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. 2015 Jan-Feb;12(1-2):29-31.

Use of ketamine in acute cases of suicidality

Jae Lee  1 , Puneet Narang  1 , Manasa Enja  1 , Steven Lippmann  1
Affiliations

Use of ketamine in acute cases of suicidality

Jae Lee et al. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2015 Jan-Feb.

Abstract

Ketamine is an N-methyl-D- aspartate antagonist with rapid antidepressant effects. Research shows that ketamine has a fast onset of reduction in depressive symptoms and shows sustained remission of suicidal ideation in some patients. This article provides a brief review of the literature on the use of ketamine for depression and in acute cases of suicidality. The authors conclude that, while further investigation is needed, ketamine may be a useful treatment option for acute suicidality in emergency room settings.

Keywords: Ketamine; emergency room; suicidal behavior; suicidal ideation; suicidal prevention; suicidality.

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