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
- NCT05212571Enrolling by invitation
IV esketamine to improve long-term pain in CRPS
This study looks at whether giving esketamine through a vein can help reduce long-term pain in people with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). You may be able to join if your CRPS diagnosis matches specific international criteria and you can safely take the study medicine.
Rotterdam, South HollandAges 18 years+ - NCT04933149Enrolling by invitationPhase 4
Ketamine infusion for nerve pain after shoulder nerve injuries
This trial tests whether a ketamine infusion can reduce nerve-related pain after traumatic brachial plexus (shoulder/arm nerve) injuries. It specifically targets people with pain caused by nerve damage who are scheduled for surgery to repair the nerve.
Rochester, MinnesotaAges 18 years+ - 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+ - NCT04763343RecruitingPhase 3
Ketamine to help prevent repeat suicide attempts in youth
This Phase 3 study tests ketamine to reduce ongoing suicidal thoughts and help prevent another suicide attempt in youth after a recent attempt. It will compare ketamine treatment against standard care to see if it helps improve safety and reduce suicide risk.
Cleveland, OhioAges 14–30 - 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 - NCT03065335RecruitingPhase 1
Ketamine plus brain imaging to study response in depression
This early-stage study tests how ketamine given once and then repeatedly may change brain signals and related biomarkers in people with major depression. If you’re eligible, the team will use brain imaging and assessments to see who responds and why.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–65 - NCT02122562RecruitingPhase 2
Ketamine treatment for depression that hasn’t responded to care
This Phase 2 study tests ketamine for people with major depression that hasn’t improved after at least one antidepressant. It aims to see whether ketamine can reduce depression symptoms during a current depressive episode.
Iowa City, IowaAges 18–55 - NCT03735563RecruitingPhase 4
Less invasive surfactant timing with different pre-medications
This study tests whether giving a pre-medication before a less invasive lung treatment (surfactant) improves breathing in premature babies. It may help some babies avoid more invasive ventilation while still getting the lung medication they need.
OuluAges Any age - NCT04892251RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Ketamine-assisted therapy for opioid use disorder
This trial tests whether ketamine-assisted therapy can help people with opioid use disorder, alongside standard treatment with buprenorphine. It also looks at whether you can safely take part in group mindfulness-style sessions during the study.
Salt Lake City, UtahAges 18 years+ - NCT06630065Recruiting
Ketamine study for depression using brain scans
This trial uses brain scans to understand how ketamine affects negative emotions in people with depression. It may help explain why ketamine works and who benefits most.
Paris, ParisAges 18 years+ - NCT07706478Recruiting
Ketamine and Talk Therapy for Tough Depression
This trial tests whether a combination of ketamine (given through an IV) and talk therapy can help people with depression that hasn't responded to other treatments. If you have tried multiple antidepressants and therapy without success, this study may offer a new option.
Doorn, UtrechtAges 18–70 - NCT07698665Recruiting
Ketamine vs dexmedetomidine in scalp block for brain tumor surgery
This trial compares two medicines, ketamine and dexmedetomidine, added to a scalp nerve block during brain tumor removal surgery. The goal is to see which provides better pain control and recovery after surgery.
Cairo, GovernorateAges 20–60 - NCT07640243Recruiting
Sedation Methods for Bile Duct Drainage Procedures
This study compares different sedation (sleep) methods used during a procedure to drain blocked bile ducts. Researchers want to see which sedation approach gives patients the best experience and fastest recovery.
Ankara, AnkaraAges 18 years+ - NCT04119180RecruitingPhase 4
Sedation vs protective positioning for kids' dental work
This study compares two ways of keeping children comfortable and safe during dental treatment: sedation or a protective positioning approach. It may help find which method works better for comfort and safety for children who need fillings or other cavity repair.
Goiânia, GoiásAges 1–7 - NCT07563868Recruiting
Coaching to help ketamine therapy for hard-to-treat depression
This study tests whether adding coaching sessions can help people who are already getting ketamine or esketamine treatment for depression that hasn't responded to other medications. You'd receive weekly coaching calls designed to support your recovery while you continue your regular ketamine clinic visits.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT07564531Recruiting
Safe sedation for heart catheterization in children
This study tests whether a combination of two sedative medications (dexmedetomidine and ketamine) works safely and effectively to keep children calm and still during heart catheterization—a procedure where a thin tube is guided through blood vessels to the heart for diagnosis or treatment.
HanoiAges Up to 18 years - NCT07557576Recruiting
Pain management approaches for children having cleft surgery
This study compares two types of anesthesia (with and without opioid painkillers) for children undergoing cleft lip or palate surgery. The goal is to see which approach better controls pain after surgery and reduces agitation as the child wakes up.
ZagrebAges 3 months–7 years - NCT06744361RecruitingPhase 2
Ketamine after cardiac arrest to protect the brain
This trial tests whether the sedative drug ketamine, given after a cardiac arrest, can help protect the brain. It's for people whose heart stopped outside the hospital due to a shockable rhythm and who needed a breathing tube placed by emergency responders.
CopenhagenAges 18 years+ - NCT07476482Enrolling by invitation
Shared decision-making during planned C-section under spinal anesthesia
This trial tests whether involving you in decisions during your planned C-section can improve your experience. You will be awake under spinal anesthesia and the study focuses on helping you feel more in control.
AlexandriaAges 18 years+ - NCT05985811Recruiting
Ketamine for chronic pain and mood in adults
This trial tests if ketamine injections can improve both pain and mood in adults with chronic pain who also have a mood disorder and trouble sleeping. It may help if you already get regular ketamine treatments.
Surrey, British ColumbiaAges 20–99 - NCT07443254RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
IR-led deep sedation study for image-guided procedures
This study tests if a radiologist can safely give deep sedation medicine (ketamine) for certain procedures instead of general anesthesia. It might help you avoid general anesthesia while still being comfortable.
Charleston, West VirginiaAges 18 years+ - NCT07410078Recruiting
Comparing medicines given before surgery for children
This trial compares different medicines given by mouth before surgery to see which works best to help children relax and have less pain. If your child is having day surgery, this study might help find the best pre-surgery medicine for them.
AnkaraAges 4–12 - NCT06824532Recruiting
Veterans' views on ketamine therapy for depression and end-of-life
This study surveys older veterans to understand their perceptions of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for depression and end-of-life distress. Your responses may help improve care for veterans facing similar challenges.
Albany, New YorkAges 65 years+ - NCT06410599RecruitingPhase 2
Medication boost for tough-to-treat chronic depression
This trial tests a new medication added to your current treatment for chronic depression that hasn't gotten better with at least two antidepressants and 12 therapy sessions. It might help when standard treatments aren't enough.
Tübingen, Baden-WürtembergAges 18–64
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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.