Table 3.

Future directions for NMDA receptor antagonists in clinical depression research

Antidepressant dose-response testing

Further testing of strategies to augment and/or maintain antidepressant response

Continued validation and qualification of biomarkers of antidepressant response with goal of surrogate endpoints

Alternative means of administration, e.g., oral, intramuscular, and intranasal administration

Drug development/testing of more specific compounds, e.g., NR2B-selective antagonists, for improved efficacy and/or decreased psychotomimetic and other adverse effects

Assessment of the long-term risks of repeated NMDA receptor antagonist administration in supervised settings

Psychoeducation of psychiatric clinicians, patients, and society about the potential risks of NMDA receptor antagonists in nonsupervised settings