Efficacy of Repeated Ketamine Infusions for Treatment-resistant Depression
Randomised, parallel RCT (n=62) in Veterans with treatment‑resistant depression comparing six IV ketamine infusions (0.5 mg/kg) over 12 days versus a single IV ketamine infusion (0.5 mg/kg) preceded by five midazolam infusions (0.045 mg/kg) as an active comparator.
Details
This single‑centre, randomised, triple‑masked trial tested whether six serial IV ketamine infusions (0.5 mg/kg) are superior to a single ketamine infusion preceded by five midazolam infusions (0.045 mg/kg) for reducing depressive symptoms in Veterans with treatment‑resistant depression.
Primary outcome was MADRS score 24 hours after the last infusion. Infusions were delivered Monday‑Wednesday‑Friday over a 12‑day infusion phase; follow‑up visits occurred weekly for 4 weeks, then fortnightly for 8 weeks, then monthly until 24 weeks or relapse.