, including its use as a general anesthetic, treatment for depression, and recreational drug. In stu...
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The effect of low dose intra-articular S(+) ketamine on osteoarthritis in rats: an experimental study.
Brazilian journal of anesthesiology (Elsevier) – January 01, 2024
Summary
A promising breakthrough in pain management shows that targeted ketamine treatment can significantly reduce joint pain without systemic effects. Using animal models, researchers found that small doses of S(+)-Ketamine directly injected into joints affected by osteoarthritis improved mobility and reduced pain sensitivity. While the treatment didn't reduce synovial membrane inflammation, it helped restore normal walking patterns and grip strength in treated subjects.
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the analgesic impact of S(+)-ketamine on pain behavior and synovial inflammation in an osteoarthritis (OA) model. A...
Features of biliary tract diseases in ketamine abusers: a systematic review of case reports.
Journal of medical case reports – March 03, 2024
Summary
Long-term ketamine abuse can severely impact the body's bile duct system, with most cases occurring in young adults. A review of medical records reveals that ketamine-related biliary tract disease typically presents with severe abdominal pain and nausea. Two-thirds of affected patients were male, averaging 26 years old. While substance abuse patterns varied, most patients showed significant improvement after stopping ketamine use and receiving proper medical care.
Abstract
Anesthesiologists prefer ketamine for certain surgeries due to its effectiveness as a non-competitive inhibitor of the N-methyl-D-aspartate recepto...
Rising incidence of recreational ketamine use: Clinical cases and management in emergency settings.
Toxicology reports – June 01, 2025
Summary
Emergency medicine data reveals a surge in ketamine-related incidents, particularly among young clubgoers. When mixed with alcohol or other drugs, this party drug can cause dangerous intoxication symptoms including hallucinations and heart problems. Regular use risks serious bladder damage. While current toxicological screening often misses ketamine, adding it to standard tests would help doctors better treat affected patients.
Abstract
The recreational use of ketamine has risen significantly in the Netherlands, particularly among young adults in nightlife settings. This trend has ...
Increased recreational ketamine use and subsequent outbreak of urological complications in The Netherlands.
Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.) – June 17, 2025
Summary
The number of patients with severe urological disease linked to recreational ketamine use in the Netherlands jumped from zero to 137 in just six years, according to data from poison centers and clinics. This alarming rise in complications from the arylcyclohexylamine class of designer drugs, including ketamine, stems from extensive use, often by young males. It underscores a critical public health issue, highlighting the urgent need for awareness regarding these recreational drugs to mitigate such severe outcomes.
Abstract
Recreational ketamine use has increased in the last decades with incidental reports of urological complications. This study aimed to explore trends...
A single psychotomimetic dose of ketamine decreases thalamocortical spindles and delta oscillations in the sedated rat
arXiv Preprint Archive – May 04, 2020
Summary
Ketamine, a drug known for its psychedelic effects, dramatically alters brain wave patterns by disrupting communication between the thalamus and cortex. Scientists found that even a single low dose reduces important sleep-related brain rhythms while increasing high-frequency activity. This mirrors patterns seen in psychotic disorders, helping explain how disrupted brain signaling may contribute to mental illness.
Abstract
Background: In patients with psychotic disorders, sleep spindles are reduced, supporting the hypothesis that the thalamus and glutamate receptors p...
Opioids Diminish the Placebo Antidepressant Response: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Ketamine Trial.
medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences – November 02, 2024
Summary
Regular opioid use may block the power of placebo effects in treating depression, according to fascinating new findings. While non-opioid users showed significant improvement from placebo treatments, those taking opioids experienced less benefit. However, ketamine's antidepressant effects remained strong regardless of opioid use, suggesting it works through different pathways than traditional antidepressants and placebos.
Abstract
The endogenous opioid system is thought to play a role in the placebo antidepressant response. A recent trial comparing the rapid antidepressant ef...
Divergent Effects of Ketamine and the Serotoninergic Psychedelic 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-Iodoamphetamine on Hippocampal Plasticity and Metaplasticity.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – September 01, 2024
Summary
While ketamine and psychedelics both help treat mental health conditions, their effects on brain plasticity differ significantly. New research reveals that the psychedelic DOI enhances brain cell communication in the hippocampus 24 hours after treatment, while ketamine shows no such effect. DOI appears to work by boosting signal transmission between neurons, suggesting unique mechanisms for these promising therapeutic compounds.
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics and ketamine produce rapid and long-lasting symptomatic relief in multiple psychiatric disorders. Evidence suggests that ...
Neuron-Derived Extracellular Vesicles miRNA Profiles Identify Children Who Experience Adverse Events after Ketamine Administration for Procedural Sedation.
Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics – January 01, 2025
Summary
Scientists have discovered specific molecular markers that can predict which children may experience side effects from ketamine sedation. By analyzing tiny genetic molecules in blood samples from 50 children, researchers identified three key markers that accurately predict adverse reactions like vomiting and agitation. These findings could help doctors better prepare for and potentially prevent uncomfortable side effects, making medical procedures safer and more comfortable for young patients.
Abstract
Ketamine provides the highest safety profile among sedatives for procedural sedation and analgesia in the pediatric emergency setting. However, it ...
Butorphanol or a Combination of Ketamine and Xylazine Do Not Interfere With Arrhythmogenic Parameters in Agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) Obtained Through High-Resolution Electrocardiogram.
Journal of experimental zoology. Part A, Ecological and integrative physiology – July 01, 2025
Summary
Wild animals like agoutis are helping advance cardiac medicine! New findings show these medium-sized rodents maintain stable heart rhythms under common veterinary sedatives. Researchers monitored detailed cardiac physiology in eight agoutis using high-resolution heart monitoring, comparing their responses when awake versus sedated. The results confirm these sedatives are safe, causing only minimal changes to heart patterns and blood pressure.
Abstract
Agoutis is a medium-sized wild rodent with potential for use as an experimental model. This study aimed to evaluate physiological parameters of arr...
Improvement in depressive symptoms in a patient with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa and comorbid major depressive disorder using psychotherapy-assisted IV ketamine : a case report.
Journal of eating disorders – June 12, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking treatment combining ketamine and psychotherapy showed remarkable success in helping a patient with severe anorexia nervosa and treatment-resistant depression. The 33-year-old woman, who hadn't responded to conventional treatments, received seven sessions of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. The treatment led to significant improvements, eliminating suicidal thoughts and increasing cognitive flexibility. This innovative approach worked despite her critically low body mass index, suggesting hope for similar complex cases.
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa is a life-threatening psychiatric illness with a high mortality rate and limited treatment options. This illness is frequently com...
Ketamine Cystitis in a Female Patient Ketamine Therapy for Treatment Resistant Depression – Case Report
CrossRef
Summary
A significant safety concern has emerged for therapeutic ketamine, a promising antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression. While ulcerative cystitis, causing painful urinary symptoms and kidney damage, affects over 25% of recreational users, it was previously unreported in medical settings. The first documented case now links therapeutic ketamine use to this severe condition. A 28-year-old woman developed confirmed cystitis symptoms after starting ketamine for depression. This highlights a crucial safety consideration, emphasizing that early detection and stopping treatment are vital to prevent further harm.
Abstract
Abstract Ketamine has been shown to be a novel and exciting antidepressant medication in patients with treatment-resistant depression. A complicati...
Ketamine cystitis following ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression – case report
BMC Psychiatry – January 02, 2024
Summary
Ketamine, used therapeutically for depression, can cause ulcerative cystitis (KIC), a condition previously linked only to recreational use. A 28-year-old woman developed KIC symptoms after starting ketamine treatment, confirmed by urine analysis. This marks the first documented instance of KIC in a patient receiving therapeutic-dose ketamine, a complication seen in over 25% of recreational users. This discovery highlights a crucial consideration for patients and clinicians using this emerging antidepressant.
Abstract
Abstract Background Ketamine is a novel and exciting putative antidepressant medication for patients with treatment-resistant depression. A complic...
Analgesic and Hemodynamic Effects of Dexmedetomidine-Ketamine vs Fentanyl-Ketamine in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized Trial.
Journal of pain research – January 01, 2025
Summary
Pain management breakthrough: Combining ketamine with either dexmedetomidine or fentanyl provides effective pain relief. Both combinations increased pain tolerance by 30-50%, but showed different side effects. While dexmedetomidine caused more pronounced sedation and blood pressure drops, fentanyl led to mild nausea. Neither caused dangerous breathing problems, offering promising options for customized pain control.
Abstract
Dexmedetomidine is an α2-agonist sedative with opioid-sparing properties, is limited by dose-dependent hypotension and bradycardia. Ketamine, an NM...
Personalized use of ketamine and esketamine for treatment-resistant depression.
Translational psychiatry – November 29, 2024
Summary
Depression treatment breakthroughs now include ketamine and its variant esketamine, offering hope for patients who don't respond to standard treatments. These medications work rapidly, with some patients showing improvement within hours. Family history of alcohol use and childhood trauma may predict better responses. Brain activity changes, particularly in frontoparietal regions, can indicate treatment success.
Abstract
A large and disproportionate portion of the burden associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) is due to treatment-resistant depression (TRD). ...
Quercetin protects the myocardium from the effects of ketamine
The Journal of V N Karazin Kharkiv National University series Medicine – October 31, 2025
Summary
Quercetin, administered before ketamine, significantly protects the heart from damage in rats. In a study involving 24 male rats, quercetin reduced harmful substances like peroxynitrite by 44% and superoxide production by 53%. It also decreased nitric oxide synthase activity by 48% and increased antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase activity by 13%. These findings suggest that quercetin enhances the heart's defense against oxidative stress during ketamine treatment, potentially preventing cardiotoxic effects associated with this common anesthetic used in both human and veterinary medicine.
Abstract
Background. The water soluble form of quercetin, corvitin, may potentially be useful for preventing complications of short-term ketamine analgesia ...
Abdominal Pain and Dysuria Secondary to Chronic Recreational Ketamine Use: A Case Report on K-cramps.
Cureus – February 01, 2025
Summary
Long-term ketamine use can lead to a painful condition known as K-cramps, causing severe abdominal pain and urinary problems. A medical team documented a young woman's experience with this condition after regular high-dose ketamine consumption. Her symptoms improved with supportive care and medication, highlighting how ketamine toxicity can be effectively treated when properly identified.
Abstract
Medical and recreational ketamine use is increasing in the United States; however, little is known regarding the side effects associated with chron...
Ketamine Induced Acute Systolic Heart Failure.
European journal of case reports in internal medicine – January 01, 2024
Summary
Long-term ketamine misuse can trigger severe heart complications, as revealed in a striking case of a 28-year-old woman. After 14 years of regular ketamine use, she developed systolic heart failure with severe symptoms. Following proper medical treatment and cessation of ketamine use, her heart function improved dramatically - from 15% to 54% efficiency within four months. This highlights how ketamine-induced heart problems can be reversed with timely intervention.
Abstract
Studies have shown major cardiovascular effects associated with ketamine use disorder including dose-dependent negative inotropic effects. Preopera...
Ketamine/Midazolam versus Fentanyl/Midazolam Sedation for Interventional Radiology Procedures: A Prospective Registry.
Journal of vascular and interventional radiology : JVIR – June 01, 2025
Summary
Breakthrough in pain management: A new sedation combination using ketamine with midazolam proves more effective than traditional fentanyl-based approaches for medical procedures. The alternative method showed significantly lower pain levels during and after interventions, without increasing procedure time or side effects. Healthcare staff strongly endorsed the new approach, with 82% saying they'd choose it for themselves.
Abstract
To assess whether sedation with ketamine/midazolam was more effective than fentanyl/midazolam at reducing periprocedural pain scores for interventi...
To use or not to use: an update on licit and illicit ketamine use
Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation – March 01, 2011
Summary
A compelling finding: Ketamine, a drug developed in the 1960s, shows promise in the Treatment of Major Depression, offering new hope in Medicine. Its pharmacology, however, also presents significant risks. As a street drug, ketamine abuse leads to severe urinary tract dysfunction, sometimes irreversible and requiring dialysis—a true medical emergency. Hallucinogenic effects and mind-body dissociation are also notable. Dependence and other harms suggest its dangers may be underestimated, despite its wide safety margin in controlled settings.
Abstract
Ketamine, a derivative of phencyclidine that was developed in the 1960s, is an anesthetic and analgesic with hallucinogenic effects. In this paper,...
Repeated 7-day exposure to ketamine induces anxiety-like behaviors and neuronal apoptosis in mice via DRD1-medicated inhibition of Akt/Gsk-3β phosphorylation.
Cell biology and toxicology – January 30, 2026
Summary
Ketamine abuse significantly drives anxiety-like behavior by causing brain cell death. Seven days of exposure to ketamine in mice induced marked anxiety-like behavior and cognitive dysfunction. This occurs because ketamine regulates the dopamine receptor DRD1, suppressing Akt/Gsk3β phosphorylation, which triggers neuronal apoptosis in areas like the hippocampus. Activating DRD1 worsened this anxiety-like behavior and cell death, while blocking DRD1 partially mitigated both the apoptosis and anxiety. Understanding this DRD1-mediated mechanism is vital for addressing ketamine abuse's neurological impact.
Abstract
Repeated exposure to ketamine leads to mental behavioral disorders and cognitive deficits in mice. As a neurotransmitter receptor, dopamine recepto...
Cortical high-frequency oscillations (≈ 110 Hz) in cats are state-dependent and enhanced by a subanesthetic dose of ketamine.
Behavioural brain research – January 05, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, a powerful psychedelic and anesthetic drug, dramatically affects brain wave patterns in unexpected ways. Scientists found that low doses boost ultra-fast brain oscillations (HFO) during wakefulness, particularly when breathing in. These enhanced brain waves flow from smell-processing regions to decision-making areas, suggesting how ketamine might influence cognition and consciousness.
Abstract
Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that has antidepressant and anesthetic properties. At subanesthetic doses, ketamine induces transient psych...
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Hippocampal subfield differences in people with and without recreational ketamine use: Insights from multi-modal neuroimaging.
Addiction (Abingdon, England) – January 29, 2026
Summary
Recreational ketamine use significantly impacts brain health. Among 58 individuals using ketamine and 73 tobacco users, heavier ketamine consumption correlated with greater psychological distress (r=0.343), anxiety (r=0.457), and hostility (r=0.442). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed reduced left hippocampus volume (η2=0.03), particularly in a specific hippocampal region (η2=0.08). Functional neuroimaging also showed altered connectivity, correlating with N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor distributions (z=0.30). These changes accompany working memory impairments (η2=0.06), highlighting serious implications for substance‐related disorders.
Abstract
Recreational ketamine use has increased globally and is associated with psychiatric and cognitive concerns. The hippocampus in preclinical models s...
Entactogen Effects of Ketamine: A Reverse-Translational Study.
The American journal of psychiatry – September 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine, a breakthrough antidepressant, shows remarkable potential in enhancing social connection and empathy. Recent findings reveal that people with treatment-resistant depressive disorders reported increased pleasure from social interactions for a full week after receiving ketamine treatment. Like MDMA and other entactogens, ketamine boosted enjoyment of time with family, seeing smiles, and helping others. Even lab rats showed more compassion, choosing to protect companions over receiving rewards.
Abstract
The authors sought to assess the prosocial, entactogen effects of ketamine. Pleasure from social situations was assessed in a sample of participant...
Ketamine modulates disrupted in schizophrenia-1/glycogen synthase kinase-3β interaction.
Frontiers in molecular neuroscience – January 01, 2024
Summary
The anesthetic ketamine can disrupt crucial brain proteins, but lithium may help protect against its effects. New research reveals how ketamine reduces levels of DISC1, a key protein for brain development and mental health. When DISC1 decreases, it impairs its partnership with GSK-3β, leading to shorter nerve cell connections. Importantly, lithium treatment prevented these negative effects, suggesting a potential protective approach.
Abstract
Disrupted in schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) is a scaffolding protein whose mutated form has been linked to schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorders, and...
Ketamine reduces the neural distinction between self- and other-produced affective touch: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – October 01, 2024
Summary
Our ability to distinguish self-touch from others' touch is key to our sense of self. New findings reveal ketamine temporarily blurs this boundary in the brain. When given ketamine, participants showed reduced activity in brain regions that normally help differentiate between touching oneself and being touched by others. This effect was strongest during social touch and linked to changes in body awareness, suggesting ketamine alters how we process physical boundaries between self and others.
Abstract
A coherent sense of self is crucial for social functioning and mental health. The N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist ketamine induces short-term disso...
Network localization of functional brain changes associated with ketamine's therapeutic effects in depression.
Biological psychiatry – June 13, 2025
Summary
How does ketamine rapidly lift depression? A key insight reveals its therapeutic effects stem from changes within a specific brain network. By analyzing numerous brain imaging studies, researchers mapped how ketamine alters functional connectivity. This robust brain network, crucial for mood, consistently involves regions like the subgenual cingulate cortex. These findings offer a clearer understanding of ketamine's unique power in treating depression.
Abstract
Although numerous studies have attempted to identify the functional pathways underlying the rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine, their finding...