Special K, a well-known hallucinogenic street drug, might be effective in fighting major depression.

The "K" stands for ketamine, which is widely used by doctors as a sedative or pain killer. The drug, however, is a milder version of the notorious drug PCP, hence the street name, Special K.

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The Huffington Post reported findings showing ketamine might help people suffering from major depression.

These new findings add to a large body of medical evidence that is convincing doctors to prescribe Ketamine for depression. The drug, however, hasn't been approved for combating depression and its long-term effects remain unknown.

There are 25 studies suggesting that ketamine is an "active and rapid antidepressant" for people with treatment-resistant depression, said Dr. Robert Howland, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Three of those studies revealed Ketamine seems to have reduced "suicidality" or suicide ideation in people treated with the drug. These findings confirm that glutamate plays an active role in this mental illness, said Dr. Howland.

A number of pharmaceutical companies are developing their own ketamine versions and testing them in clinical trials, said The New York Times. One of the companies developing a ketamine-based drug is Naurex, a Phoenix-based company.

Naurex claims its drug called the GLYX-13 has been tested on several patients. Half of the group showed promising signs their depression was reduced by the medication.

The newsletter NeuroPerspective pointed out this new drug "is definitely the most promising compound in the depression space in terms of effect and durability."

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