Abstract
Background
The N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist ketamine has rapid onset antidepressant activity in treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
Aims
To evaluate mood rating, safety and tolerability data from patients with TRD treated with ketamine and the psychoactive control fentanyl, as part of a larger study to explore EEG biomarkers associated with mood response.
Methods
We evaluated the efficacy and safety of intramuscular racemic ketamine in 25 patients with TRD, using a double-blind active-controlled randomized crossover design. Ketamine doses were 0.5 and 1 mg/kg, and the psychoactive control was fentanyl 50 mcg, given at weekly intervals.
Results/outcomes
Within 1 h of ketamine dosing, patients reported reduced depression and anxiety ratings, which persisted for up to 7 days. A dose–response profile for ketamine was noted for dissociative side effects, adverse events and changes in blood.
The N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist ketamine has rapid onset antidepressant activity in treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
Aims
To evaluate mood rating, safety and tolerability data from patients with TRD treated with ketamine and the psychoactive control fentanyl, as part of a larger study to explore EEG biomarkers associated with mood response.
Methods
We evaluated the efficacy and safety of intramuscular racemic ketamine in 25 patients with TRD, using a double-blind active-controlled randomized crossover design. Ketamine doses were 0.5 and 1 mg/kg, and the psychoactive control was fentanyl 50 mcg, given at weekly intervals.
Results/outcomes
Within 1 h of ketamine dosing, patients reported reduced depression and anxiety ratings, which persisted for up to 7 days. A dose–response profile for ketamine was noted for dissociative side effects, adverse events and changes in blood.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 162-167 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Journal of Psychopharmacology |
| Volume | 38 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 31 Jan 2024 |