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The following is a summary of “Intranasal racemic ketamine maintenance therapy for patients with treatment-resistant depression: a naturalistic feasibility study,” published in the January 2025 issue of Psychiatry by Halpape et al.
Ketamine shows rapid benefits for treatment-resistant depression, but maintenance therapy is needed to prevent relapse. Data on intranasal use and safety as a maintenance option remain limited.
Researchers conducted a prospective study on a hospital-to-outpatient intranasal ketamine maintenance program for treatment-resistant depression.
They conducted an observational evaluation involving adult inpatients with treatment-resistant depression who transitioned to outpatient maintenance therapy. Effectiveness was measured using the self-report quick inventory of depressive symptomatology, quality of life (QoL) scale, and clinical global impression-improvement scale.
The results showed 5 patients enrolled, completing up to 14 sessions over 192 days. The mean dose was 220 mg (100–400 mg). All patients showed decreased or stable depressive symptoms and improved or stable QoL. No serious adverse events (AEs) or discontinuations occurred. Reported adverse effects included anxiety and nausea, with slight blood pressure increases, none requiring intervention.
Investigators found intranasal racemic ketamine maintenance therapy for treatment-resistant depression to be feasible and well-tolerated. Further research into its safety and effectiveness was recommended.
Source: bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-024-06448-x
