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
‘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.