The Use of Ketamine as Therapy for Depression
Open Access Indonesian Journal of Medical Reviews October 15, 2021 Lovina Lovina
Depressive disorder remains a significant problem in several developed countries. Ketamine, traditionally used for anesthesia, analgesia, sedation, and chronic pain, has unique pharmacodynamic properties that make it effective as a rapid-onset antidepressant, likely by increasing BDNF levels in the hippocampus. Although extracellular glutamate agents are not new for treating depression, the monoaminergic view of depression drives the search for new antidepressants. Ketamine is given intravenously in subanesthetic doses, but monitoring is required due to possible side effects like hypersalivation, tachycardia, and increased blood and intracranial pressure.