• DOI:10.1080/13651501.2016.1254802
• Corpus ID: 35626369

Administration of ketamine for unipolar and bipolar depression

@article{Kraus2017AdministrationOK,
  title={Administration of ketamine for unipolar and bipolar depression},
  author={Christoph Kraus and Ulrich Rabl and Thomas Vanicek and Laura Carlberg and Ana Popovic and Marie Spies and Lucie Bartova and Gregor Gryglewski and Konstantinos Papageorgiou and Rupert Lanzenberger and Matth{\"a}us Willeit and Dietmar Winkler and Janusz K. Rybakowski and Siegfried Kasper},
  journal={International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice},
  year={2017},
  volume={21},
  pages={12 - 2}
}

• C. Kraus, U. Rabl, +11 authors S. Kasper
• Published 2 January 2017
• Psychology
• International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice

Abstract Objective: Clinical trials demonstrated that ketamine exhibits rapid antidepressant efficacy when administered in subanaesthetic dosages. We reviewed currently available literature investigating efficacy, response rates and safety profile. Methods: Twelve studies investigating unipolar, seven on bipolar depression were included after search in medline, scopus and web of science. Results: Randomized, placebo-controlled or open-label trials reported antidepressant response rates after 24 h on primary outcome measures at 61%. The average reduction of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) was 10.9 points, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) 15.7 points and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) 20.8 points. Ketamine was always superior to placebo. Most common side effects were dizziness, blurred vision, restlessness, nausea/vomiting and headache, which were all reversible. Relapse rates ranged between 60% and 92%. To provide best practice-based information to patients, a consent-form for application and modification in local language is included. Conclusions: Ketamine constitutes a novel, rapid and efficacious treatment option for patients suffering from treatment resistant depression and exhibits rapid and significant anti-suicidal effects. New administration routes might serve as alternative to intravenous regimes for potential usage in outpatient settings. However, long-term side effects are not known and short duration of antidepressant response need ways to prolong ketamine’s efficacy.