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.