Journal of Medical Council of Iran
مجله علمی پژوهشی سازمان نظام پزشکی
Volume 42, Issue 4 (2025)
jmciri 2025, 42(4): 24-37 |
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Khajedad A, Saberi M, Mashhadi Akbar Boojar M, Mashhadi Akbar Boojar M. Ketamine: From Anesthesia to the Treatment of Depression Spectrum Disorders. jmciri 2025; 42 (4) :24-37
URL: http://jmciri.ir/article-1-3332-en.html
URL: http://jmciri.ir/article-1-3332-en.html
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (54 Views)
Abstract
Background: Ketamine, an NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist, has become a promising treatment for treatment-resistant depression. Its rapid antidepressant effects are observed within a few hours after consumption. S-ketamine nasal spray is approved for use with oral antidepressants. There are still challenges such as maintaining therapeutic response, potential side effects, and the possibility of abuse of this drug. This article examines single-dose intravenous ketamine and intranasal esketamine for the treatment of major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. It also discusses their use for other psychiatric conditions, side effects, combination therapy, and treatment guidelines.
Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases was performed for English studies using keywords selected based on the MeSH model, including “anesthesia, depression, ketamine, treatment.” The research focused on the antidepressant effects of ketamine in primary and secondary studies from 1995 to August 2024.
Results: Ketamine, a drug originally developed as an anesthetic inducer, has recently emerged as a potential treatment for depression, revolutionizing the field of mental health. Studies have shown that unlike common antidepressants, which take weeks or even months to produce therapeutic results, ketamine can produce a rapid, longer-lasting antidepressant effect and significant improvement in symptoms. This development may be a new option for people struggling with treatment-resistant depression, offering hope for improved mental health and a better quality of life.
Conclusion: Research provides strong support for the rapid but temporary antidepressant and antisuicidal effects of an intravenous ketamine injection for treatment-resistant depression and bipolar depression. Further studies are needed to investigate the effectiveness of ketamine for other disorders, different dosage forms, and combination therapy. It is important to consider the risks and potential side effects associated with ketamine treatment, including withdrawal symptoms, hallucinations, and the potential for abuse. In addition, optimal dosage and administration methods should be carefully evaluated to minimize adverse effects. Despite these challenges, ketamine is a new and innovative approach to treating depression. Its unique mechanism of action and rapid kinetics of action have given hope to people who have not responded to traditional antidepressants. The paradigm-shifting nature of ketamine’s antidepressant response underscores its importance in treating a variety of depressions. It emphasizes the need for standardized treatment guidelines to potentially improve the lives of individuals suffering from this debilitating condition.
Background: Ketamine, an NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist, has become a promising treatment for treatment-resistant depression. Its rapid antidepressant effects are observed within a few hours after consumption. S-ketamine nasal spray is approved for use with oral antidepressants. There are still challenges such as maintaining therapeutic response, potential side effects, and the possibility of abuse of this drug. This article examines single-dose intravenous ketamine and intranasal esketamine for the treatment of major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. It also discusses their use for other psychiatric conditions, side effects, combination therapy, and treatment guidelines.
Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases was performed for English studies using keywords selected based on the MeSH model, including “anesthesia, depression, ketamine, treatment.” The research focused on the antidepressant effects of ketamine in primary and secondary studies from 1995 to August 2024.
Results: Ketamine, a drug originally developed as an anesthetic inducer, has recently emerged as a potential treatment for depression, revolutionizing the field of mental health. Studies have shown that unlike common antidepressants, which take weeks or even months to produce therapeutic results, ketamine can produce a rapid, longer-lasting antidepressant effect and significant improvement in symptoms. This development may be a new option for people struggling with treatment-resistant depression, offering hope for improved mental health and a better quality of life.
Conclusion: Research provides strong support for the rapid but temporary antidepressant and antisuicidal effects of an intravenous ketamine injection for treatment-resistant depression and bipolar depression. Further studies are needed to investigate the effectiveness of ketamine for other disorders, different dosage forms, and combination therapy. It is important to consider the risks and potential side effects associated with ketamine treatment, including withdrawal symptoms, hallucinations, and the potential for abuse. In addition, optimal dosage and administration methods should be carefully evaluated to minimize adverse effects. Despite these challenges, ketamine is a new and innovative approach to treating depression. Its unique mechanism of action and rapid kinetics of action have given hope to people who have not responded to traditional antidepressants. The paradigm-shifting nature of ketamine’s antidepressant response underscores its importance in treating a variety of depressions. It emphasizes the need for standardized treatment guidelines to potentially improve the lives of individuals suffering from this debilitating condition.
Type of Study: Review |
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