Intensive ketamine use for multiple years: A case report
James X. Liu, Erin Zerbo, Stephen Ross
American Journal on Addictions October 1, 2014 DOI: 10.1002/ajad.12153.x via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA patient with bipolar I disorder and a history of substance dependence used large daily doses of ketamine (1–3 g) over 5 years, reporting acute antidepressant effects and reduced alcohol cravings. Despite the unsustainable use leading to inpatient admission, he experienced no withdrawal syndrome or observable cognitive deficits after stopping. This case suggests that ketamine's unique profile warrants further investigation of its risks and therapeutic potential for mood and addiction disorders.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | Patient with bipolar I disorder and history of substance dependence |
| Intervention | Ketamine |
| Dose | 1–3 g daily |
| Duration | 5 years |
| Topics | Addiction Ketamine |
| Keywords | Antidepressant Psychiatry Cognition |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key finding | Daily use of large doses of ketamine over 5 years produced acute antidepressant effects and diminished alcohol cravings without withdrawal or cognitive deficits upon cessation. |
Abstract
Ketamine is known within the medical field for its anesthetic properties, yet its unique psychedelic and antidepressant properties are being increasingly recognized. We document the case of a patient with bipolar I disorder and an extensive history of substance dependence who used large doses of ketamine (1–3 g) on a daily basis over a period of 5 years, and described acute antidepressant effects as well as diminished cravings for alcohol. While his use was untenable and ultimately led to an inpatient admission, it is notable that he did not experience a withdrawal syndrome nor did he have any observable cognitive deficits upon cessation of use. Such a unique drug profile suggests that further exploration of its risks and therapeutic potential in treating mood and addiction disorders is warranted. (Am J Addict 2015;24:7–9)