Open-label Prospective, Interventional Study Assessing Efficacy and Safety of Intramuscular Ketamine for Suicidal Ideation in a Tertiary Care Hospital.
Indian journal of psychological medicine November 13, 2025 Malika M Sanspara, Drashti M Shah, Sandip H Shah et al.
A single intramuscular injection of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) rapidly reduces suicidal ideation in adults, with a 78% decrease in MADRS-SI scores within two hours and 76% of patients reporting no suicidal ideation. Among 38 patients, 89% of those completing one-month follow-up maintained the reduction. Most patients required only one injection, though 36% needed multiple doses. Common side effects were dizziness and sedation, but no serious adverse events occurred. The study suggests IM ketamine is a safe and effective fast-acting option for suicidal ideation in settings where intravenous treatment is impractical.