Ketamine and magnesium common pathway of antidepressant action
Magnesium Research April 1, 2018 Natalia Górska, Wiesław Jerzy Cubała, Jakub Słupski et al. 8 citations
Depression is a leading cause of disability, and many adults with major depression do not achieve remission with first-line treatments. Magnesium influences several neurotransmitter systems involved in emotional processes, including serotonergic, noradrenergic, dopaminergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic systems. The mechanism of antidepressants' action involves the glutamatergic system, and magnesium ions may play a role in major depressive disorder pathophysiology by blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Ketamine, an NMDAR antagonist, has fast-acting antidepressant and antisuicidal effects. The evidence discussed suggests a possible synergistic interaction between magnesium and ketamine's pharmacodynamic activity in mood disorders.