Depression, Ketamine and Perampanel vs. Placebo
Join a Research Study: Enrolling nationally from around the country
To contact the study team: email (moodresearch@mail.nih.gov) or call 1-877-646-3644 (1-877-646-3644) [TTY: 711].
Learn more about our current studies.
Find out if you are eligible by filling out this survey.
This research study is trying to better understand how ketamine (an FDA-approved anesthetic) works to provide rapid antidepressant effects. Researchers want to see if the antidepressant response of ketamine is linked to a specific protein in the brain, called AMPA receptors, and if taking perampanel (an FDA-approved epilepsy medication) with ketamine weakens or eliminates its antidepressant response.
Participants must be between 18-70 years old, currently have major depression, and be free of other serious medical conditions. The study lasts up to 5 weeks. It is either an inpatient study, or an outpatient study with a few inpatient days.
Participants will be tapered off their psychiatric medications and participate in the following research procedures: Blood draws, medical and psychological evaluations, brain scans (MRI & MEG), one low-dose ketamine infusion and perampanel and/or placebo. Procedures may include sleep studies and/or TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation), and an optional ketamine treatment at the end of the study.
The study is conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland and enrolls eligible participants from across all 50 states. Participation is free. Compensation up to $1,475 is provided. Travel arrangements are provided, and costs are covered by NIMH (arrangements vary by distance).
Learn more about our current studies.
Find out if you are eligible by filling out this survey.
To contact the study team: email (moodresearch@mail.nih.gov) or call 1-877-646-3644 (1-877-646-3644) [TTY: 711].
Study Identifiers
- NIMH Protocol Number: 19-M-0107
- ClinicalTrials.gov Study Number: 03973268
Investigator(s): Carlos Zarate Jr, M.D.