Clinical studies consistently demonstrate that a single subanesthetic dose of ketamine (NMDA receptor antagonist) produces fast acting antidepressant response if the patient is suffering a major depressive episode, although the mechanism remains unclear
The effects of the ketamine are seen within 2 hours of the infusion
The benefits are seen immediately which is in contrast to tradition oral antidepressant therapy which can take weeks for effect
The benefit of ketamine is particularly good in cases of major depression with suicidal ideation
Elucidating the exact mechanism of ketamine’s action requires further studying
Read More