[Subanesthetic Dose Ketamine Infusions for Treatment-Resistant Major Depression: An Application Protocol at a Public Hospital in Argentina].
Micaela Dines, Adriana Bulacia, Paloma Bamondez, Irene Luis Vega, Micaela Montenegro, Pablo Germán Díaz, Paula Oyhamburu, Ana Laura Ramos, Florencia Ambrosio, Gustavo Vazquez
Vertex (Buenos Aires, Argentina) July 10, 2025 DOI: 10.53680/vertex.v36i168.832 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractIntravenous ketamine at subanesthetic doses offers rapid relief for depressive and suicidal symptoms in treatment-resistant major depression. A protocol for administering ketamine infusions in a general hospital, based on international guidelines, specifies inclusion and exclusion criteria, dosage, administration procedures, and patient monitoring. The protocol also addresses adverse effects and safety considerations, aiming to optimize ketamine's efficacy and safety for treatment-resistant depression.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Patients with treatment-resistant major depression |
| Intervention | Ketamine infusion |
| Dose | subanesthetic dose |
| Topics | Depression |
| Keywords | Ketamine therapy Ketamine infusion Ketamine treatment Ketamine protocol Ketamine administration |
| Key finding | A protocol for intravenous ketamine infusion in a general hospital can optimize the treatment of treatment-resistant depression by ensuring both efficacy and safety. |
Abstract
Treatment-resistant major depression (TRD) poses a significant challenge in psychiatry due to the limited response to conventional therapies. Subanesthetic dose intravenous (IV) ketamine has emerged as an effective therapeutic option, providing rapid effects on depressive and suicidal symptoms. This article outlines the ketamine infusion protocol implemented in a general hospital, following international guidelines. Inclusion and exclusion criteria, dosage, administration procedure, and patient monitoring. Additionally, adverse effects and safety considerations. The implementation of this protocol optimizes the use of ketamine in TRD, ensuring both efficacy and safety.