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OCTOBER 31, 2024

Repurposing General Anesthetic Drugs to Treat Depression

The use of general anesthetics (GAs), such as isoflurane, ketamine, nitrous oxide and propofol, shows promise in treating depression and mood disorders, based on the results of a novel study.

Researchers noted major depressive disorder affects more than 300 million people globally and remains a leading risk factor for death by suicide.

According to the study, anesthetic drugs contain antidepressant properties that target glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission. Glutamate, the primary