Ketamine pill offers hope, and risks, for treatment-resistant depression

A new tablet that slowly releases the drug ketamine can ease treatment-resistant depression, offering an alternative to cumbersome clinic-based treatments for people with the condition, researchers have found in a clinical trial. “However, the lower blood ketamine levels mean patients experience few or no side effects.” An enriched clinical trial Dr. Glue’s team developed an extended-release ketamine pill called R-107. “The risk of study failure drops to about 20% by using this two-stage design.” ‘Very satisfying to see the results’ The 168 people recruited to the double-blind stage received either placebo tablets or one of four R-107 doses — 30, 60, 120 or 180 mg — twice a week for three months. This was a sign that extended-release ketamine tablets with fewer or no side effects could ease access to treatment for the people who need it the most, Dr. “A ketamine-containing tablet is convenient, particularly for those in tier-three cities,” said Dr. Bajaj, since they may not have access to clinics for ketamine treatment sessions. Risk of abuse and overdose Another concern, according to Dr. Bajaj, is that ketamine is a drug of abuse, and unsupervised treatment in people with depression symptoms or suicidal ideation could be dangerous.