Controversies of the Effect of Ketamine on Cognition
Frontiers in Psychiatry March 29, 2016 M. Zhang, R. Ho 39 citations
Ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, shows rapid antidepressant effects, with reductions in suicidal ideation ranging from 29% to 79% after intravenous administration. However, long-term use raises safety concerns: chronic use can cause memory impairments, dissociative symptoms, and urological problems like cystitis. A study of 11 recreational ketamine users found spatial memory disturbances linked to decreased activation in the right hippocampus and left parahippocampal gyrus. Conversely, some research suggests acute low-dose ketamine may improve visual and working memory in treatment-resistant depression, possibly through mechanisms involving BDNF and mTORC1. These conflicting findings highlight the need for further research, including comparisons with other antidepressants.