Ketamine and its potential mechanism of action in Depression

This comprehensive review focuses on ketamine and other N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists as novel treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression (BDep). The text highlights the rapid and potent antidepressant effects of ketamine, particularly in treatment-resistant depression, contrasting its fast action with the delayed onset of traditional monoaminergic antidepressants. It explores the pharmacology of ketamine, detailing its interaction with the glutamate system and proposed mechanisms of action, including its influence on synaptic plasticity and various molecular pathways. The review also summarizes clinical studies on both single and multiple infusions of ketamine, examining its efficacy, antisuicidal properties, and safety profile, while also discussing the development of alternative administration methods and other NMDA receptor antagonists with potentially fewer side effects.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4416968/