A subanesthetic dose of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) was well tolerated in individuals with tobacco use disorder, but no significant effects were observed on cigarette smoking, craving, or withdrawal symptoms 24 hours after infusion or at an eight-day follow-up. The small pilot study randomized six participants to ketamine and four to placebo, finding only transient side effects. The results suggest that, in this limited sample, ketamine did not reduce tobacco use, though further research with different doses and routes of administration is needed to explore its potential for treating tobacco use disorder.
A single sub-anesthetic dose of ketamine, compared to midazolam, produced a non-significant reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked during a requested abstinence period among 18 adults with tobacco use disorder who were not trying to quit. No significant differences appeared in ad-lib smoking, craving, or withdrawal symptoms afterward. Participants reported more intense psychological experiences with ketamine, and about half felt it was easier to abstain. The findings suggest ketamine has little to no direct effect on quantitative smoking measures, though qualitative reports indicate improved mood and reduced craving in some individuals for several days.