From the National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, United Kingdom and South London, and the Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom (ER); and South London and the Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom (ES, IG).
2 papers in the library · 15 citations · publishing 0-2025
A systematic review of pharmacological treatments for ketamine use disorder found only 12 studies (368 participants), including 1 controlled trial, 2 retrospective case series, and 9 case reports. All evidence was very low quality, with only descriptive outcomes reported. Benzodiazepine regimens and haloperidol showed potential utility for managing intoxication and withdrawal, while naltrexone, lamotrigine, and a combination of paliperidone palmitate and bupropion were reported as potentially useful for craving and relapse prevention. The review highlights a severe lack of rigorous research, with benzodiazepine regimens appearing most promising for future investigation in intoxication and withdrawal.
Recent interest and investment in psychedelic compounds for addiction disorders is growing. Evidence from randomized trials suggests therapeutic potential, though more research is needed. The editorial outlines future research directions and discusses implications for patients, healthcare professionals, and the broader addiction treatment system.