ketamine + naltrexone

Ketamine + naltrexone is a combination therapy involving the use of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic with rapid-acting antidepressant properties, and naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist primarily used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. This combination has been investigated for the simultaneous treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) comorbid with substance use disorders, particularly alcohol use disorder. Ketamine acts mainly as an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist on glutamatergic neurons, leading to increased synaptic plasticity and rapid antidepressant effects. Naltrexone blocks mu-opioid receptors, reducing cravings for alcohol or opioids. Preliminary clinical studies suggest that this combination can reduce depressive symptoms and decrease substance cravings without significant adverse effects or interference between the two drugs’ mechanisms[1][2][3][5][6][8][9]. The approach is being explored as a potential strategy for patients with co-occurring depression and addiction.

Other names

Naltrexone Plus Ketamine