The Effects of Low Dose Ketamine on Cardiovascular Function

This terminated interventional trial (n=6) aimed to investigate the effects of low-dose ketamine on cardiovascular function.

Conducted by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, the study focused on understanding how ketamine affects sympathetic nervous system activity and cardiovascular function, particularly in adults.

The trial, which commenced in November 2020 and concluded in May 2021, enrolled non-obese participants meeting specific blood pressure criteria. The primary objective was to measure muscle sympathetic nerve activity burst frequency using microneurography, while secondary outcomes included arterial blood pressure and blood vessel diameter.

The study employed a crossover design, with participants randomly assigned to receive either low-dose ketamine or a saline placebo. However, the trial was terminated as the laboratory shifted focus due to changes in extramural funding.

Compound Ketamine Placebo
Country United States of America
Visit trial
Status Terminated
Results Published No
Start date 01 November 2020
End date 28 May 2021
Phase Phase I
Design Blinded
Type Interventional
Generation First
Participants 6
Sex All
Age 18- 45
Therapy No

Trial Details

Low dose ketamine is used for pain management and for the treatment of anxiety and depression. Prior studies on low dose ketamine have noted short-term (minutes to hours) increases or decreases in blood pressure. Blood pressure that is too high or too low can be problematic if untreated. It is unknown exactly how low dose ketamine affects blood pressure. In fact, no prior studies have measured sympathetic nervous system activity after low dose ketamine has been given to an adult. Because sympathetic nervous system activity has a large influence on blood pressure, we need to know how exactly low dose ketamine affects these body systems. Therefore, in this research we will study how low dose ketamine affects sympathetic nervous system activity and cardiovascular function. The results from this research will inform doctors about how low dose ketamine affects the sympathetic nervous system, heart, and blood vessels.

NCT Number NCT04429685

Sponsors & Collaborators

University of Texas
The University of Texas is conducting research with psychedelics across locations in Houston, Austin, Dallas and San Antonio.

Data attribution

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