In the Literature

Summary of "Repeated oral ketamine for out-patient treatment of resistant depression: randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept study"

Summary published September 13, 2022

Summary by Brian J. Thomas, JD

The British Journal of Psychiatry | September 2018

Domany Y, Bleich-Cohen M, Tarrasch R, et al. Repeated oral ketamine for out-patient treatment of resistant depression: randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept study. Br J Psychiatry. 2019;214(1):20-26.

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038%2Fs41398-020-00897-0

  • The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of repeated oral administration of ketamine for out-patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
  • In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof of concept trial, 41 participants received either 1 mg/kg oral ketamine or placebo three times weekly for 21 days with an additional follow-up session at day 28.
  • The authors of the study concluded that repeated oral ketamine produced rapid and persistent relief of depressive symptoms in out-patients with TRD and was well tolerated.
  • The authors also concluded that additional studies are needed to address questions the safety of long-term ketamine usage and the risk of misuse for at-home prescription.