Several studies measuring the effects of ketamine on depression have already been carried out. This anesthetic product used in human and veterinary medicine would indeed act on glutamate, the most important excitatory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system. But the very first controlled trial has just been conducted by Professor Colleen Loo and her team at the University of New South Wales in Australia. A trial with particularly promising results since, according to the researchers, ketamine has “a remarkable effect” on depression in the elderly.
Seniors with depression are difficult to treat
“Sometimes thedepression in the elderly can be more difficult to treat, especially with medication. Also, older people tend to have more medical issues, which can interfere with treatment.” explain the scientists.
They thus tested the effect of ketamine in people over 60 with resistant depression. “This trial showed that ketamine can be used safely in older people and tends to be effective” explained Professor Loo.
A small injection similar to an insulin injection
Professor Loo and his colleagues delivered the ketamine to patients as small injections under the skin, similar to insulin injections given to diabetic patients.
Participants received increasing doses of ketamine over a five-week period, with a personalized dose for each patient.
Of the 16 study participants, 11 reported improvement in their condition while taking the drug. Six months later, 43% of them had still not had a relapse of their depression.
“These results are promising but we do not yet know all the risks associated with the use of ketamine. New studies with a larger sample of patients are needed to formally assess the side effects of ketamine, such as its impact on liver function” concludes the doctor.
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