The effect of intranasal (R,S)-ketamine on symptoms of fatigue in severe major depressive disorder or bipolar depression with and without comorbid alcohol use disorder: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Journal of affective disorders December 15, 2024 Rodrigo Machado-Vieira, Gregory H Jones, Alan C Courtes et al.
Fatigue, a multidimensional condition that often overlaps with depression, responds only modestly to standard antidepressants and mood stabilizers but has shown positive response to intravenous ketamine, which is limited by cost and access. This study evaluated a single 50 mg dose of intranasal ketamine in 28 individuals with major depressive disorder or bipolar depression, about 60% of whom also had alcohol use disorder. The group by time interaction for the NIH-Brief Fatigue Inventory score was significant, favoring intranasal ketamine over placebo at 4, 24, and 48 hours post-treatment. Intranasal ketamine was well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects. The findings suggest intranasal ketamine induces rapid anti-fatigue effects and may serve as an alternative rapid-acting option for fatigue across different medical conditions.