Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons^™

Putative Mechanisms Underlying The Antidepressant Actions Of Ketamine: A Review And Study Proposal, Tristan Reece

CMC Senior Theses

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a highly debilitating and common psychiatric disorder that affects over 250 million people globally; it is among the most financially and emotionally burdensome illnesses in the world. Currently approved antidepressants are suboptimal in their efficacy and latency of therapeutic action. In contrast, single administrations of sub-anesthetic ketamine have been shown to rapidly alleviate depressive symptoms within hours, even in treatment-resistant patients. Ketamine is believed to exert these effects by increasing glutamatemediated neurotransmission and promoting rapid neurotrophic factor release, restoring the integrity of neural circuits that are compromised in depression. However, uncertainty surrounding its specific antidepressant …

Ketamine As A Treatment Modality For Treatment-Resistant Depression, Tracy Wulff, Shen Cao

Physician Assistant Capstones, 2020-current

Many recent studies have demonstrated the ability of ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, to produce antidepressant effects that may be effective in helping reduce treatment-resistant major depression. In particular, three double-blinded randomized control trials have been conducted to assess the viability and effectiveness of this medication for treatment. This systematic literature review will analyze these studies and determine if the overall research indicates that ketamine is useful in improving depression as measured by the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)¹.

Objective: Assess the effectiveness of IV Ketamine in reducing treatment-resistant major depressive disorder as measured by the Montgomery–Asberg …

Subanesthetic Iv Ketamine Reduces Acute Suicidal Ideation In Patients With Mood Disorders, Kimberly Jenko, Jack Anzilotti

Physician Assistant Capstones, 2016 to 2019

Background. Depression and suicide are common in the United States and present a significant problem in the healthcare landscape. Currently, there are few options that can rapidly reduce suicidal ideation in patients with depression. Ketamine, a glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has been shown to reduce acute suicidality in patients with depression. Previous studies have a reduction of suicidal ideation compared to saline placebo, but few studies have shown a significant effect compared to a similar psychoactive drug such as midazolam.

Method. A search of PubMed and PsychNET was performed in September 2018 using the terms “ketamine,” “suicide,” …

Off-Label Use Of Transmucosal Ketamine As A Rapidacting Antidepressant: A Retrospective Chart Review, Linda Nguyen, Patrick J. Marshalek, Cory B. Weaver, Kathy J. Cramer, Scott E. Pollard, Rae Reiko Matsumoto

Faculty Publications & Research of the TUC College of Pharmacy

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of subanesthetic doses of ketamine using an off-label, transmucosal administration route in patients with treatment-resistant depression.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients who met the inclusion criteria for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Seventeen such patients who received subanesthetic doses of ketamine were included. Patient demographics, efficacy (drug refill, clinician notes), side effects, and concurrent medications were assessed.

Results: Benefit from low-dose transmucosal ketamine was noted in 76% of subjects (average age 48 years, 88% female), with a dose duration lasting 7–14 days. No notable side …