Naltrexone Plus Ketamine for the Rapid Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder

Naltrexone Plus Ketamine for the Rapid Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder

To evaluate if naltrexone plus ketamine is effective in reducing depression and alcohol consumption.

The primary goal of this proposal is to test naltrexone plus repeated ketamine treatment for major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder in an open-label trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female, 21-65 years old
2. Current major depressive disorder without psychotic features by DSM-5
3. Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) ≥ 20
4. Current alcohol use disorder by DSM-5
5. Heavy drinking at least 3 times in the past month ('heavy drinking' defined as ≥ 5 standard drinks per day for men and ≥ 4 standard drinks per day for women)
6. Abstinence from alcohol drinking for > 5 days prior to ketamine infusion
7. Able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Current substance use disorder by DSM-5 in the past 3 months (except alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis)
2. Current or past history of psychotic features or psychotic disorder
3. Current or past history of delirium or dementia
4. Current uncontrolled hypertension (systolic BP > 170 mm Hg or diastolic BP > 100 mm Hg)
5. Unstable medical condition or allergy to ketamine, naltrexone, or lorazepam---clinically determined by a physician
6. Imminent suicidal or homicidal risk
7. Pregnant or nursing women, positive pregnancy test, or inadequate birth control methods in women of childbearing potential
8. Positive opioid or illicit drug screen test (except marijuana)
9. Opioid use within 10 days prior to study medication (injectable naltrexone) or risks for opioid use during the study
10. Liver enzymes that are three times higher than the upper limit of normal