NMDA glutamate receptor inhibition

Has weak effect on opiate receptors in dopamine system (like cocaine and heroin target)Also acts on neurotransmitter glutamate (brain uses this to communicate with each other, without it your brain would shut down)

At high doses: blocks glutamate -> effective sedative

Low doses: ramps up glutamate production -> hallucinate, losing touch with reality, help build new synapses between neurons

Could be 1 of best antidepressants ever

There is still a lot they don’t know -> because ketamine targets dozens of systems, it might be unclear sr what other effects are

Challenge is how to maintain they new connections formed everyday? Do they need to give ketamine repeatedly -> cannot give ketamine everyday, that’s substance of abuse cuz it would harm the brain

Review: 3. addiction and substance abuse