The Impact of AMPA Receptor Blockade on Ketamine’s Anti-Suicidal Effects

This crossover intervention trial (n=30) conducted by Yale University aims to investigate the impact of AMPA receptor blockade on the anti-suicidal and antidepressant effects of ketamine.

Participants aged 21 to 65 with treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation will receive oral perampanel or placebo, followed by a standard ketamine infusion.

The primary hypotheses include testing whether perampanel pre-treatment attenuates ketamine’s reduction of suicidal ideation and antidepressant response. Exploratory aims include assessing direct and indirect effects of perampanel pre-treatment on ketamine’s anti-suicidal effect.

Participants will undergo psychiatric interviews, rating scales, and physical exams before treatment. The trial employs a randomized, crossover design with double-blinding.

Primary outcome measures include changes in suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms assessed 24 hours post-infusion using validated scales. The study began in April 2023 and is expected to continue until March 2033. Recruitment is ongoing in West Haven, Connecticut, with 30 participants targeted for enrolment. For eligibility, participants must have current depression, suicidal ideation, and antidepressant-resistant symptoms. They must also refrain from certain medications and substances before each Ketamine infusion.

The study is funded by Yale University and involves collaborations with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the National Center for PTSD, and the VA Connecticut Healthcare System.

Topic Treatment-Resistant Depression Suicidality Depression
Compound Ketamine Placebo
Country United States of America
Visit trial
Status Recruiting
Results Published No
Start date 03 April 2023
End date 31 March 2033
Phase Phase II
Design Blinded
Type Interventional
Generation First
Participants 30
Sex All
Age 21- 65
Therapy Yes

Trial Details

The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that the anti-depressant and anti-suicidal effects of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist Ketamine is critically dependent on stimulation of Alpha-Amino-3-Hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-Isoxazole Propionic Acid receptors (AMPAR).

NCT Number NCT05786066

Sponsors & Collaborators

Yale University
The Yale Psychedelic Science Group was established in 2016.

US Department of Veteran Affairs
The US Department of Veteran Affairs is playing an important role in the psychedelic renaissance by exploring and monitoring advancements in psychedelic therapies and the viability of these therapies for veterans with PTSD.

Data attribution

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