Clinical trials
Ketamine clinical trials
Below are recruiting ketamine clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 147 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT06480201RecruitingPhase 1
Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression: a brain wave study
This study tests whether a single dose of ketamine can change brain wave patterns (called gamma oscillations) in people with treatment-resistant depression. Researchers want to see if these brain waves can predict who will feel better after treatment.
Houston, TexasAges 21–45 - NCT06490731RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Comparing two sedatives for ICU recovery after bowel surgery
This trial tests whether dexmedetomidine or ketamine is better at reducing inflammation and keeping blood pressure stable in patients recovering from emergency abdominal surgery. It may help doctors choose the best sedation for you after surgery.
AsyutAges 18–70 - NCT06464146RecruitingPhase 3
Comparing nose and mouth pain medicines for broken bones in kids
This study compares three different fast-acting pain medicines given through the nose or by mouth to children with a suspected broken arm or leg in the emergency room. The goal is to find which medicine works best for pain relief within the first hour.
Boulogne-BillancourtAges 2–17 - NCT06419439RecruitingPhase 2
Ketamine for Veterans with Chronic Back Pain and Depression
This study tests whether ketamine, combined with talk therapy, can help veterans with both chronic low back pain and depression. The goal is to reduce pain and improve mood.
Ann Arbor, MichiganAges 18 years+ - NCT06405607RecruitingPhase 2
Psilocybin vs Ketamine for Alcohol Use Disorder Trial
This trial tests two psychedelic-assisted therapies, psilocybin and ketamine, to see which works better for reducing heavy drinking in people with alcohol use disorder (AUD). You'll receive either drug along with counseling, and the study monitors safety closely.
Iowa City, IowaAges 21–65 - NCT06364540RecruitingPhase 4
Ketamine vs fentanyl for severe pain in the ER
This trial compares two inhaled pain relievers, ketamine and fentanyl, to see which works better for sudden, severe pain in the emergency room. You would receive one of these medicines through a breathing mask to help your pain quickly.
Brooklyn, New YorkAges 18–120 - NCT06278779RecruitingPhase 4
Comparing two types of ketamine for stubborn depression
This study compares two forms of ketamine to see which works better for depression that hasn't improved with at least two other antidepressants. If you've tried multiple antidepressants without success, this trial might help find a more effective treatment.
Camperdown, New South WalesAges 18 years+ - NCT06284473RecruitingPhase 4
Ketamine with numbing medicine for minor emergency procedures
This study tests whether adding ketamine to the usual numbing medicine makes minor procedures in the emergency department less painful. You may be a good fit if you are having a small procedure like stitches or abscess drainage.
Maywood, IllinoisAges 7–70 - NCT06272461Recruiting
Comparing lidocaine vs. ketamine for colorectal surgery pain
This trial compares two pain-relief medicines (lidocaine vs. ketamine) given through an IV during open colorectal surgery. It aims to find which one works better to reduce pain after surgery.
NabeulAges 18–90 - NCT06231563RecruitingPhase 2
Ketamine for depression in veterans with Parkinson's
This study tests if ketamine can help treat depression in veterans with Parkinson's disease. It involves several in-person and remote visits, and you will need to avoid certain medications and cannabis for a short time before and during some visits.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 40–80 - 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 - NCT06179485Enrolling by invitation
Ketamine vs. Etomidate for emergency breathing tube: long-term study
This study compares how two common medicines (ketamine and etomidate) used during emergency breathing tube placement affect long-term recovery. It is only for patients already enrolled in another related trial.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 18 years+ - NCT06085937RecruitingPhase 1
Ketamine for suicidal patients in the ER
This trial tests if a single dose of ketamine can quickly reduce suicidal thoughts in people who come to the emergency department. If you are having active suicidal thoughts and need inpatient care, you may be able to join.
Kansas City, KansasAges 18–65 - NCT06090422RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Ketamine for depression and alcohol use disorder
This trial tests if ketamine can help people who have both depression and alcohol use disorder. You must be currently sober, have at least moderate depression, and be admitted to the hospital for addiction treatment.
TromsøAges 18–65 - NCT06034821Enrolling by invitationPhase 4
ECT vs. ketamine for suicidal depression in adults
This trial compares two treatments—ECT (electroconvulsive therapy, which uses electrical stimulation) and ketamine (a medicine given as a shot)—to see which works better for quickly reducing suicidal depression. It is for adults who are in a severe depressive episode with active suicidal thoughts.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–90 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - NCT05565352Enrolling by invitation
Ketamine safety study for people in inpatient psychiatric care
This trial looks at whether ketamine is safe and well-tolerated for certain mental health conditions when given in a hospital setting. It may help teams better understand side effects and comfort for people who may be offered ketamine.
GdanskAges 18–90 - 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 - NCT05477004Enrolling by invitation
Study of ketamine infusions for ongoing chronic pain
This study is observing people with chronic pain who are getting ketamine infusions at Stanford. You may help by completing email surveys about how you feel, which can help the team understand the treatment’s impact.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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 - 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
Hear when a new Ketamine trial opens
We’ll email you when one opens — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for ketamine?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 147 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.