World-first trial uses slow-release ketamine to treat depression

The Central Adelaide Local Health Network- (CALHN) and University of Adelaide-led study will see researchers test a new product, which, in a tablet form, releases the drug gradually into the body to treat depression that has not responded to other forms of treatment.

Generally, there are more treatments available for depression compared to previous years, however up to 55 per cent of people can experience treatment-resistant depression where they do not respond well to the type of medications that are currently available on the market.

Ketamine is commonly used in medicine for purposes such as pain relief and anaesthesia.

It is a dissociative drug, meaning it acts on brain chemicals, and can change the way the brain interprets messages in what we see, hear, and feel.

Ketamine is also used and sold illegally as a hallucinogen, often in white powder form.

While drugs such as ketamine are starting to be used as an alternative to existing treatments for people experiencing symptoms of depression nationwide, there can be problems because the current ways of administering this drug mean its uptake is sporadic, sometimes faster than expected.

The risk with this is, in some people, it can be released in intermittent 'bursts' that can result in rapid unpleasant side effects, such as drowsiness, disorientation, changes to blood pressure and heart rate.

People can find these experiences off-putting and, in some cases, can prevent people from doing everyday tasks such as working or driving.

This new product, however, slowly releases ketamine into the body, avoiding the rapid ‘high’ and associated unpleasant symptoms and experiences that may come with existing ketamine treatments.

The slow-release ketamine tablet has passed initial volunteer trials meeting safety requirements and is currently ready to be trialled in South Australia as part of the next phase of research.

The RAH is now calling for people aged 18 and over who have tried common antidepressant medications and find they did not respond to usual medications effectively to volunteer to be a part of this innovative new trial.

For more information on this trial and possible eligibility, call 08 7074 4404.

Quotes attributable to CALHN’s Professor Guy Ludbrook:

Depression is unfortunately very common and can be very disabling to manage. Despite several medications and treatments currently available, we know they are not necessarily effective for everyone.

Existing ketamine treatment is safe with adequate care and ongoing psychiatric support, but what we have found from studies to date, is that the ‘slow release’ approach we are trialling appears to markedly reduce the risk of rapid bursts of unpleasant effects.

We have now reached an exciting phase in this drug development where we are looking for people to participate in our study who have tried usual antidepressants but have not responded effectively.

The trial will involve having participants coming to the RAH to be screened and, if suitable, potentially staying overnight for the first dose, with medication then being able to be taken regularly at home over several weeks.  Participants will be in regular close contact with our team at all points, to monitor their progress.

Quotes attributable to University of Adelaide’s Head of Discipline of Psychiatry Scott Clark:

While there are some clinics nationwide offering ketamine treatment for depression, the University of Adelaide in partnership with CALHN, is trialling for the first time in the world a 'slow release' tablet, which releases the drug gradually into the body, reducing adverse effects.

Current formulations of ketamine for depression treatment require direct supervision in clinics.

The slow-release tablet can be taken at home similar to current antidepressant medications, with regular support from a psychiatrist.