Could a ketamine combo lift depression in the seriously ill?
NCT ID NCT02783430
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a single dose of ketamine plus daily milnacipran can reduce depression in people with severe, progressive diseases. 42 participants in palliative care were split into two groups: one received the drug combo, the other a placebo plus milnacipran. The goal was to see if depression scores improved after 15 days.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
ketamine and milnacipran
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a new way to quickly ease severe depression in people with serious, progressive illnesses.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with only 42 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The combination also carries risks like side effects from ketamine.
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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C.H de Roubaix
Roubaix, France
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Centre Hospitalier de Valenciennes
Valenciennes, France
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Ch Calais
Calais, France
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Ch Ghpso Senlis
Senlis, France
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Ch Tourcoing
Tourcoing, France
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Chu Amiens Picardie
Amiens, France
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Groupt Hopitaux Instit Catho de Lille - Lomme
Lomme, France
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Maison Medicale Jean Xxiii - Lille
Lille, 59037, France
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University Hospital,
Lille, France