Single infusion of controversial drug changed severe depression symptoms within hours, study finds

Fox News Media Fox News MediaFox BusinessFox NationFox News AudioFox WeatherOutkickFox NoticiasBooks Fox News U.S. Blue City Crime Campus Radicals Border Crisis True Crime Politics Donald Trump Senate House Judiciary Foreign Policy Fox News Polls Elections World U.N. Conflicts Terrorism Disasters Global Economy Environment Religion Scandals Opinion Media Fox Nation Coverage Entertainment Sydney Sweeney Royal Families Country Music Sports NFL College Football MLB NASCAR INDYCAR NBA NHL Golf Tennis FIFA WORLD CUP 26 UFC WWE OutKick Lifestyle Travel Food & Drink Faith Discovery Games & Quizzes Health Longevity Brain Health Weight Loss Sleep Health Cancer News Mental Health Heart Health Healthy Living Video AI More Expand / Collapse search Log In Watch TV Menu Games Expand/Collapse Menu Scattergories Daily5 Across the Letter Word GameDownWordsSudokuSwap WordsWord SearchIcon MatchDaily Crossword PuzzleMini Crossword Puzzle Deals Expand/Collapse Menu Trending DealsGift GuidesHome DealsKitchen DealsTech and Electronic DealsHealth and Fitness DealsBeauty and Fashion Deals FOX Business Expand/Collapse Menu EconomyPersonal FinanceMarketsWatchlistLifestyleReal EstateTech Science & Tech Expand/Collapse Menu Air & SpaceSecurityInnovationVideo GamesMilitary TechPlanet EarthWild Nature Watch Live Expand/Collapse Menu FOX News ShowsProgramming ScheduleOn Air PersonalitiesFull EpisodesShow ClipsNews Clips Apps & Products Expand/Collapse Menu FOX News GoFOX WeatherFOX NationFOX NoticiasFOX News ShopFOX News RadioFOX News NewslettersFOX News PodcastsFOX One Games Expand/Collapse Menu Scattergories Daily5 Across the Letter Word GameDownWordsSudokuSwap WordsWord SearchIcon MatchDaily Crossword PuzzleMini Crossword Puzzle Deals Expand/Collapse Menu Trending DealsGift GuidesHome DealsKitchen DealsTech and Electronic DealsHealth and Fitness DealsBeauty and Fashion Deals FOX Business Expand/Collapse Menu EconomyPersonal FinanceMarketsWatchlistLifestyleReal EstateTech Science & Tech Expand/Collapse Menu Air & SpaceSecurityInnovationVideo GamesMilitary TechPlanet EarthWild Nature Watch Live Expand/Collapse Menu FOX News ShowsProgramming ScheduleOn Air PersonalitiesFull EpisodesShow ClipsNews Clips Apps & Products Expand/Collapse Menu FOX News GoFOX WeatherFOX NationFOX NoticiasFOX News ShopFOX News RadioFOX News NewslettersFOX News PodcastsFOX One Facebook RSS Newsletters Fox News Terms of UsePrivacy PolicyYour Privacy ChoicesClosed Caption PolicyHelpContact UsAccessibility StatementNews SitemapVideo Sitemap This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2026 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by LSEG. Recommended Videos Recommended Articles Left Arrow What to know about thyroid cancer prognosis following Pam Bondi's diagnosis Tick bite ER visits hit highest seasonal level in years as doctors warn of disease surge Doctors push new blood tests for colon cancer as cases surge in younger adults ER doctor reveals how pneumonia can suddenly turn deadly after Kyle Busch’s death Sleep doctor reveals the brutal health downside of daylight saving time Popular fruit may help protect your skin from the sun, new study suggests Ozempic-style drugs linked to major slowdown in cancer spread, new study finds One type of sitting may pose greater dementia risk than another, study suggests Experimental Alzheimer’s drug could reduce alcohol withdrawal damage, researchers say Filtered water at specific ages could add months to your lifespan decades later, new study finds 5 common walking mistakes that could hurt your progress, according to an expert How pneumonia progresses to sepsis: Doctors explain after Kyle Busch's death Diet change tied to ‘younger’ biological age in older adults after 4 weeks The 'age' of your blood could predict dementia risk, new study suggests Low-impact routine may help adults lower blood pressure at home Hantavirus exposure risk may be higher than believed in parts of US, study finds Finding the sleep 'sweet spot' could help you live longer, study suggests ‘Wild West’ peptide craze surges beyond GLP-1s as FDA faces pressure to ease access New obesity treatment may help preserve muscle during weight loss New drug approach offers hope for patients with recurrent aggressive cancers Right Arrow Left Arrow The Bidens just want to sell a book, podcaster says This was a mainstream media failure, podcaster says Alex Berenson: I wanted someone to admit the truth Kyle Busch's death certificate offers new insight Health officials track Ebola cases in Africa amid warnings of deadliest strain This was a clever excuse, Lydia Moynihan says 'Seen and Unseen': 'The View' takes on 'sleepy Joe Biden' concerns US ramps up Ebola precautions as outbreak spreads in Central Africa New experimental therapy could significantly reduce bad cholesterol Former landscaper shares Parkinson's battle after Paraquat exposure Sara Carter opens up about husband losing his vision in combat Expert says 'black and gray' peptide market is reshaping fitness culture Kyle Busch’s death sparks discussion on pneumonia treatment, sepsis prevention Kyle Busch's 911 call sheds light on pneumonia risks WHO warns Ebola outbreak will likely get worse before it gets better Kyle Busch’s family reveals NASCAR champion died from severe pneumonia that led to sepsis Tributes pour in for Kyle Busch after pneumonia, sepsis revealed as cause of death Gov. Newsom declares emergency after dangerous chemical tank scare triggers evacuations in Orange County Veteran says President Trump is bringing military back to its roots as recruiting surges Concerns grow over young men, online extremism: ‘We have a problem in this country’ Right Arrow Health Single infusion of controversial drug changed severe depression symptoms within hours, study finds Researchers reviewed 26 clinical trials with more than 1,100 patients to assess ketamine's effects on depression By Shiv Sudhakar Fox News Published May 29, 2026 7:00am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Dr. Marc Siegel: Medical, recreational Ketamine use on the rise Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel joins 'Fox & Friends' to discuss the benefits and risks of ketamine use. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! People experiencing severe depression with suicidal symptoms may not have to wait weeks for traditional antidepressants to take effect. A recent review suggests that a single intravenous ketamine infusion can provide rapid relief for some patients.Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine is a medicine that can reduce pain and, in some cases, help treat depression, but it can also be misused as a recreational drug, experts warn. SINGLE DOSE OF POWERFUL PSYCHEDELIC CUTS DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS IN CLINICAL STUDY Researchers from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine reviewed 26 clinical trials that included more than 1,100 patients. Approximately 626 received ketamine and 540 served as controls who did not take the drug. Most of the trials included patients with major depressive disorder, but 11.5% included those with bipolar depression and 7.7% included people with both unipolar and bipolar depressive diagnoses. A recent review suggests that a single intravenous ketamine infusion can provide rapid relief for some patients with treatment-resistant depression. (iStock)Compared to a placebo, a single treatment significantly reduced depression in just four hours and dramatically lowered suicidal thoughts within 24 hours, the study found. Patients reported fewer depressive symptoms after a week and reduced suicidal thoughts for up to a month after one ketamine infusion. Those who received repeated ketamine infusions showed a similar reduction of suicidal and depressive symptoms at the end of the treatment.WHAT IS KETAMINE THERAPY? MORMON REALITY STARS TOUT CONTROVERSIAL TREATMENT The most common adverse events of ketamine – including headaches, numbness, dissociation ("out of body" experiences), nausea, dizziness and visual disturbances – were temporary and resolved within hours of the infusion. Rarer, more serious side events included hospitalization, suicide attempts and suicide, but most were unrelated to ketamine, the review stated.The analysis was published in May in JAMA Psychiatry.Treatment-resistant depressionMajor depressive disorder is a formal psychiatric diagnosis affecting approximately 280 million people globally, according to recent research. Effective treatment involves a combination of therapy and medication, frequently antidepressants. However, for a small number of patients, symptoms do not respond to multiple therapies, a condition known as treatment-resistant depression, doctors say."When all existing treatment options fail, patients with severe depression could consider ketamine infusions." These patients are at a higher risk of very serious, sometimes tragic consequences, including suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts and death."When all existing treatment options fail, patients with severe depression could consider ketamine infusions," lead author Taeho Greg Rhee, PhD, of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, told Fox News Digital. "This is still a safer option when compared to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)." Compared to a placebo, a single treatment significantly reduced depression in just four hours and dramatically lowered suicidal thoughts within 24 hours, the study found. (iStock) Traditional antidepressants stabilize mood by slowly elevating serotonin levels in the brain, but it can take weeks for the full effect to be achieved. Ketamine, in contrast, works rapidly by blocking glutamate, a neurotransmitter that can impact emotions negatively when levels are too high in the brain, according to Cleveland Clinic.Implications for careThe authors say their findings have two important potential clinical applications. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIESFirst, ketamine’s rapid effects can be a life-saving treatment in the emergency room for patients presenting with suicidal ideation. Experts caution that the medication should only be administered in closely monitored settings, such as clinics, to ensure safe treatment. (iStock) Second, the effects of a single ketamine infusion are relatively short-lived – as almost all patients relapsed with depressive symptoms after a single infusion – so those with treatment-resistant depression will need repeated sessions. "While intravenous ketamine is not yet FDA-approved for treating depression, it may still be used with off-label indications for those with severe depression and/or with a high risk of suicidal behaviors," said Rhee.Experts urge caution despite promiseDr. Lama Bazzi, a psychiatrist in private practice in New York City, has had several patients receive ketamine infusions. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER "For a small subset of patients in a major depressive episode or struggling with suicidal thoughts, intravenous ketamine can be genuinely lifesaving," Bazzi, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "The relief they experience is almost immediate, offering them distance from the intensity of their emotions."However, she cautions that the medication should only be administered in closely monitored settings, such as clinics, to ensure safe treatment.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP Ketamine is not a panacea, Rhee agreed, warning of the potential risk of abuse and addiction. "It should only be used medically," he advised. Ketamine’s rapid effects can be a life-saving treatment in the emergency room for patients presenting with suicidal ideation, some experts claim. (Getty Images)Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, noted in previous comments to Fox News Digital that ketamine is increasingly being used to treat severe depression, but emphasized that it should be administered under careful medical supervision because of its potential risks.Study limitations Although the studies compared ketamine with a placebo, some patients may have realized they were receiving the drug. This could have influenced how they reported their symptoms and how effective they perceived the treatment to be, according to the researchers."It should only be used medically." Another limitation is the small sample size of the studies, which could make the effects seem disproportionately magnified. Also, as this was a review of many different studies, it is challenging to apply the findings to the general population, the researchers noted. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ"While long-term outcomes have not been studied, I believe that when patients are severely depressed or suicidal, ketamine is sometimes the only choice that almost always works," Bazzi added.Anyone interested in exploring alternative depression treatments should first consult a doctor. Related Topics HealthMental HealthDepressionMedicationsBipolar DisorderAlternative Medicine Fox News Health Stay up-to-date on the biggest health and wellness news with our weekly recap. Arrives Weekly By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use , and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribe Subscribed Subscribe You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! U.S. Blue City CrimeCampus RadicalsBorder CrisisTrue Crime Politics Donald TrumpSenateHouseJudiciaryForeign PolicyFox News PollsElections World U.N.ConflictsTerrorismDisastersGlobal EconomyEnvironmentReligionScandals Opinion Media FOX Nation Coverage Entertainment Sydney SweeneyRoyal FamiliesCountry Music Sports NFLCollege FootballMLBNASCARINDYCARNBANHLGolfTennisFIFA WORLD CUP 26UFCWWE OutKick Lifestyle TravelFood & DrinkFaithDiscoveryGames & Quizzes Health LongevityBrain HealthWeight LossSleep HealthCancer NewsMental HealthHeart HealthHealthy Living Deals Trending DealsGift GuidesHome DealsKitchen DealsTech and Electronic DealsHealth and Fitness DealsBeauty and Fashion Deals FOX Business Personal FinanceEconomyMarketsWatchlistLifestyleReal EstateTech Science & Tech Air & SpaceSecurityInnovationVideo GamesMilitary TechPlanet EarthWild Nature Games Scattergories Daily5 Across the Letter Word GameDownwordsSudokuWord SwapWord SearchIcon MatchDaily Crossword PuzzleMini Crossword Puzzle Watch Live FOX News ShowsProgramming ScheduleOn Air PersonalitiesFull EpisodesShow ClipsNews Clips About Contact UsCareersFox Around the WorldAdvertise With UsMedia RelationsCorporate InformationCompliance Apps & Products FOX News GoFOX WeatherFOX NationFOX NoticiasFOX News ShopFOX News RadioFOX News NewslettersFOX News PodcastsFOX One U.S. Blue City CrimeCampus RadicalsBorder CrisisTrue Crime Politics Donald TrumpSenateHouseJudiciaryForeign PolicyFox News PollsElections World U.N.ConflictsTerrorismDisastersGlobal EconomyEnvironmentReligionScandals Opinion Media FOX Nation Coverage Entertainment Sydney SweeneyRoyal FamiliesCountry Music Sports NFLCollege FootballMLBNASCARINDYCARNBANHLGolfTennisFIFA WORLD CUP 26UFCWWE OutKick Lifestyle TravelFood & DrinkFaithDiscoveryGames & Quizzes Health LongevityBrain HealthWeight LossSleep HealthCancer NewsMental HealthHeart HealthHealthy Living Deals Trending DealsGift GuidesHome DealsKitchen DealsTech and Electronic DealsHealth and Fitness DealsBeauty and Fashion Deals FOX Business Personal FinanceEconomyMarketsWatchlistLifestyleReal EstateTech Science & Tech Air & SpaceSecurityInnovationVideo GamesMilitary TechPlanet EarthWild Nature Games Scattergories Daily5 Across the Letter Word GameDownwordsSudokuWord SwapWord SearchIcon MatchDaily Crossword PuzzleMini Crossword Puzzle Watch Live FOX News ShowsProgramming ScheduleOn Air PersonalitiesFull EpisodesShow ClipsNews Clips About Contact UsCareersFox Around the WorldAdvertise With UsMedia RelationsCorporate InformationCompliance Apps & Products FOX News GoFOX WeatherFOX NationFOX NoticiasFOX News ShopFOX News RadioFOX News NewslettersFOX News PodcastsFOX One Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube Flipboard LinkedIn Slack RSS Newsletters Spotify iHeartRadio Fox News Terms of UsePrivacy PolicyYour Privacy ChoicesClosed Caption PolicyHelpContact UsAccessibility StatementNews SitemapVideo Sitemap This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2026 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by LSEG. Continue