In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research on a formidable clinical challenge: co-occurring major depressive disorder (MDD) and opioid use disorder (OUD). A new randomized clinical trial compared adjunctive ketamine and buprenorphine, revealing significant reductions in both anxiety symptoms and craving intensity for patients with these co-occurring conditions. The study found that ketamine demonstrated a rapid reduction in anxiety and a pronounced decline in opioid craving within hours of administration. In contrast, buprenorphine was associated with a more gradual but sustained improvement in anxiety symptoms over several days, along with a modest initial reduction in opioid craving followed by persistent attenuation.

Tune in to understand these distinct treatment trajectories and the promising implications for managing this challenging patient population.

Read the full study here:

Mansoori, F., Ramezanli, M., Asadi, P., & Mohammadi, A. (2025). Adjunctive ketamine vs. buprenorphine in co-occurring major depressive disorder and opioid use disorder: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial assessing anxiety symptom severity and craving intensity. Trials, 26(1), 133. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-025-08836-4