This unregistered trial (n=71) was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised parallel-group study of single intravenous ketamine infusions for treatment-resistant depression in patients with recurrent major depressive disorder, which demonstrated significant dose-related antidepressant effects.
This synthetic trial has been added to our database because a psychedelic paper (about a clinical trial) references this trial, but no (live) registration can be found.
The study investigated the dose-dependent antidepressant efficacy of a single intravenous infusion of R/S-ketamine (0.2 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg) compared to a saline placebo in a population of patients with treatment-resistant depression. Researchers specifically examined the influence of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genotypes on the clinical response.
Results indicated that both doses of ketamine led to significant reductions in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores compared to placebo. The responder analysis further confirmed a dose-related effect, with higher response rates observed in the 0.5 mg/kg group compared to the 0.2 mg/kg and placebo groups.
Single 40 min intravenous infusion of R/S-ketamine hydrochloride at 0.5 mg/kg
R/S-ketamine hydrochloride
Single 40 min intravenous infusion of R/S-ketamine hydrochloride at 0.2 mg/kg
R/S-ketamine hydrochloride
Single 40 min intravenous infusion of normal saline
Normal saline