Can ketamine and other glutamate receptor modulators be considered entactogens?
Psychiatry research July 1, 2025 Hiroe Hu, Alaina N Tillman, Miyu Fujita et al. 2 citations
A systematic review of 30 studies suggests that ketamine and, to a lesser extent, d-cycloserine may enhance empathy and prosocial behavior. These glutamate receptor modulators appear to alter self- and other-perception by changing activity in brain regions linked to empathetic concern and mentalizing—the ability to understand one's own and others' thoughts and feelings. The findings point toward potential therapeutic applications for conditions involving impaired empathy and prosocial behavior, such as mood, neurodevelopmental, psychotic, and personality disorders.