Review article
https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2021.468
KETAMINE AS A NOVEL DRUG FOR DEPRESSION TREATMENT
Bartosz Kaczmarek
; Graduate of the Medical University of Lodz, Rotational Trainee in University Teaching Hospital in Wroclaw, Psychiatry Student Research Club, Poland
Krzysztof Kowalski
; Psychiatry Student Research Club, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
Bogna Bogudzinska
; Psychiatry Student Research Club, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
Patryk Piotrowski
; Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Section of Epidemiology and Social Psychiatry, Wroclaw, Poland
Abstract
Background: Depression is one of the most common mental disorders. Currently used antidepressants, acting on the
monoaminergic system, are insufficient for depression treatment. In recent years, potential application of NMDA receptor
modulators in the treatment of drug-resistant depression has gained attention. Administration of ketamine, being a non-competitive
NMDA receptor antagonist, contributes to a faster remission of symptoms.
Subjects and methods: The aim of this paper is to review current studies on the use of ketamine in the treatment of drug-resistant
depression, compare results of various administration methods - intravenous, intranasal or oral, as well as compare its effectiveness
with that of other antidepressants.
Results: Numerous studies show the drug is effective and well tolerated, particularly in patients with increased suicidal thoughts.
However, there are concerns on increasing tolerance to the drug and the possibility of implementing a long-term treatment.
Conclusion: Oral and intranasal forms of the drug are particularly promising due to their non-invasiveness and ability to selfadminister.
In March 2019, S-ketamine nasal spray was registered by the FDA for the treatment of drug-resistant depression.
Keywords
depression; ketamine; NMDA receptor
Hrčak ID:
268091
URI
Publication date:
21.12.2021.
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