Ketamine an Effective Drug in Suicide Prevention, Study Finds

Australian researchers say that ketamine, which is used as an anesthetic, is equally effective in preventing suicide.

Researchers at the University of New South Wales found that ketamine- a drug that is traditionally used as an anesthetic and also as a recreational drug - is effective in preventing suicide and also acts as mood enhancer in those who are severely depressed. Ketamine, also known as 'special K', could be a game changer in treating those who are severely depressed.

Professor Colleen Loo, the lead author said, "The real advantage here is that the effect is almost instantaneous and that it appears to work on the majority of patients."

The traditional anti-depressants take nearly eight weeks to get completely active and effective, yet it is challenging to get the right drug for the patient.  Ketamine is really beneficial in suicidal patients as this drug helps reduce suicidal thoughts. Apart from this, Ketamine can be used along with other anti-depressants that may help sustain sleep and appetite in the patient.

"Ketamine powerfully reverses structural changes in the brain that occur when someone is depressed. In a sense, the treatment is repairing or reversing those changes," Professor Loo said.

A trial revealed that three of the four participants at Wesley Hospital, Sydney, had an anti-depressant response after having just one treatment session, although they all relapsed in a week's time.

The researchers also recommend that some patients might require lower dosage as this reduces side-effects like hallucinations.

Though the study included a small group of participants, the results are significant and effective. 

The results were documented in the World Journal of Biological Psychiatry.