Ketamine stories

Aug 7, 2026

Clinical trial links ketamine's rapid anti-suicidal effects to morning cortisol surge

A recent clinical trial found that a single dose of ketamine increases morning cortisol levels in suicidal patients for up to 24 hours, potentially explaining the drug's rapid antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects. The finding adds to understanding of ketamine's therapeutic mechanisms beyond its original use as an anesthetic.

Aug 7, 2026·4 sources

Jul 31, 2026

MD Anderson researchers identify shared neuroimmune mechanisms in rapid-acting antidepressants

Scientists at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered common neuroimmune signatures that may explain how rapid-acting antidepressants like ketamine and psychedelics work to reduce symptoms in treatment-resistant depression.

Jul 31, 2026·1 source

Apr 9, 2026

'Ketamine Queen' Sentenced to 15 Years for Matthew Perry Overdose Death

A British-American dealer dubbed the 'Ketamine Queen' who sold the drugs that killed 'Friends' star Matthew Perry was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to five felony drug counts.

Apr 9, 2026·3 sources

Top claims

▪Ketamine can rapidly reduce suicidal ideation and major depression symptoms within hours of administration, whereas traditional antidepressant medications typically require several weeks to show meaningful improvement.
▪The clinical trial found a small-to-medium correlation between increased waking cortisol and decreased suicidal thoughts 24 hours after ketamine treatment, though this correlation did not reach conventional statistical significance.
▪A July 2026 study in Molecular Psychiatry found that rapid-acting antidepressants, including ketamine, LSD, and psilocybin, converge on downstream neuroimmune pathways, specifically IL-7 and IL-15 signaling.

Subtopics

Psychedelic clinical research & trials Suicide prevention Biomarkers & bloodwork testing Depression

Mental health

Treatment-resistant depression

Related timelines

Ketamine stories

Clinical trial links ketamine's rapid anti-suicidal effects to morning cortisol surge

MD Anderson researchers identify shared neuroimmune mechanisms in rapid-acting antidepressants

'Ketamine Queen' Sentenced to 15 Years for Matthew Perry Overdose Death

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