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Tag: Ketamine

Effectiveness and Safety of Ketamine for Unipolar Depression: a Systematic Review

This systematic review evaluated 35 randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy and safety of ketamine in treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Intravenous (IV) ketamine demonstrated significant antidepressant effects in 70% of the studies, while oral and intranasal routes showed limited efficacy. Common adverse effects included nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diplopia, drowsiness,

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June 26, 2025 No Comments

Efficacy of off-label augmentation in unipolar depression: A systematic review of the evidence

This 2017 systematic review evaluated the efficacy of off-label augmentation strategies in unipolar depression by analyzing data from meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and case studies. The review identified five agents—modafinil, ketamine, pindolol, estrogen, and testosterone (in hormone-deficient patients)—with evidence supporting their clinical effectiveness when added to antidepressant regimens. Other agents

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June 26, 2025 No Comments

Neurotrophic mechanisms underlying the rapid and sustained antidepressant actions of ketamine

This systematic review explores the neurotrophic mechanisms underlying ketamine’s rapid and sustained antidepressant effects, particularly in treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, promoting synaptogenesis and neurogenesis. These actions reverse the neuronal atrophy commonly observed in

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June 26, 2025 No Comments

Role of neurotrophic and growth factors in the rapid and sustained antidepressant actions of ketamine

This 2023 review article explores the rapid and sustained antidepressant effects of ketamine, focusing on its modulation of neurotrophic and growth factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Ketamine rapidly enhances BDNF and VEGF expression in the prefrontal cortex

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June 26, 2025 No Comments