Giving mothers a KETAMINE-based drug immediately after giving birth ‘reduces the risk of postpartum depression’

Health
By Liam

By Chris Pollard

Published: | Updated:

A study shows that mothers give a ketamine-based medication immediately after giving birth, which reduces the risk of postpartum depression.

A single low dose of esketamine, a potent form of powerful hallucinogen, reduced the number of depressive episodes 42 days after birth by about three-quarters.

The study suggests that the drug, used as an anesthetic and antidepressant, should be considered for new mothers who show symptoms of depression during pregnancy.

A single low dose of esketamine, the active ingredient in ketamine, reduced the number of depressive episodes by about three-quarters 42 days after birth

Researchers in China and the US conducted a trial involving 361 pregnant women who were considered ‘at risk’ for postpartum depression.

Some received the drug, others received a placebo.

At 42 days after giving birth, only 6.7 percent of mothers given esketamine experienced a depressive episode, compared to 25.4 percent of those given a placebo.

Those who received the drug also had fewer depression symptoms across the board.

The women were injected 40 minutes after giving birth.

Some suffered from side effects such as dizziness and double vision, but these disappeared within a day.

Dr. Camilla Nord from the University of Cambridge said the study provides ‘compelling evidence’ that esketamine could prevent postnatal depression in women with early symptoms.

Dr. Rupert McShane, from the University of Oxford, added: ‘A single dose of intravenous esketamine is extremely safe, effective and cheap for women at risk of worsening their depression after childbirth.

Last year it was reported that billionaire Elon Musk was using ketamine to manage depression. The Wall Street Journal reported that Tesla's CEO had used the drug

Last year it was reported that billionaire Elon Musk was using ketamine to manage depression. The Wall Street Journal reported that Tesla’s CEO had used the drug

‘The challenge for us in Britain is to find the funding for monitoring so that the benefits can be maximized and the risks minimized.’

Postnatal depression affects one in ten women after giving birth.

It involves intense feelings of sadness, anxiety and exhaustion that usually begin two to three days after birth and can last for months.

Other symptoms include insomnia, loss of appetite, intense irritability and problems bonding with the baby.

In rare cases, an extreme condition called postpartum psychosis can develop.

Existing treatment includes talk therapy or traditional antidepressants, but these can take weeks to kick in.

Scientists have long looked at ketamine’s potential use as an antidepressant, but studies show that stopping it after regular use can cause withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety and tremors.

But because esketamine is more powerful, smaller amounts are needed to have an effect on the brain.

Last year it was reported that billionaire Elon Musk was using ketamine to manage depression.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Tesla’s CEO had used the drug.

Musk reportedly told people that he microdoses ketamine for depression and takes full doses at parties.

WHAT IS POSTNATAL DEPRESSION?

Postnatal depression is a form of mental illness that affects more than one in ten women in the UK and US within a year of giving birth.

Research shows that just as many men as women can be affected.

Many parents feel gloomy, sad and anxious during the first two weeks after giving birth, which is also called the ‘baby blues’.

But if symptoms start later or last longer, it may be postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression is just as serious as other forms of mental disorders.

Symptoms include:

  • Persistent sadness
  • Lack of enjoyment or interest in the wider world
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Difficulty bonding with your baby
  • Withdrawing from others
  • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
  • Frightening thoughts, such as hurting your baby

Patients should not wait for their symptoms to simply go away.

Instead, they need to recognize that it is not their fault that they are depressed and that it does not make them a bad parent.

If you or your partner may be affected, contact your GP or health visitor.

Treatments may include self-help such as talking to loved ones, resting when you can, and making time for things you enjoy. Therapy may also be prescribed.

In severe cases where other options have not helped, antidepressants may be recommended. Doctors will prescribe medications that are safe to use while breastfeeding.

The cause of postpartum depression is unclear, but it is more common in people with a history of mental health problems.

Lack of support from loved ones, a poor relationship with the partner and a life-changing event such as bereavement can also increase the risk.

Source: NHS

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