A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that oral ketamine produces short-term antidepressant effects. The analysis synthesizes evidence from multiple trials, indicating that oral ketamine can reduce depressive symptoms more than placebo or control conditions over brief follow-up periods. The review notes that the evidence base is still limited and that longer-term efficacy and safety require further investigation.
A single adolescent with treatment-resistant depression, severe obesity, and pseudo-Cushing syndrome showed rapid improvement in depressive symptoms after a single intravenous infusion of ketamine. The patient's depression scores dropped substantially within 24 hours, and the improvement persisted for at least one week. This case suggests that ketamine may be a rapid-acting option for adolescents with complex, treatment-resistant depression, even when accompanied by significant medical comorbidities.