Intranasal Racemic Ketamine Maintenance Therapy for Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Naturalistic Feasibility Study
Research Square Katelyn Halpape, Raelle Pashovitz, Annabelle Wanson et al.
A small pilot program evaluated a hospital-to-outpatient intranasal racemic ketamine maintenance therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Five adult inpatients who had responded to intranasal ketamine in hospital continued treatment at a community centre, completing up to 14 sessions over 192 days. Depressive symptoms decreased or stabilized, and quality of life increased or stabilized. No serious adverse events occurred; mild side effects included anxiety and nausea, and slight blood pressure increases did not require intervention. The authors conclude the therapy appears feasible and well tolerated, but limited effectiveness conclusions can be drawn from this small study.