Ketamine for Dissociative Symptoms
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The purpose of this study is to understand how ketamine brings about dissociative symptoms.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify if you need to stop your current medications, so it's best to ask the study team for guidance.
Is ketamine generally safe for humans?
Ketamine is generally considered safe for humans, with common side effects including a sense of detachment from reality and increased blood pressure. It has an excellent safety profile, making it a preferred choice for pediatric sedation and veterinary medicine, and even in cases of recreational overdose, serious harm is rare.12345
How does ketamine differ from other drugs for dissociative symptoms?
Ketamine is unique because it works quickly and can cause dissociative symptoms, which are linked to its effectiveness in treating depression and anxiety. Unlike other treatments, ketamine is administered intravenously and acts as an NMDA-receptor antagonist, which is different from traditional antidepressants.678910
What evidence supports the effectiveness of the drug ketamine for dissociative symptoms?
Research shows that ketamine can quickly improve symptoms of depression, including treatment-resistant cases, and is effective when used with psychotherapy for reducing depression and anxiety. Its rapid effects and safety profile make it a promising option for various mental health conditions.111121314
Who Is on the Research Team?
Karl Deisseroth, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
Stanford University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 with epilepsy who are in the Stanford Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. It's not suitable for those who can't communicate in English, are pregnant or nursing, have had bad reactions to ketamine before, or have a history of psychotic or bipolar disorders.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive a single infusion of 0.5mg/kg of ketamine
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for dissociative events and safety after ketamine infusion
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Ketamine
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Stanford University
Lead Sponsor