The use of ketamine as an antidepressant: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental April 7, 2015 Caoimhe M. Coyle, Keith R. Laws 279 citations
Ketamine infusion produces a significant antidepressant effect in people with major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, with effects appearing within 4 hours and lasting up to 7 days after a single dose. Repeated infusions produce larger effects than single infusions at 4 hours, 24 hours, and 7 days. The proportion of male participants predicted a stronger antidepressant response at 7 days. Peak response time may differ by diagnosis: 24 hours for major depressive disorder and 7 days for bipolar disorder. Results from studies at 12–14 days did not reach significance. Most published studies used pre–post comparisons; more placebo-controlled studies are needed.