The Impact of AMPA Receptor Blockade on Ketamine's Anti-Suicidal Effects

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phasePhase 2
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age21-65
SponsorYale University

About this trial

The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that the anti-depressant and anti-suicidal effects of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist Ketamine is critically dependent on stimulation of Alpha-Amino-3-Hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-Isoxazole Propionic Acid receptors (AMPAR).

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Current depression as indicated by a score greater than 17 on the full Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) AND current major depressive episode as determined by structured clinical interview (SCID-5)

Current suicidal ideation as indicated by a score ≥ 2 on the HDRS-17 Item #3 ("wishes to be dead (or any thoughts of possible death to self)")

Anti-depressant resistant depressive symptoms, defined by a history of failure of one or more adequate anti-depressant trials

Participants will meet DSM-5 Criteria for MDD, PTSD or Bipolar Disorder as determined by the SCID-5

Disqualifiers

A score on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale [43] in the "intent" or "intent with plan" categories within the last 3 months or judged by Dr. Krystal or Dr. Driesen to be at serious risk for suicide.

Psychiatric hospitalization in the past two months

Suicide attempt in the past two months

More than half hour unconsciousness after trauma

Trial design

Design model

Crossover

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Perampanel 6 MG

    Drug

    Perampanel will be administered 2.5 hours before Ketamine infusion

  • Ketamine

    Drug

    Ketamine infusion (0.5 mg/kg infusion over 40 minutes) will be administered 2.5 hours post perampanel or placebo administration.

  • Placebo

    Drug

    Placebo will be administered 2.5 hours before Ketamine infusion

Treatment groups

30 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups
Group A: Perampanel + KetamineExperimental treatment 2 interventions
Group B: Placebo + KetaminePlacebo comparator 2 interventions

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Change in suicidal ideations in response to Ketamine

Change in suicidal ideation will be assessed 24 hours post-Ketamine infusion using a Scale for Suicidal Ideation, composed of the first five items of the Beck Suicide Inventory + the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-7) suicidality item. The first five items of the Beck Suicide Inventory are rated on a scale of 0-2, and the suicidality item on the HAMD-7 is rated from 0-4. Scores are totaled and will be analyzed as the dependent variable in a mixed-effects model with drug condition (placebo/perampanel) and time (baseline, 24-hour follow up) as within-subject factors.

Time frame
Baseline and 24 hours post infusion
2

Change in antidepressant response to Ketamine

Changes in depressive symptoms will be assessed 24 hours post-Ketamine infusion using the full Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-7), a 7-item survey to assess depression. Scores range from 0-26 with scores indicating full remission (0-3) and partial/non-response (4-26). Scores are totaled and will be analyzed as the dependent variable in a mixed-effects model with drug condition (placebo/perampanel) and time (baseline, 24-hour follow up) as within-subject factors.

Time frame
Baseline and 24 hours post infusion

Secondary outcomes

Other outcomes

Sponsors and contacts

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Yale University

Lead sponsor

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Collaborator

National Center for PTSD

Collaborator

VA Connecticut Healthcare System

Collaborator