Effect of esketamine on serum neurotransmitters in patients with postpartum depression: a randomized controlled trial.
BMC anesthesiology August 19, 2024 Qinyu Jiang, Yu Qi, Meiyan Zhou et al. 11 citations
Small doses of esketamine given intravenously to patients with postpartum depression increased serum concentrations of the neurotransmitters 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by the third day after administration, compared to a saline placebo. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores were significantly lower in the esketamine group on day 3 (12.98 vs. 16.73), but this difference was no longer present on day 30. Adverse event rates within two hours were similar between groups. The findings suggest esketamine can transiently improve postpartum depressive symptoms and alter certain neurotransmitter levels.