The unexpected potential of ketamine

About this episode

This episode explores the evolving use of ketamine from an anaesthetic to a potential treatment for depression, highlighting recent research and clinical trials in New Zealand.

Ketamine was first developed as an anaesthetic, and today is taken by some as a party drug. But since 2000, research has emerged showing it is also helpful as a medication for some people with treatment-resistant depression. While initial studies used ketamine injections, recent research has shown the advantages of taking it in oral form. Now clinical trials are underway to determine if a New Zealand-developed ketamine pill is safe and effective enough to get the regulatory tick. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. … Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Topics covered

• ketamine
• treatment-resistant depression
• clinical trials
• oral medication
• mental health

Keywords

• ketamine
• depression
• clinical trials
• oral medication
• mental health

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: RNZ

Products: ketamine

Places: New Zealand

More episodes of Our Changing World

• Working towards a pest free Purerua-Mataroa peninsula · June 1, 2026 · 28 min
• Hydrogen detectives · May 25, 2026 · 27 min
• How can Aotearoa eliminate cervical cancer? · May 18, 2026 · 25 min
• Looking to a wild future for kākāpō · May 11, 2026 · 28 min
• A time of change for kākāpō · May 4, 2026 · 27 min
• A taste for science · April 27, 2026 · 28 min