Drugs in R&D
-
Review
Ketamine as a potential treatment for suicidal ideation: a systematic review of the literature.
To review the published literature on the efficacy of ketamine for the treatment of suicidal ideation (SI). ⋯ Consistent with clinical research on ketamine as a rapid and effective treatment for depression, ketamine has shown early preliminary evidence of a reduction in depressive symptoms, as well as reducing SI, with minimal short-term side effects. Additional studies are needed to further investigate its mechanism of action, long-term outcomes, and long-term adverse effects (including abuse) and benefits. In addition, ketamine could potentially be used as a prototype for further development of rapid-acting antisuicidal medication with a practical route of administration and the most favorable risk/benefit ratio.