Ketamine
Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist known for its rapid-onset antidepressant effects, particularly in treatment-resistant depression, with response observed within hours.
Evidence last reviewed: 05 Apr 2026
Not a routine supplement — not recommended for self-directed use.
Information here is educational only, not a recommendation to use. See our Safety page.
Evidence is from research or clinical settings — does not imply safety outside supervised contexts.
The evidence supports ketamine's effectiveness in treating treatment-resistant depression and chronic pain, with moderate to high efficacy reported in systematic reviews. However, potential side effects and the need for professional administration highlight the importance of careful consideration.
Treatment-resistant depressionAdults with major depressive disorder · Systematic reviewHigh
Ketamine shows significant efficacy in reducing symptoms of treatment-resistant depression.
Real-world effectivenessPatients with treatment-resistant depression · Systematic reviewModerate
Real-world data supports ketamine's effectiveness in treatment-resistant depression.
Side effectsPatients using ketamine for depression · Systematic reviewModerate
Ketamine use is associated with side effects such as dissociation & increased blood pressure.
Depression severityPatients with major depressive episode · Systematic reviewModerate
Ketamine is effective in reducing depression severity compared to electroconvulsive therapy.
Chronic painAdults with chronic pain · Systematic reviewModerate
Ketamine infusions are associated with pain relief in chronic pain conditions.