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d'Andrea G, Pettorruso M, Di Lorenzo G, Rhee TG, Chiappini S, Carullo R, Barlati S, Zanardi R, Rosso G, Di Nicola M, Andriola I, Marcatili M, Clerici M, Dell'Osso BM, Sensi SL, Mansur RB, Rosenblat JD, Martinotti G, McIntyre RS. The rapid antidepressant effectiveness of repeated dose of intravenous ketamine and intranasal esketamine: A post-hoc analysis of pooled real-world data. J Affect Disord 2024; 348:314-322. [PMID: 38145840 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intravenous ketamine (KET-IV) and intranasal esketamine (ESK-NS) are effective in the acute treatment of Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). Studies comparing KET-IV and ESK-NS concerning their action, safety, and tolerability are currently lacking. MATERIALS AND METHODS We combined patients' data from two unipolar TRD cohorts that received KET-IV (n = 171) at the Canadian Rapid Treatment Center of Excellence in Toronto, Canada, or ESK-NS (n = 140) at several TRD clinics in Italy. The Quick Inventory for Depression Symptomatology-Self-Report-16/QIDS-SR16 in the KET-IV group and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale/MADRS in the ESK-NS group measured depressive symptoms at baseline (T0) and after the acute treatment phase (T1) (i.e., four infusions of KET-IV and eight administrations of ESK-NS). As different scales were used, the primary outcome was to compare the improvement in depression severity in the two cohorts by measuring effect sizes, response and remission rates. Finally, we compare side effects and discontinuation rates. RESULTS At T1, KET-IV and ESK-NS significantly reduced depressive symptoms (respectively: QIDS-SR16 mean reduction = 5.65, p < 0.001; MADRS mean reduction = 11.41, p = 0.025). KET-IV showed larger effect sizes compared to ESK-NS (1.666 vs. 1.244). KET-IV had higher response rates (36 % vs. 25 %; p = 0.042) but not superior remission rates (13 % vs. 12 %; p = 0.845) than ESK-NS at T1. Despite more reported side effects, KET-IV did not cause more discontinuations for adverse events (4.6 % vs. 2.12 %; p = 0.228) than ESK-NS. CONCLUSION KET-IV showed a higher short-term antidepressant effect, whereas ESK-NS exhibited lower side effects. Both were generally well tolerated. Future head-to-head studies should consider the long-term efficacy of these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo d'Andrea
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mauro Pettorruso
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giorgio Di Lorenzo
- Chair of Psychiatry, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Taeho Greg Rhee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; VA New England Mental Illness, Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Stefania Chiappini
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Rosalba Carullo
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Barlati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Raffaella Zanardi
- Mood Disorder Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Rosso
- Department of Neurosciences Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Di Nicola
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome; Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Marcatili
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Massimo Clerici
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy; School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Bernardo Maria Dell'Osso
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco and Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Brain Therapeutic, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano L Sensi
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Rodrigo B Mansur
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joshua D Rosenblat
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada; Braxia Health, Canadian Centre for Rapid Treatment Excellence (CRTCE), Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy; Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada; Braxia Health, Canadian Centre for Rapid Treatment Excellence (CRTCE), Mississauga, ON, Canada.
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Rodolico A, Cutrufelli P, Di Francesco A, Aguglia A, Catania G, Concerto C, Cuomo A, Fagiolini A, Lanza G, Mineo L, Natale A, Rapisarda L, Petralia A, Signorelli MS, Aguglia E. Efficacy and safety of ketamine and esketamine for unipolar and bipolar depression: an overview of systematic reviews with meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1325399. [PMID: 38362031 PMCID: PMC10867194 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1325399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Unipolar and bipolar depression present treatment challenges, with patients sometimes showing limited or no response to standard medications. Ketamine and its enantiomer, esketamine, offer promising alternative treatments that can quickly relieve suicidal thoughts. This Overview of Reviews (OoR) analyzed and synthesized systematic reviews (SRs) with meta-analysis on randomized clinical trials (RCTs) involving ketamine in various formulations (intravenous, intramuscular, intranasal, subcutaneous) for patients with unipolar or bipolar depression. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of ketamine and esketamine in treating major depressive episodes across various forms, including unipolar, bipolar, treatment-resistant, and non-resistant depression, in patient populations with and without suicidal ideation, aiming to comprehensively assess their therapeutic potential and safety profile. Methods Following PRIOR guidelines, this OoR's protocol was registered on Implasy (ID:202150049). Searches in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Epistemonikos focused on English-language meta-analyses of RCTs of ketamine or esketamine, as monotherapy or add-on, evaluating outcomes like suicide risk, depressive symptoms, relapse, response rates, and side effects. We included studies involving both suicidal and non-suicidal patients; all routes and formulations of administration (intravenous, intramuscular, intranasal) were considered, as well as all available comparisons with control interventions. We excluded meta-analysis in which the intervention was used as anesthesia for electroconvulsive therapy or with a randomized ascending dose design. The selection, data extraction, and quality assessment of studies were carried out by pairs of reviewers in a blinded manner. Data on efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability were extracted. Results Our analysis included 26 SRs and 44 RCTs, with 3,316 subjects. The intervention is effective and well-tolerated, although the quality of the included SRs and original studies is poor, resulting in low certainty of evidence. Limitations This study is limited by poor-quality SRs and original studies, resulting in low certainty of the evidence. Additionally, insufficient available data prevents differentiation between the effects of ketamine and esketamine in unipolar and bipolar depression. Conclusion While ketamine and esketamine show promising therapeutic potential, the current evidence suffers from low study quality. Enhanced methodological rigor in future research will allow for a more informed application of these interventions within the treatment guidelines for unipolar and bipolar depression. Systematic review registration [https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2021-5-0049/], identifier (INPLASY202150049).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rodolico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Pierfelice Cutrufelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Francesco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Aguglia
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gaetano Catania
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carmen Concerto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cuomo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Fagiolini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Ludovico Mineo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antimo Natale
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry Service (SPA), University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laura Rapisarda
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonino Petralia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Salvina Signorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Jiang Y, Du Z, Shen Y, Zhou Q, Zhu H. The correlation of Esketamine with specific adverse events: a deep dive into the FAERS database. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023:10.1007/s00406-023-01732-5. [PMID: 38103077 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01732-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Analyzing the vast data from FAERS database to evaluate the association between Esketamine and specific adverse events to guide clinical practice and regulatory decisions. Data related to Esketamine adverse events from 2019 Q1 to 2023 Q1 were collected from FAERS database. After data standardization, various signal quantification technologies, such as ROR, PRR, BCPNN, and MGPS, were employed to identify and evaluate adverse reaction signals closely related to the use of Esketamine comprehensively. A total of 5061 reports with Esketamine as the primary suspected drug were obtained, identifying 117 adverse reaction terms (PT) involving 27 system organ class (SOC) categories. Apart from the adverse events already mentioned in the drug's instructions, this study identified some new, clinically valuable potential AE signals, such as Flashback, Tachyphylaxis, and Autoscopy. In addition, high-ranking results included euphoric mood, feeling of relaxation, and feeling drunk. Notably, the occurrence frequencies of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt were relatively high, so clinicians should be particularly vigilant about these potential adverse reactions when using Esketamine. Moreover, since this drug is administered as a nasal spray, issues such as drug monitoring procedure incorrectly performed and nasal discomfort may arise. This study underscores the potential adverse reactions and risks of Esketamine in clinical applications, especially regarding long-term efficacy, addiction risks, and suicidal risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Jiang
- Mental Health Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, 214151, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiqiang Du
- Mental Health Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, 214151, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan Shen
- Mental Health Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, 214151, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Mental Health Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, 214151, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haohao Zhu
- Mental Health Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, 214151, Jiangsu, China.
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Krystal JH, Kaye AP, Jefferson S, Girgenti MJ, Wilkinson ST, Sanacora G, Esterlis I. Ketamine and the neurobiology of depression: Toward next-generation rapid-acting antidepressant treatments. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2305772120. [PMID: 38011560 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2305772120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ketamine has emerged as a transformative and mechanistically novel pharmacotherapy for depression. Its rapid onset of action, efficacy for treatment-resistant symptoms, and protection against relapse distinguish it from prior antidepressants. Its discovery emerged from a reconceptualization of the neurobiology of depression and, in turn, insights from the elaboration of its mechanisms of action inform studies of the pathophysiology of depression and related disorders. It has been 25 y since we first presented our ketamine findings in depression. Thus, it is timely for this review to consider what we have learned from studies of ketamine and to suggest future directions for the optimization of rapid-acting antidepressant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT 06510
- Clinical Neuroscience Division, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516
| | - Alfred P Kaye
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
- Clinical Neuroscience Division, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516
| | - Sarah Jefferson
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
- Clinical Neuroscience Division, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516
| | - Matthew J Girgenti
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
- Clinical Neuroscience Division, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516
| | - Samuel T Wilkinson
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Gerard Sanacora
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Irina Esterlis
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
- Clinical Neuroscience Division, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516
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Hope J, Copolov D, Tiller J, Galbally M, Hopwood M, Newton R, Keks NA. What clinicians need to know about intranasal esketamine for treatment-resistant depression? Australas Psychiatry 2023; 31:841-845. [PMID: 37961848 PMCID: PMC10725109 DOI: 10.1177/10398562231211171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the usefulness of esketamine for treatment-resistant depression. METHOD Pivotal trials of intranasal esketamine in treatment-resistant depression were synthesized as a narrative review. RESULTS Esketamine is postulated to act through antagonism of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors, but opioidergic effects may also be involved. Unlike intravenous ketamine, esketamine is given intranasally (under clinical observation), usually in addition to an oral antidepressant. Trials compared esketamine plus antidepressant versus placebo plus antidepressant. At 4 weeks, remission was 37% higher with esketamine/antidepressant than placebo/antidepressant. Speed of response and improvement in suicidality were comparable. In stable remitters on esketamine/antidepressant, 45% relapsed when esketamine was withdrawn over the following 6 months (whereas 25% relapsed on esketamine/antidepressant). Response appears less likely in patients with multiple antidepressant failures. Adverse effects include dissociation, dizziness, nausea, sedation, and headache but no psychosis. Hypertension affected 13%, especially older patients. Dose frequency is twice-weekly for 4 weeks, then weekly/fortnightly thereafter. No abuse has been reported. Unsubsidised cost may be beyond the reach of many Australians. CONCLUSION Intranasal esketamine plus antidepressant has been approved by regulators as moderately effective and acceptably tolerable for treatment-resistant depression. Cost is a drawback. Use often needs to be long-term and vigilance for abuse is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy Hope
- Mental Health Program, Eastern Health, Box Hill, VIC, Australia; Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Box Hill, VIC, Australia; Centre of Mental Health Education and Research, Delmont Private Hospital, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - David Copolov
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - John Tiller
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Megan Galbally
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Mental Health Program Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Centre of Women's and Children's Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Malcolm Hopwood
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard Newton
- Peninsula Health, Frankston, VIC, Australia; Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas A Keks
- Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Centre of Mental Health Education and Research, Delmont Private Hospital, Burwood, VIC, Australia
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Guilloux JP, Nguyen TML, Gardier AM. [Ketamine: a neuropsychotropic drug with an innovative mechanism of action]. Biol Aujourdhui 2023; 217:133-144. [PMID: 38018940 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2023026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Ketamine, a non-competitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate-glutamate receptor (R-NMDA), has a rapid (from 24 h post-dose) and prolonged (up to one week) antidepressant effect in treatment resistant depression and in rodent models of anxiety/depression. Arguments regarding its cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying its antidepressant activity mainly come from animal studies. However, debates still persist on the structural remodeling of frontocortical/hippocampal neurons and the role of excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmitters involved in its behavioral effect. Neurochemical and behavioral changes are maintained 24 h after administration of ketamine, well beyond its plasma elimination half-life. The glutamatergic pyramidal cells of the medial prefrontal cortex are primarily implicated in the therapeutic effects of ketamine. Advances in knowledge of the consequences of R-NMDA blockade allowed to specify the underlying mechanisms involving the activation of AMPA glutamate receptors, which triggers a cascade of intracellular events dependent on the mechanistic target of rapamycin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and synaptic protein synthesis facilitating synaptic plasticity (number of dendritic spines, synaptogenesis). This review focuses on abnormalities of neurotransmitter systems involved in major depressive disorders, their potential impact on neural circuitry and beneficial effects of ketamine. Recent preclinical data pave the way for future studies to better clarify the mechanism of action of fast-acting antidepressant drugs for the development of novel, more effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Guilloux
- Laboratoire de Neuropharmacologie, Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Pharmacie, Inserm CESP/UMR 1018, Équipe MOODS, F-91400 Orsay, France
| | - Thi Mai Loan Nguyen
- Laboratoire de Neuropharmacologie, Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Pharmacie, Inserm CESP/UMR 1018, Équipe MOODS, F-91400 Orsay, France
| | - Alain M Gardier
- Laboratoire de Neuropharmacologie, Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Pharmacie, Inserm CESP/UMR 1018, Équipe MOODS, F-91400 Orsay, France
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Griffiths HM. Low-dose ketamine infusions for chronic pain management: Does this qualify as evidence-based practice? Br J Pain 2023; 17:457-467. [PMID: 38107756 PMCID: PMC10722110 DOI: 10.1177/20494637231182804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is becoming increasingly prevalent and burdensome both worldwide and in the United Kingdom. Due to the complexity of chronic pain and the therapeutic challenge associated, management is often difficult and requires multidisciplinary care encompassing a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. Conventional analgesic treatments, such as opioids and anticonvulsants, are effective in less than half of chronic pain sufferers and are typically limited to short-term use to prevent complications associated with long-term use such as tolerance and dependence. Consequently, research and clinical interest in alternative management options for chronic pain have increased in recent years, with ketamine being one example under investigation. However, since ketamine has been licensed as an anaesthetic for decades, it has bypassed the traditional scrutinous drug development sequence that is typically seen for therapeutics marketed for pain. As such, data supporting the unlicensed administration of ketamine for chronic pain management is lacking and is being outpaced by the rates of off-label use in pain clinics. Recent limited evidence suggests that ketamine, when given as an intravenous infusion in subanaesthetic doses for refractory pain patients, may provide modest analgesic effects in nearly all aetiologies of chronic pain, with side effects common but typically mild. However, there are concerns over the safety of this practice due to the paucity of robust supportive evidence and the accompanying lack of clinical guidelines or standardised protocols. This review shall summarise the literature examining the use of subanaesthetic-dose ketamine infusions for chronic pain to comment on the current level of evidence, with limitations of existing research and future recommendations discussed.
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Jawad MY, Qasim S, Ni M, Guo Z, Di Vincenzo JD, d'Andrea G, Tabassum A, Mckenzie A, Badulescu S, Grande I, McIntyre RS. The Role of Ketamine in the Treatment of Bipolar Depression: A Scoping Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:909. [PMID: 37371387 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bipolar depression remains a clinical challenge with a quarter of patients failing to respond to initial conventional treatments. Although ketamine has been extensively studied in unipolar depression, its role in bipolar disorder remains inconclusive. The aim of our scoping review was to comprehensively synthesize the current clinical literature around ketamine use in bipolar depression. A total of 10 clinical studies (5 randomized controlled trials and 5 open label studies) were selected. The preliminary evidence, albeit weak, suggests that ketamine is a promising treatment and calls for further interest from the research community. Overall, ketamine treatment appeared to be tolerable with minimal risk for manic/hypomanic switching and showed some effectiveness across parameters of depression and suicidality. Moreover, ketamine is a potential treatment agent in patients with treatment-resistant bipolar depression with promising data extracted from extant controlled trials and real-world effectiveness studies. Future studies are needed to identify ketamine's role in acute and maintenance treatment phases of bipolar depression. Moreover, future researchers should study the recurrence prevention and anti-suicidal effects of ketamine in the treatment of bipolar depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Youshay Jawad
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada
| | - Saleha Qasim
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Menglu Ni
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Ziji Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON M5S 1M2, Canada
| | - Joshua D Di Vincenzo
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Giacomo d'Andrea
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio", 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Aniqa Tabassum
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Andrea Mckenzie
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Sebastian Badulescu
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Iria Grande
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, C. Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), C. Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C. Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences (UBNeuro), P. de la Vall d'Hebron, 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON M5S 1M2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
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Ketamine, benzoate, and sarcosine for treating depression. Neuropharmacology 2023; 223:109351. [PMID: 36423705 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Studies have demonstrated the beneficial therapeutic effects of sarcosine, benzoate, and ketamine (including esketamine and arketamine) on depression. These drugs mainly act by modulating N-methyl-d-aspartate glutamate receptors (NMDARs) and reducing inflammation in the brain. Although ketamine, benzoate, and sarcosine act differently as the antagonists or coagonists of NMDARs, they all have demonstrated efficacy in animal models or human trials. In vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that sarcosine, benzoate, and ketamine exert their anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting microglial activity. This review summarizes and compares the efficacy of the possible therapeutic mechanisms of sarcosine, benzoate, ketamine, esketamine, and arketamine. These compounds act as both NMDAR modulators and anti-inflammatory drugs and thus can be effective in the treatment of depression.
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The therapeutic role of ketamine and esketamine in treating psychopathological domains of depression. Neuropharmacology 2023; 223:109299. [PMID: 36336068 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, ketamine has emerged as a novel effective and rapid-acting antidepressant. While the vast majority of studies on ketamine have focused on its ability to reduce the severity of depression broadly, its effectiveness in specific domains such as cognition, anhedonia, suicidality, and workplace/social/scholastic functionality has been neglected. Similarly, current treatments (e.g., SSRIs and SNRIs) aim to improve overall depression severity, which often results in the persistence of one or more residual symptom domains and prevents full recovery to premorbid functionality. In this review, we narratively synthesize the literature pertaining to the effectiveness of ketamine in treating key domains of depressive symptomatology (i.e., cognition, anhedonia, suicidality, and psychosocial functionality). Our findings suggest that ketamine is effective across domains varyingly, with the strongest evidence being for its ability to reduce suicidality. The rapid acting nature of ketamine further supports its use in treating suicidality and potentially preventing the completion of suicide. Evidence for the effectiveness of ketamine in other domains is weak, primarily due to a lack of robust studies specifically designed to assess these domains as primary outcomes. Future studies should scrutinize the effects of ketamine on specific domains of depression to optimize its implementation.
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Correll CU, Solmi M, Cortese S, Fava M, Højlund M, Kraemer HC, McIntyre RS, Pine DS, Schneider LS, Kane JM. The future of psychopharmacology: a critical appraisal of ongoing phase 2/3 trials, and of some current trends aiming to de-risk trial programmes of novel agents. World Psychiatry 2023; 22:48-74. [PMID: 36640403 PMCID: PMC9840514 DOI: 10.1002/wps.21056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite considerable progress in pharmacotherapy over the past seven decades, many mental disorders remain insufficiently treated. This situation is in part due to the limited knowledge of the pathophysiology of these disorders and the lack of biological markers to stratify and individualize patient selection, but also to a still restricted number of mechanisms of action being targeted in monotherapy or combination/augmentation treatment, as well as to a variety of challenges threatening the successful development and testing of new drugs. In this paper, we first provide an overview of the most promising drugs with innovative mechanisms of action that are undergoing phase 2 or 3 testing for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety and trauma-related disorders, substance use disorders, and dementia. Promising repurposing of established medications for new psychiatric indications, as well as variations in the modulation of dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin receptor functioning, are also considered. We then critically discuss the clinical trial parameters that need to be considered in depth when developing and testing new pharmacological agents for the treatment of mental disorders. Hurdles and perils threatening success of new drug development and testing include inadequacy and imprecision of inclusion/exclusion criteria and ratings, sub-optimally suited clinical trial participants, multiple factors contributing to a large/increasing placebo effect, and problems with statistical analyses. This information should be considered in order to de-risk trial programmes of novel agents or known agents for novel psychiatric indications, increasing their chances of success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph U Correll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Marco Solmi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Mental Health, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) Clinical Epidemiology Program, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York University Child Study Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maurizio Fava
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mikkel Højlund
- Department of Public Health, Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, Department of Psychiatry Aabenraa, Aabenraa, Denmark
| | - Helena C Kraemer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Cupertino, CA, USA
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Canadian Rapid Treatment Center of Excellence, Mississauga, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel S Pine
- Section on Developmental Affective Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lon S Schneider
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, and L. Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John M Kane
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
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Vasiliu O. Esketamine for treatment‑resistant depression: A review of clinical evidence (Review). Exp Ther Med 2023; 25:111. [PMID: 36793329 PMCID: PMC9922941 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.11810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a challenge for psychiatrists, even after more than seven decades since the first antidepressants were used in clinical practice. Non-monoaminergic-based drugs with antidepressant properties have been developed, but to date, only esketamine and brexanolone have been approved for TRD and postpartum depression, respectively. A narrative review on the efficacy and safety of esketamine in the main categories of depressive disorders has been conducted through four electronic databases (Pubmed, Cochrane, EMBASE and Clarivate/Web of Science) The primary objective of the present review was to find evidence that may support the usefulness of esketamine for patients diagnosed with TRD as well as data about its potential adverse effects in the short and long term. A total of 14 papers were reviewed, and their results support the recommendation of esketamine for treatment of TRD as an add-on to antidepressants, but more data is needed in order to assess its long-term efficacy and safety. It must also be mentioned that there have been a few trials which did not report a significant effect on the severity of depressive symptoms with esketamine in TRD, therefore, caution is indicated for patients initiated on this adjuvant agent. There has been insufficient data to formulate specific guidelines about esketamine administration because evidence about favorable or negative prognostic factors of this treatment has been lacking, and the duration of its administration has not been unanimously accepted. Novel directions for research have been identified, especially in the case of patients with TRD and substance use disorders, geriatric or bipolar depression or in major depression with psychotic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octavian Vasiliu
- Department of Psychiatry, ‘Dr. Carol Davila’ University Emergency Central Military Hospital, Bucharest 010816, Romania,Correspondence to: Dr Octavian Vasiliu, Department of Psychiatry, ‘Dr. Carol Davila’ University Emergency Central Military Hospital, 88 Mircea Vulcanescu Street, Bucharest 010816, Romania
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Appolinario JC, Nardi AE. The use of ketamine and esketamine in psychiatry: now and beyond. JORNAL BRASILEIRO DE PSIQUIATRIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/0047-2085000000388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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