1731 results for "Ketamine"
Ketamine evoked disruption of entorhinal and hippocampal spatial maps
bioRxiv Preprint Server – February 05, 2023
Summary
Ever wonder why ketamine can cause out-of-body sensations? New research sheds light on how this antidepressant impacts the brain's internal GPS. Using advanced imaging in mice, scientists found ketamine acutely disrupted spatial maps in the entorhinal cortex, boosting neuron activity. Concurrently, activity in the hippocampus, vital for position sense, was suppressed. These precise findings pinpoint a neural circuit disruption as the basis for ketamine's spatial effects.
Abstract
Ketamine, a rapid-acting anesthetic and acute antidepressant, carries undesirable spatial cognition side effects including out-of-body experiences ...
N-Acetylcysteine Mitigates Ketamine Neurotoxicity in Young Rats by Modulating ROS-Mediated Pyroptosis and Ferroptosis.
Molecular neurobiology – March 20, 2025
Summary
A common anesthetic used in pediatric surgery, ketamine, can potentially harm developing brains. However, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a powerful antioxidant, shows promise in preventing this damage. NAC works by blocking harmful cellular processes called ferroptosis and pyroptosis, which are triggered by excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). This protection helps preserve brain function and prevents cognitive impairment in young patients.
Abstract
Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist with anesthetic and analgesic properties, is extensively utilized for the induction and maint...
Interleaved Propofol-Ketamine Maintains DBS Physiology and Hemodynamic Stability: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.
Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society – April 01, 2024
Summary
A breakthrough in brain surgery comfort: Patients with Parkinson's disease can now undergo deep brain stimulation while comfortably sedated, rather than fully awake. New research shows propofol-ketamine sedation during subthalamic nucleus procedures maintains high-quality brain recordings while keeping patients relaxed and stable. This method matched traditional awake surgery results, with higher patient satisfaction.
Abstract
The gold standard anesthesia for deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery is the "awake" approach, using local anesthesia alone. Although it offers hig...
Efficacy and Safety of Ketamine/Esketamine in Bipolar Depression in a Clinical Setting.
The Journal of clinical psychiatry – October 02, 2024
Summary
New findings show promising results for ketamine treatments in bipolar depression, with 39% of patients experiencing significant mood improvement. In a clinical setting, 38 patients received either IV ketamine or nasal esketamine twice weekly. While no concerning mood swings occurred during initial treatment, some patients developed mild symptoms during maintenance phase. Overall, depression scores improved by 38%.
Abstract
Background: Bipolar disorder represents a significant source of morbidity and elevated mortality risk. Ketamine has emerged as a powerful antidepre...
Biotransformation of ketamine in terminal in vivo experiments under chronic intermittent hypoxia conditions and the role of AhR.
Archives of toxicology – April 19, 2025
Summary
New insights into how sleep apnea affects drug metabolism reveal that oxygen fluctuations can alter how anesthesia medications break down in the body. Scientists found that low oxygen conditions change how ketamine is processed, particularly through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway. This discovery has implications for improving anesthesia safety in patients with sleep-related breathing disorders.
Abstract
We were pioneers in describing aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) in a rat pre-clinical model. This m...
Ketamine’s Role in Spirituality: How One Synthetic Drug Catalyzes a Natural Experience
OpenAlex – January 01, 2021
Summary
Ketamine, a common anesthetic, unexpectedly induces profound spiritual feelings and out-of-body experiences, akin to psilocybin. This Psychology research aims to quantify the *value* of these spiritual effects, investigating the *percentage* of patients experiencing them and their *effect size* on well-being. Psychotherapists often avoid discussing such experiences. By comparing ketamine and other psychedelics in Drug Studies, this Medicine project seeks to validate spirituality in Medicine, fostering holistic treatment approaches for conditions like Major Depression or Pain Management.
Abstract
This article highlights the potential spiritual effects of a popular anesthetic, ketamine, and how these spiritual effects can be used to help prom...
Enhanced ERK activity extends ketamine's antidepressant effects by augmenting synaptic plasticity.
Science (New York, N.Y.) – May 08, 2025
Summary
A single dose of ketamine can rapidly lift depression, but its effects fade quickly. Scientists discovered that boosting a specific brain protein (ERK) helps ketamine work longer by strengthening connections between brain cells. By blocking a natural brake on ERK activity, researchers extended ketamine's antidepressant effects for up to two months, potentially offering a safer way to maintain its benefits without repeated doses.
Abstract
Repeated ketamine treatment to maintain a rapid antidepressant effect can lead to side effects over time, highlighting an unmet clinical need for s...
The Effects of Ketamine and Esketamine on Measures of Quality of Life in Major Depressive Disorder and Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Systematic Review.
Journal of affective disorders – August 01, 2025
Summary
Breakthrough treatments ketamine and esketamine show promising results in improving quality of life for people with severe depression. Analysis of multiple studies reveals these medications not only reduce depressive symptoms but significantly enhance patients' overall wellbeing. Patient-reported outcomes indicate meaningful improvements across various life domains, offering hope for those who haven't responded to traditional treatments.
Abstract
The rapid and clinically meaningful antidepressant effects of ketamine and esketamine are well-established in major depressive disorder (MDD) and t...
Using cluster analysis to investigate consumption patterns in cases positive to ketamine: a national 7-year study.
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology – March 14, 2025
Summary
Nearly half of ketamine-related deaths involved alcohol consumption, revealing dangerous consumption patterns among users. Analysis of 414 cases showed distinct groups of polydrug use, with most people combining ketamine with alcohol, new psychoactive substances, or methamphetamine. Those with moderate ketamine levels showed higher suicide risk, while lower doses were linked to accidental deaths. Self-administered ketamine proved most lethal when mixed with other substances.
Abstract
The use of ketamine has increased; however, actual consumption patterns and ketamine-related deaths remain poorly understood. This study aimed to (...
Perioperative administration of sub-anesthetic ketamine/esketamine for preventing postpartum depression symptoms: A trial sequential meta-analysis.
PloS one – January 01, 2024
Summary
A single dose of ketamine during childbirth could cut postpartum depression risk by more than half. This groundbreaking analysis of over 3,400 women reveals that administering low-dose ketamine after delivery significantly reduces depression symptoms in new mothers, both immediately and up to 6 weeks postpartum. While some patients experienced mild side effects like dizziness, the benefits appear to outweigh the risks, especially when given after delivery.
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major mental health issue affecting 10%-15% of women globally. This meta-analysis synthesized updated evidence on ...
Detection of ketamine in the oral fluid of drivers in northeastern France during the years 2020-2023.
Fundamental & clinical pharmacology – April 01, 2025
Summary
In northeastern France, drug testing revealed ketamine presence in 2.6% of drivers who tested positive for narcotics. Over 80% of these cases involved male drivers, with most combining ketamine with other substances. Using oral fluid testing, authorities found that 1 in 4 ketamine-positive drivers had concentrations high enough to impair driving ability. The findings highlight ketamine's growing role in drug abuse and road safety concerns.
Abstract
Ketamine is a psychoactive substance used for its stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. As the use of ketamine may lead to impaired driving, we ...
Comparison of anesthetic effects of xylazine combined with alfaxalone or ketamine and maintained with isoflurane in captive Formosan Reeve's Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi micrurus).
Irish veterinary journal – February 08, 2025
Summary
Veterinarians have discovered a safer way to anesthetize Formosan Reeve's muntjac, a rare deer species from Southeast Asia. When comparing two anesthetic combinations, alfaxalone with xylazine proved gentler than traditional ketamine with xylazine. The newer method resulted in faster recovery times and better oxygen levels, while maintaining stable heart rates - crucial findings for wildlife veterinarians working with these sensitive animals.
Abstract
Formosan Reeve's muntjac is a Cervidae species endemic to Southeast China and Taiwan. However, research on different anesthetic protocols, their ef...
Chronic Ketamine Toxicity Involving both Urinary and Hepatobiliary Systems.
Journal of the Belgian Society of Radiology – January 01, 2026
Summary
The less-recognized dangers of ketamine abuse extend to the liver and bile ducts, not just the urinary system. While ketamine-induced uropathy is well-documented, ketamine toxicity can also cause significant hepatobiliary damage. A recent case illustrates this multisystem impact, with one young adult developing both ketamine-induced cholangiopathy and uropathy. This finding underscores the importance of recognizing ketamine abuse as a cause of widespread internal organ damage, urging attention to these less common but serious manifestations.
Abstract
Chronic ketamine abuse is a well-recognized cause of lower urinary tract injury. Hepatobiliary manifestations are less frequently reported. A case ...
[Interest and mechanisms of action of ketamine in alcohol addiction- A review of clinical and preclinical studies].
Biologie aujourd'hui – January 01, 2023
Summary
Ketamine shows promise in treating Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), with studies indicating a significant reduction in withdrawal symptoms and alcohol cravings. In clinical trials, ketamine-assisted therapies have led to decreased relapse rates, particularly benefiting patients with concurrent depression. Notably, 70% of participants reported reduced alcohol consumption following treatment. The neurobiological mechanisms involve enhanced neuroplasticity and regulation of the glutamatergic pathway. Ongoing investigations aim to unravel gender differences in responses and the roles of ketamine's metabolites, especially given the higher prevalence of comorbid conditions in women.
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by chronic and excessive drinking despite negative consequences on overall heal...
Time‐Dependent Therapeutic Effect of S ‐Ketamine on PTSD Mediated by VTA‐OFC Dopaminergic Neurocircuit
Advanced Science – September 25, 2025
Summary
Early administration of S-Ketamine significantly alleviates PTSD symptoms, especially fear extinction, compared to late treatment. In rodent models, early intervention restored the firing rates of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which were impaired after PTSD modeling. A novel non-invasive brain stimulation technique targeting the orbitofrontal cortex enhanced dopaminergic transmission and extended ketamine's therapeutic window. With a clearer understanding of the VTA-dopamine-orbitofrontal cortex neurocircuit, this approach optimizes ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for effective PTSD treatment, demonstrating its potential in neuroscience and medicine.
Abstract
Current pharmacotherapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are limited by delayed onset and side effects. Despite ketamine exhibiting rapi...
α-tocopherol alleviates ketamine toxicity in rat brain neurons.
BMC pharmacology & toxicology – January 30, 2026
Summary
A compelling finding reveals α-tocopherol effectively counters Ketamine's neurotoxicity. Ketamine, at 4 µM, significantly reduced neuron viability, demonstrating cytotoxicity. Concentrations of 2, 4, and 8 µM Ketamine induced oxidative stress, damaging Mitochondria and Lysosome membranes. Crucially, 10 µM α-tocopherol prevented these detrimental effects from 8 µM Ketamine. It preserved membrane integrity and reduced apoptosis signaling, highlighting its antioxidant potential against Ketamine-induced brain damage.
Abstract
Ketamine exhibits various pharmacological effects due to its high efficacy, but reports also indicate its potential to cause brain side effects and...
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy: A Systematic Narrative Review of the Literature
Journal of Pain Research – June 01, 2022
Summary
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy offers rapid, sustained relief for mental health conditions. A systematic review, more rigorous than a simple narrative review, analyzed 17 articles from sources like MEDLINE, involving 603 participants. This medicine, combined with a psychotherapist's guidance, significantly reduces anxiety and depressive symptoms, aiding the treatment of Major Depression. While brain disorders research, including tryptophan studies, is ongoing in psychiatry, this approach presents a promising new mental health research topic. Further randomized controlled trials are crucial.
Abstract
Sandra J Drozdz,1 Akash Goel,1â 3 Matthew W McGarr,4 Joel Katz,3,5â 7 Paul Ritvo,5,7 Gabriella F Mattina,1 Venkat Bhat,8â 10 Calvin Diep,3 Ka...
The collective lie in ketamine therapy: a call to realign clinical practice with neurobiology
Frontiers in Psychiatry – September 22, 2025
Summary
Ketamine therapy is often misinterpreted as a consciousness-expanding treatment, but its true function lies in promoting neuroplasticity as an NMDA receptor antagonist. With a narrative review of clinical data, it reveals that the acute dissociative experience associated with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is not essential for effective treatment. Instead, lasting mental health improvements stem from neurobiological changes occurring days after administration. Prioritizing subjective experiences over biological processes risks distorting memory and undermining treatment potential, highlighting the need for evidence-based protocols in clinical practice.
Abstract
In recent years, ketamine therapy has become increasingly entangled with psychedelic culture, leading to widespread misinterpretation of its therap...
Age-related moderation of adjunctive psychotherapy and early life stress effects on depression symptom reductions following ketamine treatment: Initial insights from a large, naturalistic sample.
Journal of affective disorders – February 04, 2026
Summary
Higher Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) scores predict a stronger antidepressant response to ketamine for Major Depressive Disorder. Among 224 patients, each unit increase in ACE score correlated with a -0.6 greater reduction in Depression symptoms over time. While Ketamine-assisted therapy and infusions alone showed similar overall effects, younger adults with significant early life stress particularly benefited. This suggests ketamine offers a targeted approach for this population, potentially surpassing conventional antidepressants.
Abstract
Ketamine is known to be a rapid-acting antidepressant, but there is limited evidence regarding which types of patients are best-suited to this trea...
Barriers and Access to Care for Firefighters with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Seeking Ketamine Assisted Therapy: a qualitative study.
Journal of occupational and environmental medicine – February 02, 2026
Summary
Firefighters face alarming PTSD rates, 7.3% compared to 1.3-3.5% in the general population, often with treatment-resistant PTSD. Investigating six firefighters awaiting Ketamine-assisted therapy (a form of psychedelic-assisted therapy), significant barriers to treatment emerged. Participants described feeling stuck, battling mental health stigma around PTSD and ketamine, and navigating substantial financial and logistical hurdles. Their experiences highlight the critical need for systemic changes to support firefighter mental health and improve access to promising new treatments like Ketamine-assisted therapy.
Abstract
Firefighters are exposed to a disproportionately high number of traumatic incidents and, thus, display elevated rates of trauma-related mental heal...
Exploring Cultural Competence, Inclusivity, and Diversity in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy: A Phenomenological Study.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – May 02, 2024
Summary
Marginalized communities often face unique challenges in accessing mental health treatments. New research reveals how ketamine-assisted psychotherapy can be effectively tailored for diverse populations. Following 15 participants from various racial, ethnic, and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds, the study found that cultural sensitivity and inclusivity significantly impact treatment outcomes. Financial accessibility, cultural rituals, and addressing stigma proved crucial for successful psychedelic psychotherapy experiences.
Abstract
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and other minoritized populations are insufficiently represented in research on therapeutic psyched...
Ketamine intolerance in patients on enhanced recovery after surgery protocols undergoing colorectal operations.
Journal of gastrointestinal surgery : official journal of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract – July 01, 2024
Summary
Nearly 30% of patients experience side effects from ketamine during colorectal surgery recovery, yet this medication significantly reduces opioid use. Enhanced recovery protocols using ketamine showed promising results: even patients who experienced side effects like double vision used fewer narcotics post-surgery. This suggests ketamine's value in multimodal pain management, despite tolerance concerns.
Abstract
Ketamine is used in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols because of its beneficial antihyperalgesic and antitolerance effects. However,...
Ketamine/esketamine in the treatment of depression with comorbid borderline personality disorder or traits: A systematic review of effectiveness
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry – September 20, 2025
Summary
Ketamine and esketamine show promise in alleviating depression symptoms for individuals with borderline personality disorder, potentially benefiting a population often grappling with severe mental health challenges. However, caution is warranted due to reports of suicidal ideation and self-harm post-treatment cessation. Limited data from existing studies highlight the risk of acute dissociation in these patients. While current findings are encouraging, a larger randomized controlled trial is essential to better understand efficacy and side effects before widespread clinical application.
Abstract
This is the first systematic review to assess the effectiveness of ketamine/esketamine in this cohort. Our findings suggest that ketamine/esketamin...
Ketamine Therapy for Chronic Pain Provides Added Benefits for Substance Misuse Therapy
SVOA Medical Research – March 02, 2026
Summary
Chronic pain patients with substance misuse showed significant improvements after receiving monthly intramuscular ketamine treatments. In a cohort of 20 adults, 45% misused opioids, while others misused benzodiazepines (25%), cocaine (20%), and kratom (10%). Following treatment, mood scores improved from moderately severe to mild, pain levels decreased from severe to moderate, and dependence severity significantly lessened. This suggests that ketamine-based therapy could effectively address both chronic pain and substance misuse, enhancing patient outcomes and promoting public safety within healthcare systems.
Abstract
Background: Chronic pain is complicated by comorbid substance misuse. This multifaceted problem increases the risks of polypharmacy, overdose, impa...
Ketamine evokes acute behavioral effects via μ-opioid receptor expressing neurons of the central amygdala.
Biological psychiatry – May 05, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's remarkable antidepressant effects may work through an unexpected pathway in the brain's emotional center. Scientists discovered that ketamine activates specific neurons in the central amygdala that contain mu opioid receptors. When these receptors were blocked with naltrexone, ketamine's effects diminished significantly. This finding explains why ketamine's antidepressant properties differ from similar medications and offers new insights into treating depression.
Abstract
Ketamine has anesthetic, analgesic, and antidepressant properties which may involve multiple neuromodulatory systems. In humans, the opioid recepto...
Negative emotionality shapes the modulatory effects of ketamine and lamotrigine in subregions of the anterior cingulate cortex.
Translational psychiatry – June 18, 2024
Summary
Your brain's emotional control center responds differently to ketamine based on your personality traits. Scientists found that ketamine reduces activity in key brain regions involved in mood regulation, particularly in people prone to negative emotions. When combined with lamotrigine, these effects change, suggesting ketamine works through complex brain chemistry pathways. The findings help explain why ketamine's antidepressant effects vary among individuals.
Abstract
Neuroimaging studies have identified the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as one of the major targets of ketamine in the human brain, which may be r...
Overlap and Divergence in Ketamine and Lithium Response in Bipolar Disorder: A Scoping Review
Pharmaceuticals – November 03, 2025
Summary
Only 30% of bipolar disorder patients respond to lithium, the standard long-term treatment. A scoping review of 19 preclinical studies highlights that both ketamine and lithium target similar brain pathways, enhancing synaptic plasticity. However, 23 clinical studies reveal a divergence: ketamine responders often have metabolic risks and anxiety features, typically indicating poor lithium response. This suggests that while mechanisms overlap, predicting treatment effectiveness remains complex. Longitudinal studies are essential to clarify whether ketamine responsiveness can reliably forecast lithium efficacy in managing bipolar disorder.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Lithium remains the first choice for long-term prophylaxis of mood episodes in bipolar disorder (BD), but only 30% of patien...
Functional activity and connectivity signatures of ketamine and lamotrigine during negative emotional processing: a double-blind randomized controlled fMRI study.
Translational psychiatry – October 14, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects may work by changing how our brain processes negative emotions. Scientists found that ketamine reduces activity in memory-related brain regions while strengthening connections between emotional and decision-making areas. When combined with lamotrigine (a medication that blocks glutamate), some of ketamine's effects were prevented, revealing how this promising treatment works through brain chemistry changes.
Abstract
Ketamine is a highly effective antidepressant (AD) that targets the glutamatergic system and exerts profound effects on brain circuits during negat...
Acute Ketamine Modulated Functional Brain Coupling and Dissociative and Affective States in Human Subjects: Interim Analyses
bioRxiv Preprint Server – September 20, 2021
Summary
Ketamine's unique impact on brain connections reveals how it shifts our perceptions and mood. Researchers explored how it affects brain circuits, linking these changes to feelings of dissociation and emotional states. Healthy volunteers received ketamine, showing dose-dependent dissociation and altered emotional states, including increased stress (cortisol). Positively, changes in brain connectivity, especially within reward pathways, correlated with enhanced reward responsiveness and reduced anxiety. Understanding these brain-state shifts is crucial for maximizing ketamine's therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Ketamine is a non-competitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor that is both a drug of abuse and an FDA-approved ane...
Grayken lessons: a multidisciplinary approach to care for a patient with severe ketamine use disorder.
Addiction science & clinical practice – February 04, 2026
Summary
A young woman with severe ketamine use disorder, linked to PTSD, developed two serious complications: gastrointestinal toxicity and uropathy. Her case underscores the urgent need for US healthcare providers to recognize non-medical ketamine use. Informed by UK best practices for club drugs, a multidisciplinary care plan offered harm reduction, integrating specialist referrals and mental health support. This approach, crucial for addressing substance use disorder, enabled significant ketamine reduction. It models the comprehensive multidisciplinary care needed for individuals struggling with ketamine and other club drugs.
Abstract
Non-medical ketamine use is becoming increasingly common in the United States (US), but awareness remains limited among US healthcare providers. He...
Impact of Medical Comorbidities on Ketamine and Esketamine Treatment Effectiveness for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression: A Clinical Outcomes Analysis from the VA San Diego Healthcare System.
CNS drugs – June 01, 2025
Summary
Veterans receiving ketamine treatments showed significant improvements in both depression and PTSD symptoms, but medical history matters. This analysis of 119 veterans revealed that while ketamine therapy effectively reduced mental health symptoms overall, those with traumatic brain injuries or severe sleep apnea showed less improvement in depression. These findings highlight the importance of considering existing health conditions when planning mental health treatments.
Abstract
Ketamine and esketamine are increasingly used to manage treatment-resistant depression and have also been shown to reduce symptoms of posttraumatic...
N1 cassette-lacking NMDA receptors mediate the antidepressant activity of ketamine
bioRxiv Preprint Server – April 12, 2025
Summary
A key to ketamine's rapid antidepressant effect lies in specific brain receptors. Research shows that a particular variant of NMDA receptors, called GluN1a, is crucial. When these GluN1a receptors are present, ketamine effectively blocks their activity, especially during intense brain signals. This blockade leads to a positive antidepressant outcome. Conversely, when a different receptor variant is present, ketamine has no such effect. This pinpoints GluN1a receptors as essential targets for ketamine's powerful mood-lifting properties.
Abstract
Ketamine has emerged as a rapid-acting and robust antidepressant1,2. However, the mechanism of its antidepressant action remains enigmatic. The cor...
Ketamine as a Mental Health Treatment
AJN American Journal of Nursing – February 19, 2026
Summary
Ketamine shows remarkable promise for treating treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and PTSD, with a clinical trial involving over 1,500 participants demonstrating significant improvements in symptoms. Initially approved as an anesthetic in 1970, the FDA sanctioned esketamine (Spravato) for major depressive disorder in 2019. Various administration methods, including intranasal and IV infusions, offer flexibility but also raise regulatory challenges. As mental health needs surge globally, understanding ketamine's role is crucial for healthcare professionals guiding patients through this evolving treatment landscape.
Abstract
Ketamine has emerged as a promising intervention for treatment-resistant mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic st...
Prediction of Prophylactic Response to Lithium in Bipolar Disorder Using Acute Antidepressant Non-Response to Ketamine: A Scoping Review
Preprints.org – September 29, 2025
Summary
Only 30% of patients with bipolar disorder respond to lithium for long-term mood stabilization, highlighting a significant treatment gap. Ketamine, known for its rapid antidepressant effects, may offer greater benefits for those who do not respond to lithium. A review of various studies indicates that while both medications share mechanisms related to brain pathways, their clinical predictors differ significantly. Identifying ketamine non-response could potentially streamline treatment by pinpointing patients likely to benefit from lithium earlier, enhancing overall management of bipolar disorder.
Abstract
Lithium remains the first choice for long-term prophylaxis of mood episodes in bipolar disorder (BD), but only 30% of patients will respond, and th...
Urological symptoms following ketamine treatment for psychiatric disorders: A systematic review.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – June 30, 2025
Summary
Concerns about bladder issues from therapeutic Ketamine for psychiatric conditions like depression appear largely unfounded. A review of clinical studies examined urology-related adverse event reports. Findings suggest only a small percentage of patients experienced mild bladder symptoms, and overall urinary function showed no significant changes. This indicates that therapeutic Ketamine does not seem to elevate urological risks.
Abstract
Ketamine has emerged as a putative rapid-acting treatment option for psychiatric disorders, particularly treatment-resistant depression. Chronic re...
Fine-tuning of dopamine receptor signaling with aripiprazole counteracts ketamine's dissociative action, but not its antidepressant effect.
Translational psychiatry – March 08, 2025
Summary
New research reveals a promising way to reduce ketamine's dissociative side effects while preserving its powerful antidepressant benefits. Scientists found that aripiprazole, a medication that fine-tunes dopamine signaling in the brain, can block ketamine's dissociative effects while maintaining or even enhancing its mood-lifting properties. Clinical trials showed that combining these medications could offer a better treatment option for people with hard-to-treat depression.
Abstract
Ketamine, a rapid-acting antidepressant, has undesirable psychotomimetic effects, including a dissociative effect. There is currently no effective ...
Age, Dose, and Locomotion: Decoding Vulnerability to Ketamine in C57BL/6J and BALB/c Mice.
Biomedicines – June 25, 2023
Summary
Ketamine significantly enhances locomotion, particularly in adolescent C57BL/6J mice, with a notable increase in distance traveled and speed after doses of 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg. In a study of 60 male mice across different ages and strains, the higher dose delayed hyperlocomotion compared to the lower dose. Interestingly, BALB/c mice did not exhibit the same response, highlighting a genetic diversity in sensitivity to ketamine. This suggests that age and strain play crucial roles in how ketamine affects neurobehavioral responses related to psychosis and learning.
Abstract
Ketamine has been abused as a psychedelic agent and causes diverse neurobehavioral changes. Adolescence is a critical developmental stage but vulne...
Role of CaMKII/CREB pathway in rapid-antidepressant-like effect: comparison of ketamine with rapastinel.
Experimental brain research – May 04, 2025
Summary
Breakthrough findings reveal how two promising depression treatments - ketamine and rapastinel - work through different brain pathways to combat chronic stress. While both drugs boost mood-related BDNF proteins, they interact differently with brain signaling systems. Ketamine requires CaMKII/CREB activation for its antidepressant effects, while rapastinel works better when this pathway is blocked, suggesting multiple routes to enhance synaptic plasticity and mood.
Abstract
Recent studies in mouse models have demonstrated that ketamine and rapastinel induce rapid-acting and sustained antidepressant effects in major dep...
Ketamine induces multiple individually distinct whole-brain functional connectivity signatures.
eLife – April 17, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's effects on the brain are as unique as fingerprints, revealing distinct patterns in each person. Using fMRI technology, researchers tracked how this promising medicine impacts brain connectivity in 40 human volunteers. The data showed that ketamine creates multiple unique neural signatures, with brain changes matching specific gene expression patterns. This breakthrough in neuroscience helps explain why individual responses to ketamine treatment vary so widely.
Abstract
Ketamine has emerged as one of the most promising therapies for treatment-resistant depression. However, inter-individual variability in response t...
Effects of Low-Dose Ketamine Infusion on the Positive and Negative Domains of Hopelessness and Suicidal Thoughts.
The Journal of clinical psychiatry – July 08, 2024
Summary
A single low-dose ketamine treatment showed promising results in quickly reducing feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. In a controlled trial with 84 patients, those receiving ketamine reported significantly improved outlook within 4 hours and reduced negative thoughts by day 2, compared to those given a different medication. The treatment's rapid effect on hopelessness was directly linked to decreased suicidal ideation.
Abstract
Background: Low-dose ketamine infusion has been demonstrated to exert antisuicidal effects on patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) an...
Neuroimaging correlates and predictors of response to repeated-dose intravenous ketamine in PTSD: preliminary evidence
medRxiv Preprint Server – April 10, 2021
Summary
Brain imaging reveals a fascinating link: **improvement** in **PTSD symptoms** after **ketamine treatment** is tied to specific changes in **brain activity**. Successful **treatment** with **ketamine** was associated with increased connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, key regions for emotion regulation. This suggests **ketamine** may normalize how the brain processes threats, leading to significant **improvement** for individuals with **PTSD**.
Abstract
Promising initial data indicate that the glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine may be beneficial in post-traumatic str...
Psychotherapy for Ketamine's Enhanced Durability in Chronic Neuropathic Pain: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
JMIR research protocols – April 17, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking research explores combining ketamine treatments with psychotherapy to combat chronic pain, which affects 1 in 5 Canadians. The innovative approach pairs ketamine hydrochloride infusions with cognitive behavior therapy to reduce both pain intensity and interference in daily life. This 3-arm parallel group trial compares standalone treatments against their combination, aiming to enhance pain relief durability.
Abstract
Chronic pain affects approximately 8 million Canadians (~20%), impacting their physical and mental health while burdening the health care system wi...
REVOLUTIONIZING DEPRESSION TREATMENT: A PARADIGM SHIFT OF KETAMINE THERAPY – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research – August 07, 2024
Summary
Remarkably, ketamine therapy can reduce depression symptoms within 40 minutes, with benefits lasting up to one week. A systematic review of 14 primary clinical studies, including randomized controlled trials, confirmed ketamine's effectiveness across major depressive disorder, bipolar illness, and postpartum depression. It also improved anxiety and was generally safe, with most side effects resolving quickly. This fast-acting intervention represents a promising new approach, particularly for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Abstract
Objectives: Primary Objective: (1) The objectives of the study are as follows: assessment of the effectiveness of ketamine-based treatment in known...
Radiologist-guided Analgosedation with Ketamine/Midazolam: A Feasible Strategy to Expand Percutaneous Tumor Ablation Capacity.
RoFo : Fortschritte auf dem Gebiete der Rontgenstrahlen und der Nuklearmedizin – February 06, 2026
Summary
Tumor ablation capacity can triple when radiologists administer sedation. A review of 140 ablations in 115 patients showed that radiologist-guided analgosedation (midazolam and S-ketamine) for liver, kidney, and bone tumors is highly effective and safe. 98.3% of procedures were completed as planned, with no major complications and only one minor complication. This approach boosted monthly ablations from 2.1 to 6.3 and reduced in-room time from 98 to 42 minutes, offering a vital solution for limited anesthesia resources.
Abstract
Percutaneous thermal tumor ablation is an established oncologic treatment, but rising case numbers and limited anesthesia resources increasingly re...
Dose-dependent side effects of prehospital analgesia with ketamine for winter sports injuries - an observational study.
BMC emergency medicine – June 07, 2025
Summary
In alpine emergency medicine, ketamine proves remarkably effective for prehospital analgesia, with 85% of winter sports trauma patients reporting feeling safe during treatment. This study tracked 49 skiing accident victims who received ketamine for pain management, finding that two-thirds experienced either no or mild side effects. Surprisingly, higher doses didn't increase adverse reactions, and adding midazolam actually improved patient comfort. These findings support ketamine's role in trauma management on the slopes.
Abstract
Ketamine is one of the most used drugs in trauma patients after skiing accidents. However, the environmental conditions for these patients are ofte...
Thalamocortical functional connectivity and rapid antidepressant and antisuicidal effects of low-dose ketamine infusion among patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Molecular psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
A low dose of ketamine shows promise in rapidly altering brain connectivity patterns in people with hard-to-treat depression. Brain scans revealed that ketamine treatment changed communication between the thalamus and frontal brain regions in patients who hadn't responded to standard antidepressants. While some connections strengthened and others weakened, these changes occurred within just three days of a single ketamine dose.
Abstract
Previous studies have shown an association between the thalamocortical dysconnectivity and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Whether a single s...
A Case of Hepatotoxicity Induced by Therapeutic Ketamine Use for Sedation.
Case reports in critical care – January 01, 2024
Summary
A rare but serious side effect of ketamine therapy has been documented: liver toxicity. When used for sedation in a 27-year-old ICU patient, ketamine caused concerning elevation in liver enzymes. The condition resolved after stopping the medication. This case highlights that while ketamine is generally safe for short-term use, monitoring liver function during treatment is crucial for patient safety.
Abstract
Ketamine, initially developed as an anesthetic, has shown versatility in medical applications, including pain management, treatment-resistant depre...
Ketamine disrupts consciousness in healthy participants in relation with psychotic-like symptoms.
bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology – November 08, 2025
Summary
Low doses of ketamine can significantly disrupt our conscious perception of visual information. Researchers administered ketamine or a placebo to healthy volunteers, monitoring brain activity during a task involving sounds and masked digits. They discovered ketamine reduced visual awareness and increased interference, correlating with weakened early brain responses to visual stimuli. Crucially, these impairments in conscious access were specifically linked to the psychotic-like experiences induced by the drug, providing key insights into how such symptoms develop.
Abstract
Ketamine is an NMDA-receptor antagonist, which alters the state of wakeful consciousness at high doses. At lower doses, it induces reversible psych...
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) changes in rodent models of schizophrenia induced by ketamine: a systematic review.
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology – February 20, 2025
Summary
A key brain protein may hold clues to schizophrenia's development. Scientists found that ketamine, when given to mice and rats, alters brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels differently based on timing and species. Long-term treatment decreased BDNF in both animals, while short-term exposure actually increased it, revealing complex patterns in brain chemistry changes linked to schizophrenia symptoms.
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder ranking among the top ten global disability causes. In rodents, sub-chronic or chronic ketamine...
Functional changes in sleep-related arousal after ketamine administration in individuals with treatment-resistant depression.
Translational psychiatry – June 04, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's impact on sleep patterns reveals fascinating insights into depression treatment. New research shows that people with treatment-resistant depression sleep differently than healthy individuals, getting less total sleep and entering REM sleep more quickly. After ketamine treatment, patients experienced increased deep sleep early in the night and showed improved quiet wakefulness later on, though these changes weren't directly linked to reduced depression symptoms.
Abstract
The glutamatergic modulator ketamine is associated with changes in sleep, depression, and suicidal ideation (SI). This study sought to evaluate dif...