Healthcare (Commonwealth Union) – A study recently conducted, has noted that the extended utilization of generic ketamine for severe depression is safe and effective and effective as well. However it was cautioned in the study that gaining access to this economical treatment has its restrictions due to funding challenges.
As researchers noted in the results, generic ketamine has successfully helped individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) for periods of up to six months, easing symptoms and enhancing overall quality of life.
The findings that appeared in the Journal of Affective Disorders, made evaluations of real-world clinical data from 65 patients who had taken the generic racemic ketamine—an economical form of the drug—during the years of 2021 and 2024. Results showed that the treatment was effective, well tolerated, and safe when administered under proper clinical supervision.
The research, led by the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) and the Black Dog Institute, adds to mounting evidence supporting the antidepressant benefits of generic ketamine. It also highlights its cost advantage over the patented S-ketamine nasal spray, Spravato, which was added to Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for TRD earlier this year.
“There’s a huge difference in costs, but both have been shown to be really effective,” explained the senior author Professor Colleen Loo, who is a clinical psychiatrist and researcher with UNSW and Black Dog Institute. “But only one is subsidised by the government and formally approved, while the other more affordable option is used off-label.”
Spravato is priced between $500 and $900 per dose, but under the PBS, patients pay no more than $31.60 per prescription. In contrast, generic racemic ketamine costs just $5 to $20 per dose.
For the findings from real-world clinical practice the scientists looked into data from 65 individuals diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Affective Disorder, all of whom had not responded to at least two prior antidepressant treatments.
Participants received generic racemic ketamine treatment for an average duration of five months — with individual treatment periods ranging from two to six months — in both inpatient and outpatient settings at three CARE Network clinics.
Depending on each patient’s response and tolerance, ketamine was administered either by injection or orally, with dosing intervals varying from twice a week to once every three weeks.
The researchers of the study looked into treatment outcomes and patient response and noticed
depressive symptoms dropped significantly within the first eight weeks of treatment and remained steady throughout the six-month period.
Over a third (35%) of participants showed a positive response by week eight, rising to 44.2% at six months. By the final assessment, just over one in four patients (26.2%) had achieved remission. On top of that, 73.3% had experienced positive results in suicidality scores, together with improved life quality.
The lead author Clara Massaneda-Tuneu, psychiatrist and PhD candidate at UNSW and the Black Dog Institute indicated that they have witnessed the remarkable benefits that generic ketamine can offer individuals with treatment-resistant depression.
She further indicated that these individuals are often feeling hopeless after getting other treatments which have not been effective, so the fact they have the ability to get a treatment that not only enhances their mood, but maintains this positive outcome, is quite impressive.
A majority of patients had tolerated the treatment well, showing no indications of pressing side effects or misuse.
Dr. Massaneda-Tuneu indicated that it is crucial to track safety and potential side effects for any therapy—particularly for ketamine or psychedelic-based treatments.
She further indicated that these are still relatively new interventions, and they cannot depend solely on patients’ self-reports, as they are not always completely reliable.
The researchers noted that the study bridges the gap in key evidence as it explored a randomized controlled trial conducted on a prior occasion.
“Research studies on generic drugs tend to focus on the first month of treatment, because these studies are very expensive,” added Professor Loo. “Typically, only patented new drugs, with commercial sponsorship, get studied at that level for one to two years.
