For over 50 years, ketamine has been known as a safe anesthetic, and at lower doses, an effective treatment for depression. Emerging research suggests it may also enhance cognition and neuroplasticity, offering hope for patients with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and brain injury. Animal studies show ketamine promotes synaptogenesis and improved memory, while human research remains limited. Combining ketamine with cognitive rehabilitation may enable not only symptom relief but also potential restoration of lost cognitive function.
A retrospective study of 153 patients with severe treatment-resistant depression found that twice-weekly IV ketamine over 4–5 weeks led to faster and greater symptom reduction than intranasal esketamine, with overall tolerability similar. IV ketamine produced significant improvement after the first session, while IN esketamine’s effects emerged after the second. Final depression scores decreased 49.8% with IV ketamine versus 39.5% with IN esketamine. Dropout rates and side effects were comparable, highlighting both as valuable neuropsychiatric tools.
A four-year Cleveland Clinic study of 1,034 patients found that low-dose ketamine infusions significantly improved pain, sleep, and daily function for 20%–46% of people with chronic pain, with benefits lasting up to six months. Nearly half reported reduced pain-related anxiety, and 80% returned for repeat treatments. The therapy was safe, with rare side effects. Researchers say ketamine offers a promising, non-opioid option for chronic pain management and may pave the way for future FDA approval.
A Cleveland Clinic study found that low-dose IV ketamine infusions are safe and effective for chronic pain management. Among more than 1,000 patients, 20%–46% saw lasting improvements in pain, physical function, and sleep for at least six months, with minimal side effects. Nearly half reported reduced pain-related anxiety, and 80% returned for additional treatments. Researchers say ketamine offers a promising, non-opioid option for patients with chronic pain who have exhausted other therapies.
Ketamine has emerged as a promising treatment for suicidal ideation (SI) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), showing rapid and sustained reductions in suicidality. Studies from 2020–2025 found IV ketamine and esketamine significantly decreased SI for days to weeks, with early responders showing lower suicide risk at three months. While its mechanisms—such as reduced lateral habenula activity—are still being studied, ketamine must be used alongside therapy, monitoring, and comprehensive psychiatric care to ensure safety and effectiveness.
