Ketamine shows promise for bipolar depression in new trial
NCT ID NCT05004896
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase 2 trial tested four intravenous ketamine infusions over two weeks in 71 adults with treatment-resistant bipolar depression. Participants received either ketamine or a sedative (midazolam) to see if ketamine could quickly reduce depression symptoms. The study measured changes in depression scores, safety, and how long any benefits lasted.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
ketamine hydrochloride
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a fast-acting treatment option for people with bipolar depression who haven't responded to other therapies.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with only 71 participants. The effects may be short-lived, and ketamine can cause side effects like dissociation or nausea. It's not yet proven as a standard treatment.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
Whitby, Ontario, L1N 5S9, Canada
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Toronto General Hospital
Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada
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Toronto Western Hospital
Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2S8, Canada