An open-label clinical trial of oral ketamine, an NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist, with weekly dosing over six weeks, in 25-50 patients who are experiencing chronic suicidal ideation.

This open-label clinical trial (n=40) investigates the efficacy, feasibility, and tolerability of oral ketamine (35-210mg/70kg) in patients experiencing chronic suicidal ideation (SI).

Conducted by Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience – Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, the trial administers weekly doses of ketamine over six weeks, ranging from 0.5mg/kg to 3.0mg/kg, under psychiatrist supervision. Participants’ suicidality levels are measured using the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation. Additionally, MRI and EEG are employed to explore the neurobiology of suicidality. Urinalysis, vital sign assessments, and rating scales are used to evaluate ketamine’s tolerability.

The study aims to assess the effectiveness of ketamine while understanding its neuropathology and feasibility for potential long-term use.

Recruitment concluded with 40 participants, surpassing the initial target of 25. The trial commenced in August 2018 and concluded data collection in October 2019.

Topic Suicidality
Compound Ketamine
Country Australia
Visit trial
Status Completed
Results Published No
Start date 02 August 2018
End date 16 October 2019
Phase Phase II
Design Open
Type Interventional
Generation First
Participants 40
Sex All
Age 18- 99
Therapy No

Trial Details

This study is an open-label clinical trial aiming to explore the effectiveness, feasibility and tolerability of oral ketamine on suicidality. The pathology and neurobiology of suicidality will be examined via MRI and EEG as neurological measures. The primary outcome of change in suicidality will be assessed using the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation.

NCT Number ACTRN12618001412224

Data attribution

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