In our first hour, NPR science correspondent Jon Hamilton explores the effectiveness of ketamine for treating severe depression.
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In our first hour, NPR science correspondent Jon Hamilton explores the effectiveness of ketamine for treating severe depression.
Depression DrugsMedications like Prozac are widely used to treat depression. These more traditional antidepressants work by boosting serotonin levels, which researchers believe are at the root of depression. But the drugs can take weeks to take effect and, in some cases, don't work at all. Recent medical research shows that ketamine — also know by its street name, Special K — might work better. Some research suggests that ketamine is an effective antidepressant because it increases communication among neurons, increasing brain circuit activity. Some medical centers have even begun experimenting with the drug on patients dealing with severe depression. NPR science correspondent Jon Hamilton explores the effects of and science behind ketamine in a series that airs on Morning Edition this week. Host Neal Conan speaks with Hamilton about what he found, and Dr. Gerard Sanacora, a psychiatrist, about the latest research involving ketamine and how the medical community and patients are dealing with depression.