ketamine + magnesium

Ketamine + magnesium is a combination therapy involving the NMDA receptor antagonist ketamine and the mineral supplement or drug magnesium. Both agents modulate glutamatergic neurotransmission via effects on the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor but through distinct mechanisms. Ketamine acts as a non-competitive antagonist at the phencyclidine site of the NMDA receptor, producing rapid antidepressant effects and analgesia. Magnesium serves as a physiological blocker of the NMDA channel pore and also modulates other ion channels and neurotransmitter release. Preclinical studies suggest that co-administration of these agents can produce synergistic or superadditive effects in models of depression and pain, potentially enhancing efficacy compared to either agent alone[1][2][3][4][5]. Clinical interest has focused on treatment-resistant depression, where adjunctive use may improve outcomes for patients with low response to standard therapies[1][3]. The combination may also have opioid-sparing properties in pain management[3]. Magnesium is not itself an antidepressant but appears to enhance neural connectivity at synapses similarly to ketamine; its deficiency is associated with increased sensitivity to NMDA antagonists like ketamine[1][4]. The precise clinical benefit remains under investigation.

Other names

ketamine and magnesiumketamine-magnesium combinationketamine plus magnesium