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American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) 2010 Scientific Assembly: Abstract 157. Presented September 28, 2010
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Bolus Dose of Ketamine Offers Fast-Acting Alleviation of Acute Depression in ED Setting
September 29, 2010 (Las Vegas, Nevada) — A single subanesthetic dose of intravenous ketamine administered to acutely depressed and suicidal patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) can rapidly alleviate depression and can alleviate suicidal thoughts for up to 10 days, according to a study presented here at the American College of Emergency Physicians 2010 Scientific Assembly.
The study involved 15 patients who presented to the ED with a primary complaint of depression and/or suicidal ideation. Results showed that all patients who were administered a single subanesthetic intravenous bolus of ketamine (0.20 mg/kg over 1 to 2 minutes) had decreased suicidal ideation at 40, 80, 120, and 240 minutes postinfusion. Suicidal ideation was completely resolved in 14 of the 15 subjects within 40 minutes, and was sustained at 10-day follow-up in 13 of the 14 patients.