Is there a risk of addiction to ketamine during the treatment of depression? A systematic review of available literature.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) January 1, 2025 Gianmarco Ingrosso, Anthony J Cleare, Mario F Juruena 20 citations
A review of 16 studies involving 2,174 patients found that addiction phenomena during ketamine treatment for depression are rare. Only four patients showed clear signs of tolerance or dependence, while the vast majority did not. The review included randomized controlled trials and other study designs using various routes of administration, including intravenous and intranasal esketamine. The findings suggest that medically supervised ketamine treatment is relatively safe for adult depression patients, though the authors emphasize the need for vigilant monitoring and careful dosing. Future research using standardized scales could further strengthen evidence for safe use.