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A historical review of antidepressant effects of ketamine and its enantiomers.

Abstract
The robust antidepressant effects of (R,S)-ketamine are among the most important discoveries in mood research over the last half century. Off-label use of (R,S)-ketamine, which is an equal mixture of (R)-ketamine and (S)-ketamine, has become especially popular in the United States (US) for treatment-resistant depression. On March 5, 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration approved an (S)-ketamine nasal spray for use in treatment-resistant depression, though its use has been limited to certified medical offices or clinics. On December 19, 2019, (S)-ketamine nasal spray was approved for the same indication in Europe. However, despite its potential for benefit, there are several concerns about the efficacy of (S)-ketamine nasal spray. Accumulating evidence from preclinical studies show that (R)-ketamine has greater potency and longer lasting antidepressant effects than (S)-ketamine in animal models of depression, and that (R)-ketamine has fewer detrimental side effects than either (R,S)-ketamine or (S)-ketamine. As such, clinical studies of (R)-ketamine in humans are now underway by Perception Neuroscience Ltd. In this article, we review the brief history of (R,S)-ketamine and its two enantiomers as novel antidepressants. We also discuss the mechanisms of ketamine's antidepressant actions.
AuthorsYan Wei, Lijia Chang, Kenji Hashimoto
JournalPharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior (Pharmacol Biochem Behav) Vol. 190 Pg. 172870 (03 2020) ISSN: 1873-5177 [Electronic] United States
PMID32035078 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
CopyrightCopyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Chemical References
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Esketamine
  • Ketamine
Topics
  • Animals
  • Antidepressive Agents (chemistry, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
  • Depression (drug therapy)
  • Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant (drug therapy)
  • Humans
  • Ketamine (chemistry, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Treatment Outcome

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