Clinical trials
Ketamine clinical trials
Below are recruiting ketamine clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 156 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT04195256RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Nasal sedation medicine for kids needing a quick procedure
This trial tests whether a nose spray (dexmedetomidine plus ketamine) can safely and effectively sedate children during an ED procedure for certain arm injuries. It may help reduce distress and improve comfort compared with usual care.
Edmonton, AlbertaAges 2–17 - NCT04248205RecruitingPhase 4
Ketamine to reduce pain after hemorrhoid surgery
This trial tests whether ketamine can lessen pain after hemorrhoidectomy (surgery for severe hemorrhoids). It may help reduce how much pain medicine you need during recovery.
Oklahoma City, OklahomaAges 18–100 - NCT04600089RecruitingPhase 2
Ketamine during aortic surgery to help prevent spinal nerve injury
This Phase 2 study tests whether ketamine, given during a specific type of major aortic surgery, can help prevent spinal “nerve injury” (called spinal prophylaxis). You might be considered because your planned surgery and current plan for spinal protection match the trial’s needs.
Lexington, KentuckyAges 18–90 - NCT04861051RecruitingPhase 1
Study ketamine effects on brain sensations in adults
This Phase 1 study tests how ketamine changes “dissociative” experiences—feelings of being disconnected from thoughts or surroundings—in adults. You may be helping researchers better understand ketamine’s effects, which could guide safer future uses.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05019885RecruitingPhase 2
IV ketamine for hard-to-treat epilepsy in adults
This Phase 2 study tests whether a low dose of IV ketamine can reduce seizures in adults with drug-resistant epilepsy. It may help people whose seizures continue despite trying at least two appropriate seizure medicines.
New York, New YorkAges 18 years+ - NCT05086250RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Oral ketamine vs placebo for anxiety in pancreatic cancer
This early study tests whether an oral form of ketamine can reduce anxiety symptoms in people living with pancreatic cancer. Participants are compared with a placebo (inactive pill) to see if ketamine is safe and potentially helpful for anxiety.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05095857RecruitingPhase 4
Ketamine to improve care in severe acute brain injury
This Phase 4 trial tests whether giving ketamine during anesthesia is safe and helpful for adults with severe sudden brain injuries after surgery. It may improve how patients are sedated and cared for while they are on a breathing machine.
CopenhagenAges 18 years+ - NCT05097261RecruitingPhase 4
Ketamine for adults with severe brain injury in the ICU
This trial studies whether ketamine can improve outcomes for adults with severe traumatic brain injury when they are in the ICU and need sedation. It focuses on patients who have pressure monitoring inside the brain soon after admission.
BonheidenAges 18 years+ - NCT05156060RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Gabapentin and ketamine to treat head and neck cancer pain
This early-phase study tests whether gabapentin and a ketamine nasal spray can help prevent or lessen short-term and long-term pain from locally advanced head and neck cancer. It may help by changing how the nervous system responds to pain during and after radiation and chemoradiation.
Nashville, TennesseeAges 21 years+ - NCT05306899RecruitingPhase 3
IV ketamine for chronic daily headaches
This trial tests whether an IV dose of ketamine can reduce chronic daily headaches and is safe for people with this condition. It may help by lowering headache frequency and severity, but it also has several medicine and health-related safety checks.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–75 - NCT05327699RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Ketamine study for depression with reduced pleasure
This early-phase study tests whether ketamine can help people with major depression who have trouble feeling pleasure. It also studies how the brain may change in response to stress, to better understand who might respond to treatment.
Atlanta, GeorgiaAges 18–65 - NCT05378555RecruitingPhase 3
Oral ketamine for sickle cell pain crises
This trial tests whether taking ketamine by mouth can help treat “vaso-occlusive” pain episodes that may require hospital admission. If it works, it could offer an easier way to manage severe pain during sickle cell crises.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 12–24 - NCT05450432RecruitingPhase 4
Ketamine maintenance to help prevent suicidal thoughts
This Phase 4 study tests whether ongoing treatment with ketamine or esketamine can reduce suicidal thoughts in people with major depression who are at high risk. Because the study focuses on long-term maintenance, you’d receive treatment over time while being closely monitored for safety and mental health changes.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–70 - NCT05696691RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Ketamine with a crisis plan for suicidal thoughts in the ER
This study tests whether ketamine plus a structured crisis-response plan can help reduce suicidal thoughts for adults admitted from the ER. It also aims to make care in the emergency setting more consistent and effective.
San Antonio, TexasAges 18–70 - NCT05737693RecruitingPhase 2
Ketamine plus weekly therapy for severe PTSD
This study tests whether adding ketamine to a structured, one-week psychological therapy program can reduce severe PTSD symptoms. It may help people who have had PTSD for a long time and still feel very affected.
New Haven, ConnecticutAges 21–70 - NCT05786066RecruitingPhase 2
Test whether blocking AMPA changes ketamine’s suicide relief
This study looks at whether an “AMPA receptor blocker” changes how ketamine affects suicidal thoughts in people with depression that hasn’t improved with usual treatments. If you qualify, you may receive ketamine and the study medicine, while continuing your regular mental health care.
West Haven, ConnecticutAges 21–65 - NCT05803551RecruitingPhase 2
Ketamine infusions for depression in ICU patients
This Phase 2 study tests whether ketamine infusions can reduce symptoms of clinical depression in people who are being treated in the ICU. It may help if your depression is significant and you meet the ICU and safety requirements.
Jacksonville, FloridaAges 18–99 - NCT05821972RecruitingPhase 4
Breathing-mist medicines for cleft palate surgery pain control
This trial tests whether a breathing mist of two medicines (dexmedetomidine plus ketamine) works better than dexmedetomidine alone during cleft palate repair surgery. It may help improve comfort and safety around anesthesia for eligible patients.
AsyutAges 1–4 - NCT05915013RecruitingPhase 1
Brain-targeting study of ketamine response in treatment-resistant depression
This early-stage study looks at how parts of brain cells respond to ketamine in people with depression who have not improved with usual antidepressants. It may help researchers find why ketamine works for some people and not others, and who might benefit.
New Haven, ConnecticutAges 18–60 - NCT05934669RecruitingPhase 4
Numbing medicines compared for small stitches in young children
This trial tests three medicines given through the nose to keep children comfortable during minor procedures in the emergency department, specifically for closing small cuts with stitches. It may help find which nasal medicine works best and is safest for quick, minimal procedures.
Oklahoma City, OklahomaAges 1–5 - NCT05940324RecruitingPhase 2
Ketamine study for OCD after prior treatment failed
This Phase 2 study tests how ketamine may work quickly in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), especially after at least one standard treatment didn’t help. If you join, you’ll need to follow study procedures like fasting before the experimental visit and not enrolling in other medication trials during the study.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06038409Recruiting
Ketamine therapy for chronic conditions
This trial tests if ketamine can help people with long-term health issues. It aims to find new treatments for chronic conditions that haven't responded well to other therapies.
Helena, MontanaAges 18 years+ - NCT06062628RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Ketamine for severe traumatic brain injury
This study tests whether a low dose of ketamine can help people with severe traumatic brain injury by reducing brain pressure and improving oxygen levels. If you have a brain monitor in place and meet safety criteria, you may be able to join.
Dallas, TexasAges 18 years+ - NCT06070766Recruiting
At-home ketamine study for chronic conditions
This trial tests a ketamine protocol you can use at home. It may help if you have a long-term health condition.
Bigfork, MontanaAges 18 years+
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for ketamine?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 156 recruiting ketamine studies from the U.S. registry, each rewritten for real people, not researchers, so you can see what it’s testing and who it’s for.
- How do I know if I qualify for a ketamine trial?
- Each study lists its eligibility criteria — rules about age, diagnosis, and prior treatments. On every Clin2 trial page we explain these in words written for real people and offer a short, optional pre-screen for a fit read. The study team makes the final decision.
- Does it cost anything to join a ketamine trial?
- Using Clin2 is always free. Many trials cover the cost of the study treatment and related visits; some reimburse travel. The study team explains exactly what’s covered before you decide.
Related conditions
Clin2 helps you find and understand clinical trials and does not provide medical advice. Study data comes from ClinicalTrials.gov. Talk with your doctor about whether a specific trial is right for you.