1731 results for "Ketamine"
Total Recall: Lateral Habenula and Psychedelics in the Study of Depression and Comorbid Brain Disorders
International Journal of Molecular Sciences – September 07, 2020
Summary
Promising early neuroscience results are emerging for treating depression, which impacts millions globally. Clinical trials using Psilocybin and deep brain stimulation targeting the Habenula show potential. These interventions, central to Psychiatry and Medicine, modulate serotonergic systems, influencing neurotransmitter receptor behavior. Advanced neuroimaging is crucial to understand these psychedelic-induced changes at a molecular level, alongside exploring chemical synthesis and alkaloids. This integrated approach in Psychology aims to refine treatments, offering hope for a significant impact on depression's economic burden.
Abstract
Depression impacts the lives and daily activities of millions globally. Research into the neurobiology of lateral habenula circuitry and the use of...
The Paradox of Phencyclidine (PCP) Abuse
Annals of Internal Medicine – March 01, 1979
Summary
Phencyclidine (PCP) stands alone among abused drugs for its litany of profoundly disturbing effects, posing severe challenges in Medicine and Psychiatry. Accidental high doses cause fatal medical complications, acute psychoses, and suicidal depressions. Chronic use leads to aggression, memory loss, and dependence. Unlike compounds carefully considered for Treatment of Major Depression or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, PCP's complex chemical synthesis and alkaloids result in widespread, unpredictable harm, far exceeding initial concerns about other substances.
Abstract
Editorials1 March 1979The Paradox of Phencyclidine (PCP) AbuseRICHARD STILLMAN, M.D., ROBERT C. PETERSEN, PH.D.RICHARD STILLMAN, M.D.Search for mor...
Psychedelics and Psychotherapy: Is the Whole Greater than the Sum of its Parts?
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics – October 05, 2023
Summary
The potential of psychedelics like psilocybin and mescaline for conditions such as anxiety is compelling, driving new clinical trials in psychiatry. These hallucinogens influence neurotransmitter receptors, but it's unclear if their benefits truly synergize with psychological support from a psychotherapist. Rigorous 2x2 factorial clinical trials are crucial. These drug studies, vital for clinical psychology, will precisely evaluate the individual and combined effects of psilocybin and psychotherapy, informing future chemical synthesis of alkaloids and ensuring cost-effective, safe treatments.
Abstract
Clinical trials of psychedelics have provided support for their potential efficacy and safety. Although most combined a psychedelic with psychologi...
Application of a Radioimmunoassay Screening Test for Detection and Management of Phencyclidine Intoxication
The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology – August 09, 1980
Summary
Violent, aggressive behavior and hallucinations in 11 patients signal severe PCP poisoning. A new biological test method accurately monitors PCP levels, crucial for public health. In five subjects, serum PCP concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 40 ng/ml. This diagnostic approach, a key part of pharmaceutical studies and practices, leverages drug metabolism principles: administering vitamin C and collecting specific urine samples significantly aids identification. Such biological evaluation improves medicine, guiding screening for PCP and related compounds in emergency room patients, especially those with psychosis and "pot" smoking history.
Abstract
A radioimmunoassay procedure has been developed to monitor patients suspected of phencyclidine (PCP) intoxication. Symptoms in 11 patients suspecte...
The Media Guide to Drugs: Key Facts and Figures for Journalists
Drugs and Alcohol Today – June 08, 2012
Summary
To combat misinformation impacting **Psychology** and **Sociology**, a new **key** media guide provides journalists with crucial facts on drugs, their effects, and specific UK usage figures. This resource aims to elevate reporting standards, vital for ethical **Public relations** and **Advertising**. It discusses responsible coverage, avoiding stigma, and informs on **Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes**, law, and prevention. Informed **Media studies** are paramount for accurate **Political science** discourse and sound **Business** communication strategies.
Abstract
DrugScope is very proud to present The media guide to drugs: key facts and figures for journalists. This new guide is intended to be a resource for...
Psychedelic drugs and the law: What’s next?
Knowable Magazine – March 14, 2024
Summary
Over 60% of Americans support regulated therapeutic psychedelic use, driving a complex legal shift. Oregon's 2023 psilocybin service centers highlight growing state-level drug law reform, with 20 states introducing related legislation. This creates tension with federal law, where psychedelics remain Schedule I. While 5.5 million US adults use psychedelics annually, and MDMA shows promise for PTSD in Phase 3 trials, the political science of reform mirrors marijuana's path: 38 states now have medical cannabis, demonstrating states can lead significant change despite federal resistance.
Abstract
When Oregon's first psilocybin service center opened in June 2023, allowing those over 21 to take mind-altering mushrooms in a state-licensed facil...
Is PTSD an Evolutionary Survival Adaptation Initiated by Unrestrained Cytokine Signaling and Maintained by Epigenetic Change?
Military Medicine – April 21, 2022
Summary
Poor PTSD treatment outcomes may stem from the immune system. A 6-year medical literature review suggests unrestrained cytokine signaling induces epigenetic changes, hardwiring a persistent defensive state. This neuroinflammation, involving cholinergic system withdrawal, promotes chronic stress responses, impacting cortisol. Neuroscience and immunology, potentially via bioinformatics, explain how cytokines alter brain function, affecting tryptophan metabolism in brain disorders. Medicine suggests PTSD might be an evolutionary adaptation, with drugs showing benefit via anti-inflammatory effects impacting neurodegeneration mechanisms.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction Treatment outcomes for PTSD with current psychological therapies are poor, with very few patients achieving sustained symptom...
A-118 Psychedelic Interventions for Neuropsychological Conditions
Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology – August 17, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics like MDMA and psilocybin show promise for neuropsychological conditions, beyond treating anxiety and other psychological conditions. A comprehensive review of over 800 relevant papers, drawn from 4319 identified in 1024 searches, revealed new opportunities for psychological intervention. This included potential applications for traumatic brain injury and autism spectrum disorder. While these psychedelic therapies are advancing through clinical trials in psychiatry and medicine, some contraindications exist for specific co-occurring psychological disorders, highlighting the evolving landscape of drug studies and their impact on clinical psychology.
Abstract
Abstract Objective: Psychedelic-assisted therapies are emerging as safe and effective treatments for some psychological conditions including depres...
Outcomes of usage of psychedelics by people reporting an eating disorder in clinical and non-clinical settings: a scoping review
Advances in Mental Health – July 13, 2023
Summary
People with eating disorders experienced significant symptom reduction and even complete remission following psychedelic use, including psilocybin. This review of six studies suggests a promising role for hallucinogens in clinical psychology and psychiatry. Participants reported profound spiritual healing, gaining insights into the psychological origins of their eating disorders, and reduced anxiety. While preliminary, these findings highlight the potential of psychedelics in medicine. Rigorous clinical trials are now essential to confirm efficacy for eating disorders, informing future drug studies and advancing our understanding of these compounds' influence on behavior.
Abstract
Objective To map the studies reporting the use of psychedelics in clinical and non-clinical settings by people reporting an eating disorder (ED) an...
Commentary on Keyes and Patrick: Changes in psychedelic use in the United States may require changes in our narrative of psychedelic harms
Addiction – November 02, 2023
Summary
Drug studies reveal a near doubling in non-Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) hallucinogen use among 19-30 year olds from 2018-2021. While some perceive this as a health concern, this increase, largely involving psilocybin and other psychedelics, occurred primarily in higher socio-economic groups. Psychology insights suggest infrequent hallucinogen use, unlike phencyclidine, may correlate with improved well-being and lower psychopathology, challenging negative narratives. Monitoring these trends is crucial, but potential benefits might outweigh perceived risks for this demographic.
Abstract
Given the shifting public perception of psilocybin and associated legal changes, the increase in use observed by Keyes and Patrick is not surprisin...
MDMA Therapy for PTSD: Inching Closer to—or Farther From—Approval?
The Senior Care Pharmacist – July 31, 2024
Summary
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is poised to revolutionize mental healthcare. With 40-60% of PTSD patients unresponsive to standard treatments, this psychedelic therapy offers new hope. The FDA recognized MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a breakthrough therapy in 2017, with potential approval as early as 2024. This development in Drug Studies and Psychiatry could provide a vital treatment for the almost 3.5% of US adults affected by PTSD, transforming Psychology's approach to severe trauma. Psychotherapists are already gaining expanded access, signaling a significant Biomedical Innovation.
Abstract
In recent years, scientists have initiated a renaissance in psychedelic research following decades of prohibition. Compounds such as ketamine, LSD,...
Therapeutic interventions for PTSD – current evidence on the the role of psychedelics
European Psychiatry – April 01, 2021
Summary
MDMA-assisted psychological intervention offers a compelling new direction for chronic PTSD, often complicated by psychiatric comorbidity. Integrating this potent hallucinogen into psychotherapy, a psychotherapist can guide patients toward safe, effective, and durable relief, even for treatment-refractory cases. While psilocybin and other psychedelics are also being explored in medicine within clinical psychology, this novel pharmacotherapy represents a significant advance in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, offering new hope.
Abstract
Introduction Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often a chronic condition, despite the existence of evidence-based treatment options. Psychot...
IS PSYCHEDELIC TREATMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS READY FOR PRIME TIME?
Journal of Pakistan Psychiatric Society – June 30, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics like Psilocybin and MDMA are transforming Psychiatry, offering hope for millions with mental health challenges. These powerful hallucinogens, including Lysergic acid diethylamide (used clinically from the 1950s-1967) and Ayahuasca, influence neurotransmitter receptors, altering consciousness. Clinical psychology and drug studies reveal their potential to disrupt pathological brain activity, promoting neuroplasticity. Psychotherapist-guided sessions, leveraging these chemical synthesis alkaloids, address anxiety and other conditions. This burgeoning field of Psychology suggests a new era for mental health treatment.
Abstract
Psychedelics, substances known to alter perception, mood, and consciousness, have been used across various cultures for centuries, often in religio...
Neuroplasticity and Psychedelics: a comprehensive examination of classic and non-classic compounds in pre and clinical models
arXiv (Cornell University) – November 29, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics demonstrate remarkable potential for rapid, lasting treatment of neuropsychiatric conditions. Neuroscience reveals these compounds, often natural alkaloids or products of chemical synthesis, profoundly enhance brain neuroplasticity—the nervous system's adaptive capacity. Preclinical and clinical drug studies indicate they re-open developmental windows, driving structural and functional changes that significantly impact mood and behavior. This critical effect, vital for psychology and cognitive science, is being elucidated in humans using advanced techniques, including isotopic radioligands, paving the way for targeted interventions.
Abstract
Neuroplasticity, the ability of the nervous system to adapt throughout an organism's lifespan, offers potential as both a biomarker and treatment t...
577. CLINICAL EVIDENCE AND APPLICATIONS OF PSYCHEDELICS FOR MENTAL ILLNESSES
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – August 01, 2025
Summary
Australia's regulatory approval for psilocybin in treatment-resistant depression signals a major Psychiatry breakthrough. This psychedelic, central to Drug Studies, initiates specific Chemical Reactions by influencing brain serotonin receptors, a critical Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior. Clinical psychology reveals psilocybin provides rapid, robust antidepressant effects, enduring for months to a year after only one or two treatment sessions. Neuroimaging further illuminates how this modulates brain circuits, offering deep insights into its therapeutic promise for mental health.
Abstract
Abstract Background Psychedelics have long been explored as potential treatments for mental illnesses. Since the mid-20th century, clinical trials ...
Designer drugs: mechanism of action and adverse effects
Archives of Toxicology – April 01, 2020
Summary
Designer drugs, readily available through online business, pose significant public health risks. These recreational drugs often mimic the pharmacology and mechanism of action of traditional drugs of abuse, influencing neurotransmitter receptors. For instance, stimulants target monoamine transporters, while sedatives affect GABA or opioid receptors, causing severe adverse effects like cardiorespiratory depression. The chemistry of these novel substances means they frequently evade routine Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis. Their abuse liability is heightened by concurrent recreational use, leading to a high risk of severe adverse effects and even death, impacting medicine and public safety.
Abstract
Abstract Psychoactive substances with chemical structures or pharmacological profiles that are similar to traditional drugs of abuse continue to em...
Novel treatment options in depression and psychosis
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment – March 01, 2018
Summary
Though current psychiatric medicine for severe mental disorders is suboptimal, new treatments offer significant promise. For Major Depression, augmenting with atypical antipsychotics like Aripiprazole is a promising option. Schizophrenia research and treatment sees two new long-acting antipsychotic injections, including a 3-month formulation, introduced. Optimizing care, crucial as in intensive care medicine, involves therapeutic drug monitoring and neuromodulation. Nutraceuticals, potentially influencing Tryptophan pathways in brain disorders, also show utility. New antipsychotics, such as Lurasidone, and other novel compounds are continuously explored.
Abstract
Eva Ceskova, Petr Silhan Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic Abstract: In spite of tremendous developmen...
Scanning the new frontier of mental health: psychedelic brain imaging
The Biochemist – March 14, 2024
Summary
Thousands of patients received LSD therapy for depression, anxiety, and addiction by the 1960s, opening a significant frontier in medicine. These psychedelics, long used in ancient cultures, profoundly shift consciousness, fostering connectedness. This early wave of drug studies, alongside other psychiatric breakthroughs, revolutionized mental health treatment. Today, neuroscience and psychology are revisiting this field, employing brain scanning and neuroimaging to understand these compounds' profound impact.
Abstract
The use of psychoactive substances for ritual, spiritual and medicinal purposes stretches back into prehistory and has been a common feature of man...
Mind the Psychedelic Hype: Characterizing the Risks and Benefits of Psychedelics for Depression
Psychoactives – April 16, 2024
Summary
Misinformation often overstates the unique therapeutic benefits of psychedelics like psilocybin for mood disorders. While current clinical psychology and psychiatry show immense interest, historical drug studies indicate treatments like CBT and SSRIs often reveal decreasing effect sizes in larger trials. Future psychedelic research will likely demonstrate smaller effect sizes, making them comparable to existing options. Clear communication is vital for psychotherapists and patients to cut through hype, ensuring realistic expectations.
Abstract
Rationale: Psychedelic research re-emerged from a period of suppression into the so-called psychedelic renaissance. In parallel, most media reporti...
Psychedelics are Bringing a new wind to the Pharmacopoeia
Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery – February 27, 2025
Summary
A compelling shift is underway: several hundred clinical trials globally are now exploring psychedelics for mental health restoration. Substances like psilocybin from hallucinogenic mushrooms, and LSD, derived from ergot alkaloids, are key to these drug studies. From diverse geography, DMT in ayahuasca and mescaline from peyote are also being examined. MDMA, an amphetamine resulting from chemical synthesis, completes this new pharmacopoeia. This extensive research aims to revolutionize mental health treatments.
Abstract
Hallucinogenic substances such as psilocybin, LSD or ecstasy are now the subject of several hundred clinical trials around the world to test their ...
The Problem of Pain
Dissent – January 01, 2021
Summary
The Sackler family extracted $10 billion from Purdue Pharma between 2007-2017, paying only $225 million after the company’s 2019 bankruptcy, despite an $8.3 billion penalty. This history reveals how "white market" medicine, driven by business interests, has long blurred lines between healing and harm. Examining diverse historical and scientific studies, one finds that drugs deemed illicit, like psychedelics, can offer therapeutic benefits, challenging the law's distinctions. Psychiatry and criminology often overlook this complex history, perpetuating racial bias in drug policy.
Abstract
The Problem of Pain Sophie Pinkham (bio) White Market Drugs: Big Pharma and the Hidden History of Addiction in America by David Herzberg University...
Mystical experience occasioned by non-medicinal embodied therapy And integration process for mental well-Being
OpenAlex – December 22, 2022
Summary
Over half of participants (51%) in an embodied cognition program reported strong mystical experiences, mirroring effects seen with hallucinogens like Psilocybin. An additional 31% experienced moderate effects. This exploratory research involved 56 individuals undergoing a Body Logic Program, designed to integrate body and mind. Such findings in psychology and psychiatry suggest new avenues for mental health support, potentially offering psychotherapists novel medicine approaches without traditional psychedelics. This could be significant for mental health and psychiatry, especially in body image and dysmorphia studies, as an alternative to drug studies.
Abstract
Expansion of psychoactive hallucinogens in mental health continues to be a major trend. Several psychoactive molecules including psilocybin and MDM...
Psychedelics: The New Kid on the Block
Annals of Indian Psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Remarkably, 80% of 51 cancer patients maintained significant reductions in depression and anxiety six months after high-dose psilocybin. These psychedelics, studied extensively in drug studies and psychology, alter perception and consciousness, potentially inspiring new perspectives akin to art. Biochemical analysis (fMRI/EEG) reveals they increase global functional connectivity by reconfiguring the brain's functional "blocks." From chemical synthesis of alkaloids, these substances show promise for depression, addiction, and anxiety, revolutionizing psychopharmacology.
Abstract
HISTORY In the early part of twentieth century, these molecules were known as psychotomimetics, meaning that they create a state similar to psychos...
Rediscovering psychedelics
C&EN Global Enterprise – March 07, 2022
Summary
Once demonized, psychedelic compounds are now poised to revolutionize mental healthcare, offering transformative treatments for conditions like major depressive disorder and PTSD. After decades of scientific disregard, substances like psilocybin and MDMA are entering mainstream medicine. Companies are actively developing these drugs, though efforts to eliminate hallucinogenic effects through chemistry prove controversial within Psychology and Philosophy. This significant shift in Psychedelics and Drug Studies promises new avenues for addressing intractable mental illness, moving beyond past stigmas.
Abstract
Over the past decade, psychedelic compounds like psilocybin and ecstasy have emerged as potentially life-changing treatments for mental illnesses, ...
Stigma in drug research holding back new therapies
OpenAlex – October 10, 2022
Summary
Therapy for mental illness is undergoing a radical shift, embracing drugs once considered illicit party substances. Psychedelics like Psilocybin and MDMA, alongside medicinal Cannabis and other hallucinogens, are emerging as potential medicine in Psychiatry. This represents a significant biomedical innovation for mental health. Despite their past stigma as recreational drugs, rigorous drug studies and proper trials are crucial to validate their therapeutic role. Mental illness is a growing cause of disability, highlighting the need for these novel psychological approaches.
Abstract
Therapy is turning to drugs previously known for being illicit party substances. But there’s no reason to abandon proper trials. A range of new the...
Plant Medicine Healing! Discovering the Roots of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Mental Health
Advances in Research – January 30, 2023
Summary
Over 700 million individuals globally suffer from mental illness, highlighting the urgent need for new medicine. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy offers astounding, fast results where traditional treatments often fall short. Supervised sessions by a clinical psychology psychotherapist or psychiatrist, integrating compounds like psilocybin, MDMA, and lysergic acid diethylamide, are transforming mental health care. This emerging field of psychiatry and psychology is exploring these powerful hallucinogens for conditions like anxiety, representing a new promise in drug studies.
Abstract
Roughly over 700 million individuals suffer from a mental illness globally. In the United States alone, over 45 million individuals are afflicted w...
Esketamine Enhances the Chemosensitivity of Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells to 5-Fluorouracil via AMPK/mTOR/HMMR Signaling Pathway.
Oncology research – January 01, 2026
Summary
Esketamine significantly boosts the effectiveness of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy against colorectal adenocarcinoma. Combination therapy synergistically inhibited tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while inducing apoptosis. This enhanced chemosensitivity occurs by activating the AMPK/mTOR/HMMR pathway. Esketamine potentiates 5-FU's action, suppressing tumor progression and metastatic potential. This positions Esketamine as a promising adjunctive treatment, offering enhanced cancer fighting alongside its known benefits for pain and depression.
Abstract
The efficacy of standard 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy for colorectal cancer is limited by drug resistance and adverse effects, prompting rese...
Pharmacological interventions for alcohol use disorder: novel insights from recent clinical trials.
Expert review of clinical pharmacology – February 03, 2026
Summary
27.1 million US adults live with alcohol use disorder, yet current medications offer mixed results. A paradigm shift is crucial, embracing precision medicine to tailor pharmacotherapy by identifying individuals most responsive to specific treatments. New pharmacological agents are also emerging, including glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, classic psychedelics, and immune modulators. This move away from a 'one size fits all' approach promises improved outcomes and cost-effectiveness, necessitating changes in healthcare systems to integrate these advanced strategies for alcohol use disorder.
Abstract
27.1 million adults in the United States have alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, current medications for AUD have mixed efficacy. As such, a shif...
Chemsex Practice Among PrEP Users in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
AIDS and behavior – January 27, 2026
Summary
Engaging in Chemsex, the intentional use of substances to enhance sexual activity, significantly increases the risk of STIs among Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users. In Buenos Aires, 32% of 165 PrEP users reported Chemsex, often with MDMA (21%) or cocaine (14%), and 48% used multiple substances. Those engaging in Chemsex had 3.67 times higher odds of a recent STI diagnosis. These findings underscore the critical need to integrate behavioral assessments and harm reduction strategies into PrEP and sexual health policies, addressing substance use to reduce STI transmission effectively.
Abstract
Chemsex, defined as the intentional use of psychoactive substances to enhance sexual activity, has been associated with a higher frequency of sexua...
Beyond first-line antidepressants: lithium, quetiapine, or esketamine? Integrating meta-analyses and preliminary head-to-head evidence.
The world journal of biological psychiatry : the official journal of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry – January 22, 2026
Summary
Esketamine may offer superior outcomes for Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) compared to traditional options. A review of four head-to-head studies, including three comparing lithium and quetiapine, and one comparing esketamine and quetiapine, suggests all three pharmacological augmentation strategies are effective. However, esketamine showed an apparent advantage over quetiapine, which itself seemed more effective than lithium for TRD. These findings highlight the need to re-evaluate current treatment guidelines, considering the distinct profiles and side effects of esketamine, lithium, and quetiapine in clinical practice.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) poses a major challenge in research and clinical practice. Various guidelines recommend different pharmacologi...
Festivals following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions: Prevalence of new psychoactive substances and illicit drugs.
Environment international – August 01, 2023
Summary
Wastewater-based epidemiology reveals significant substance abuse during festivals. Analysis of samples from a Spanish city's New Year and summer events identified 11 new psychoactive substances and 7 illicit drugs. High consumption of synthetic cathinones like 3-chloromethcathinone (3-CMC) and dissociatives such as 2F-deschloroketamine (2F-DCK) was evident. The presence of N,N-dimethylpentylone also varied across events. This approach offers a cost-effective way to track dynamic shifts in drug use patterns, complementing traditional public health surveillance.
Abstract
The market for illicit drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS) has grown significantly and people attending festivals have been identified as b...
Characterization of extensive 2-fluorodeschloroketamine metabolism in pooled human liver microsomes, urine and hair from an addicted patient using high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry.
Journal of analytical toxicology – July 22, 2023
Summary
Deschloroketamine (DCK) is a newly identified metabolite of the dangerous drug 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine (2F-DCK), a derivative linked to acute intoxications. Analyzing samples from a drug user, 26 2F-DCK metabolites were found, with 15 reported initially. DCK concentrations in hair reached 885 to 1,850 pg/mg following chronic use. These insights enhance forensic toxicology, improving detection and understanding of 2F-DCK's impact. Seized drugs contained 2F-DCK at 67% and 96%, with traces of DCK (0.4% and 0.6%).
Abstract
2-Fluorodeschloroketamine (2F-DCK) is a ketamine derivative involved in acute intoxications and deaths. The aim of this study is to investigate its...
Case report: Identification of AP-238 and 2-fluorodeschloroketamine in internet available powder samples sold as bucinnazine.
Forensic science international – July 01, 2023
Summary
Internet-purchased bucinnazine, a new synthetic opioid, often contains dangerous substitutes. Two white powders, initially examined by Microscopy and then analyzed with DART-MS and GC-MS, revealed concerning mislabeling. One sample, sold as bucinnazine, was 78.0% pure 2-fluoro-deschloroketamine. The other, also marketed as bucinnazine, was 88.9% pure AP-238. This highlights significant public health risks, as consumers unknowingly ingest different, potent new synthetic opioids, posing serious safety concerns.
Abstract
Novel synthetic opioids (NSOs) are a class of opioid agonists that include analogs of fentanyl and structurally distinct non-fentanyl compounds nor...
Metabolic study of new psychoactive substance methoxpropamine in mice by UHPLC-QTOF-HRMS.
Drug testing and analysis – May 01, 2023
Summary
A new psychoactive substance (NPS), methoxpropamine, leaves detectable metabolites in mice fur and body fluids for up to 24 hours. Analysis of 16 mice, including 8 males and 8 females, revealed desmethyl-MXPr-glucoronide as the main urinary metabolite. NorMXPr was also significant in urine, plasma, and fur. Using advanced HRMS techniques, these metabolites were identified, offering crucial targets for toxicological screening. This extends the detection window for methoxpropamine intake, improving forensic analysis.
Abstract
Methoxpropamine (MXPr) is an arylcyclohexylamine dissociative drug structurally similar to 3-methoxyeticyclidine, ketamine, and deschloroketamine, ...
Derivatives of methoxetamine and major methoxetamine metabolites potently block NMDA receptors.
Journal of pharmacological sciences – December 01, 2022
Summary
Designer drugs deoxymethoxetamine and methoxisopropamine, plus methoxetamine metabolites, potently block N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), disrupting crucial brain signaling. Methoxetamine itself showed an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.524 µM on NMDARs in mouse interneurons. Deoxymethoxetamine and methoxisopropamine were similarly potent at 0.679 µM and 0.661 µM. Notably, the methoxetamine metabolite O-desmethyl methoxetamine was even stronger, with an IC50 of 0.227 µM, raising serious health concerns about these compounds' effects.
Abstract
N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in the brain are influenced by psychoactive drugs such as 2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)cyclohexan-1-on...
Methoxpropamine (MXPr) in powder, urine and hair samples: Analytical characterization and metabolite identification of a new threat.
Forensic science international – April 01, 2022
Summary
The first identification of Methoxpropamine (MXPr), a new dissociative drug, in France underscores the challenge of detecting novel substances. Using NMR, IR spectroscopy, and high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), MXPr was characterized. Subsequent in vitro metabolism studies, employing LC-QTOF, identified three key metabolites. These were confirmed through hair analysis and urine samples from an MXPr consumer. This demonstrates how comprehensive analytical methods, including high-resolution mass spectrometry, are crucial for identifying emerging psychoactive compounds like Methoxpropamine not yet in standard libraries.
Abstract
Methoxpropamine (MXPr) is an arylcyclohexylamine dissociative drug with structural similarities with 3-MeO-PCE, ketamine and deschloroketamine. MXP...
Structure identification and analysis of the suspected chemical precursor of 2-fluorodeschloroketamine and its decomposition products.
Drug testing and analysis – June 01, 2022
Summary
The precursor to the illicit drug 2-FDCK, 2-fluorodeschlorohydroxylimine, breaks down into two distinct α-hydroxyl ketones. An advanced analytical method, involving GC-MS and NMR, revealed its complete fragmentation and decomposition pathway. In protic solvents, this compound undergoes hydrolysis, forming a carbon cation that yields the two major decomposition products. Precise structural identification of these products and the precursor's breakdown mechanisms provides crucial insights for forensic analysis, even after samples have degraded.
Abstract
In this work, 1-[(2″-fluorophenyl)(methylimino)methyl]cyclopentan-1-ol (2-fluorodeschlorohydroxylimine) was identified as a suspected chemical prec...
Effects of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine on Rat Behaviors Relevant to Anxiety and Depression
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – April 17, 2018
Summary
DMT, the active compound in ayahuasca, shows promise for treating depression and anxiety, particularly in patients resistant to traditional therapies. In experiments with 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats, DMT initially increased anxiety but ultimately reduced it by aiding the extinction of fear memories. Additionally, it decreased immobility in a forced swim test, a common measure of antidepressant efficacy. These findings highlight DMT's potential as a rapid-acting treatment for mood disorders, suggesting further exploration of psychedelics in mental health care is warranted.
Abstract
Depression and anxiety disorders are debilitating diseases resulting in substantial economic costs to society. Traditional antidepressants often ta...
MDMA (Ecstasy) and the Rave: A Review
PEDIATRICS – October 01, 1997
Summary
MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, has been linked to at least 58 fatalities, primarily due to severe heat-related complications. Among American adolescents, 24% reported MDMA use in a Tulane University survey, surpassing both LSD and cocaine. In the UK, 8% of 15- and 16-year-olds used MDMA, while 5% of U.S. teens admitted to its use in 1996. Despite its perceived safety, MDMA can cause serious adverse effects like hyperthermia and cardiac issues, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and education about its risks.
Abstract
The drug 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as "ecstasy," is a "designer" drug that is becoming popular with American adolescents...
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (Pat): A New Frontier in Mental Health Treatment
The journal of desk research review and analysis. – December 16, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) shows remarkable potential in treating mental health disorders, with studies indicating a 60-70% reduction in depression symptoms among participants. Recent clinical trials from 2020 to 2024 involved diverse sample sizes, revealing significant benefits for conditions like PTSD and substance use disorders. Emerging evidence emphasizes the importance of addressing ethical issues and exploring underrepresented groups, such as older adults. This synthesis highlights the need for continued investigation into PAT's mechanisms and regulatory frameworks, paving the way for future advancements in psychiatry and psychology.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) has emerged as a promising and innovative approach to treating a range of mental health disorders, including dep...
Intraoperative Esketamine and Postpartum Depression Among Women With Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Obstetric Anesthesia Digest – November 18, 2025
Summary
Postpartum depression affects approximately 17.7% of new mothers worldwide, soaring to 21.4% in China, with cesarean delivery linked to higher risks. In a randomized controlled trial involving new mothers, the application of esketamine—a rapid-acting antidepressant—showed promise in preventing postpartum depression after cesarean births. While previous clinical trials yielded mixed outcomes, this study aimed to assess esketamine's effectiveness in real-world settings, contributing valuable insights into maternal mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Abstract
( JAMA Network Open . 2025;8(2):e2459331. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.59331) Postpartum depression (PPD) is a widespread condition affecting ...
ED95 of esketamine for reducing preoperative anxiety in children of different ages
OpenAlex – November 11, 2025
Summary
Esketamine significantly reduces preoperative anxiety in children, with effective doses varying by age. In a clinical trial involving 112 pediatric patients aged 1 to 6 years, the 95% effective dose (ED95) for children aged 1-4 years was determined to be 0.86 mg/kg, while for those aged 4-6 years, it was lower at 0.43 mg/kg. Notably, both groups showed positive responses with Parent Separation Anxiety Scale scores below 3, highlighting the importance of tailored premedication in pediatric anesthesia and anxiety management.
Abstract
Abstract Background: The incidence of preoperative anxiety in children is significantly higher than in adults. Esketamine, the dextrorotatory enant...
Beyond first-line antidepressants: lithium, quetiapine, or esketamine? Integrating meta-analyses and preliminary head-to-head evidence
Figshare – January 23, 2026
Summary
Esketamine shows promising superiority over quetiapine and lithium in treating treatment-resistant depression (TRD). A systematic review analyzed four studies, including three trials comparing lithium with quetiapine and one between esketamine and quetiapine. All treatments proved effective, but results suggested esketamine's edge over quetiapine, which, in turn, outperformed lithium. These findings highlight the need to reassess existing treatment guidelines for TRD, considering the distinct pharmacological properties and side effects of each medication to optimize patient care.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) poses a major challenge in research and clinical practice. Various guidelines recommend different pharmacologi...
Neuroprotective Effects of Esketamine in Central Nervous System Disorders: Mechanisms and Cellular Targets
Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology – March 11, 2026
Summary
Esketamine (ESK), an NMDA receptor antagonist, shows promise beyond anesthesia, boasting antidepressant effects that can rapidly alleviate symptoms in major depression. In various studies involving over 1,000 participants, ESK demonstrated significant neuroprotective properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It also influences critical cellular processes such as neuronal apoptosis and microglial polarization. These findings highlight ESK's potential in treating central nervous system disorders while addressing postoperative pain and reducing opioid use, marking a significant advancement in pharmacology and neuroscience.
Abstract
Esketamine (ESK), the dextrorotatory enantiomer of ketamine, is an antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor. ESK is considered an...
Oral Glutamatergic Augmentation for Trauma-Related Disorders with Fluoxetine- / Bupropion- Potentiated Dextromethorphan ± Piracetam: A Four-Patient Case Series
OpenAlex – November 25, 2025
Summary
Patients with hard-to-treat trauma-spectrum disorders experienced rapid and lasting remission using an oral protocol centered on dextromethorphan (DXM) and fluoxetine. In a sample of four cases, including PTSD and complex PTSD, participants reported significant reductions in intrusive memories and functional disability within days to weeks, with no adverse effects like dissociation or hypertension. This approach highlights the potential of glutamate-based treatments to enhance neuroplasticity and cognition, suggesting a promising avenue for addressing major depression, anxiety, and other brain disorders effectively.
Abstract
Abstract Traditional monoaminergic medications often offer limited relief for the physical and cognitive symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder...
Effect of continuous esketamine infusion on brain white matter microstructure in patients with major depression: A diffusion tensor imaging study.
Journal of affective disorders – March 01, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking antidepressant treatment, esketamine, shows rapid mood improvement in patients with major depressive disorder, despite not immediately repairing brain tissue connectivity. In a two-week study, patients received controlled doses while researchers tracked both mental health improvements and brain changes through advanced imaging. Results showed significant reduction in depression and anxiety, though the underlying white matter patterns remained altered. This suggests esketamine's swift therapeutic effects work through different mechanisms than traditional treatments.
Abstract
Esketamine has demonstrated acute antidepressant effects in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study investigated whether these ef...
Effects of Continuous Perioperative Esketamine Infusion on Postoperative Depression in Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Double-Blind Trial
Drug Design Development and Therapy – October 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine significantly improved depression symptoms in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery, with a notable 50% reduction in depression scores post-treatment. In a randomized controlled trial involving 120 participants, those receiving ketamine alongside standard anesthesia reported enhanced emotional well-being and lower stress levels compared to the control group. This innovative approach highlights ketamine's potential as an effective treatment for major depression, particularly in the perioperative setting, and suggests it could positively influence immune responses during surgery.
Abstract
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Identifier: ChiCTR2200061575.
Prophylactic esketamine for postpartum depression after cesarean section: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal of affective disorders – June 10, 2025
Summary
Up to 15% of new mothers experience postpartum depression, but a promising treatment shows hope. Esketamine given during cesarean sections significantly reduced depression risk and pain levels in new mothers. Analysis of 13 studies covering 2,700+ patients found lower depression scores at both 1 and 6 weeks after birth, though some experienced mild side effects like dizziness. This breakthrough could transform maternal mental health care.
Abstract
According to recent research, esketamine may reduce the incidence of postpartum depression (PPD) risk following cesarean delivery. To further asses...
Use of Esketamine Nasal Spray in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression in Routine Practice: A Real-World French Study.
Depression and anxiety – January 01, 2024
Summary
A nasal spray form of ketamine offers new hope for severe depression patients who haven't responded to other treatments. In a French healthcare setting, 40% of patients showed significant improvement within just one month, with some achieving complete remission. The spray, combined with traditional antidepressants, helped long-term sufferers who had tried an average of 6 previous treatments. While side effects occurred in most patients, the benefits proved meaningful, with nearly a quarter returning to work within 3 months.
Abstract
The efficacy and safety of esketamine nasal spray (ESK) were established in registration trials in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TR...
Esketamine Regulates Mitophagy through ULK1/FUNDC1 Signaling Pathway to Improve LPS-induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Current pharmaceutical design – February 28, 2025
Summary
Esketamine, a promising medication, shows potential in treating acute respiratory distress syndrome by regulating cellular cleanup processes. Research reveals it reduces lung inflammation and damage by activating mitophagy - a natural cellular maintenance system - through the ULK1/FUNDC1 signaling pathway. Tests in mice demonstrated improved lung function, decreased inflammation, and enhanced cell survival, offering hope for better treatments.
Abstract
As a heterogeneous clinical syndrome, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is caused by infection-associated inflammation with limited treatm...