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IV ketamine for depression (off-label)

Offered by some clinics for depression; differs from esketamine in regulatory status and evidence.

NeuroCoach · Evidence explorerSources checked October 5, 2026Editorial draft · clinical review pending

How it works

Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic. Some clinics give low-dose IV infusions for depression off-label—protocols, monitoring and prices vary widely.

What the evidence says, use by use

Evidence is specific to the condition, population and—for devices—the exact product. One label never covers everything.

Depression: Treatment-resistant depression

Emerging / limited
Who was studied / who it’s for: Adults in specialty settingsRegulatory status: Off-label use; not FDA-approved for depression.What this label means: Early, small or mixed studies. Interesting, but not equivalent to established care.

Studies show rapid but often short-lived antidepressant effects; long-term safety and the best protocols are not established, and IV ketamine is not FDA-approved for depression.

Sources: NIMH · NIMH

Who usually provides it

Ketamine clinics (anesthesiology or psychiatry led).

Cautions & things to know

  • Ask who monitors you, how often treatments repeat, and what happens when they stop.
  • Not suitable for some people with psychosis, uncontrolled blood pressure or substance-use concerns.

Questions for a clinician

Conversation prompts, not a treatment plan.

  • Is a psychiatrist involved in ongoing care?
  • Why IV ketamine rather than esketamine or other options?

Educational, not medical advice. NeuroCoach is an educational and care-navigation resource, not a medical provider. Information about medications, supplements, therapies, devices, clinical trials and community experiences is provided for education and exploration and is not a recommendation, diagnosis or treatment plan. Evidence varies substantially among interventions. Decisions about medical or mental-health treatment should be made with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Do not start, stop or change medication, supplements or treatment based solely on information found here.

Sources

Sources checked October 5, 2026. Links support this page; they don’t imply endorsement of NeuroCoach.

  1. Depression NIMH
  2. Brain Stimulation Therapies NIMH