Ketamine nasal spray ‘improved severe depression within hours’ in US study
Nasal spray containing component of the party drug reduced suicidal urges in study
A nasal spray containing mind-altering “party drug” ketamine had a fast-acting effect on reducing the symptoms of severe depression, including suicidal thoughts, in a study carried out in the US.
All 68 participants were hospitalised and given antidepressants in the study, carried out by Johnson and Johnson-owned research group Janssen in conjunction with the Yale School of Medicine.
Half the patients also received a nasal spray of esketamine, one of the two molecule components in ketamine, while the others received a placebo.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
“In just a matter of hours” participants in the ketamine test group and their doctors “measured a significant improvement in symptoms of patients classed as being at high risk of suicide,” says The Independent.
Although the boost wore off over time - after 25 days, both groups were in a similar condition - the rapid effects of the ketamine spray indicate that it could be particularly beneficial for patients at risk of suicide, especially as most conventional antidepressants take four to six weeks to reach their full effect. Further research is needed before the drug can be approved for use in the US.
Ketamine, a class B drug, is licensed for medical use as an anaesthetic, but in recent years scientists have become increasingly interested in its use in mental health treatment.
Because the drug is already licensed as a medicine for its anaesthetic effects, it is already being prescribed for depression “off label” in private clinics, the BBC reports.
Dr James Stone, from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, told the BBC that the results were "interesting", not least because of the involvement of pharmaceutical giant Johnson and Johnson.
“The main reason for its significance is because this is being developed by a drug company and it's potentially quite likely that this medication might become available as a treatment available on the NHS for depression,” he said.
If approved for use on the NHS, Stone said, the spray “would be aimed at people with severe depression as a second or third line of treatment if other drugs haven't worked”, including as a potential alternative to electroconvulsive therapy.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'Republicans want to silence Israel's opponents'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Poland, Germany nab alleged anti-Ukraine spies
Speed Read A man was arrested over a supposed Russian plot to kill Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Today's political cartoons - April 19, 2024
Cartoons Friday's cartoons - priority delivery, USPS on fire, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Dengue hits the Americas hard and early
Speed Read Puerto Rico has declared an epidemic as dengue cases surge
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
How happy is Finland really?
Today's Big Question Nordic nation tops global happiness survey for seventh year in a row with 'focus on contentment over joy'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
How Tehran became the world's nose job capital
Under the radar Iranian doctors raise alarm over low costs, weak regulation and online influence of 'Western beauty standards'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Africa's renewed battle against female genital mutilation
Under the radar Campaigners call for ban in Sierra Leone after deaths of three girls as coast-to-coast convoy prepares to depart
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
How helpful are mental health apps?
Under the radar Market is booming, offering accessibility and affordability, but many apps are unregulated and share sensitive user data
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Argentina: the therapy capital of the world
Under the radar Buenos Aires natives go hungry to pay for psychoanalysis, amid growing instability, anxiety – and societal acceptance
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Workplace wellness programmes: a waste of time and money?
Talking Point Global corporate industry is booming but positive impact on staff well-being is debatable
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Does declining birth rate spell doom for Britain?
Today's Big Question Ageing population puts pressure on welfare state, economy and fabric of society, while fertility is rising on populist agendas
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published