Could a few doses of ketamine help both depression and alcohol addiction?

NCT ID NCT06090422

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University Hospital of North Norway Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study investigates whether ketamine, given as four intravenous infusions over two weeks, can reduce depression and alcohol cravings in adults who have both conditions. Participants are already in inpatient addiction therapy and are randomly assigned to receive either ketamine or a low-dose sedative (midazolam) as a comparison. The trial tracks changes in depression severity and alcohol craving over six months to see if ketamine offers added benefit beyond standard care.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Ketamine hydrochloride
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a new treatment approach for people struggling with both depression and alcohol use disorder.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase trial with only 34 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Ketamine can cause side effects like dissociation and blood pressure changes.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse Behavior, Addictive Depression depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ALCOHOL USE DISORDER DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Department of Addiction, University Hospital of North Norway
RECRUITING

Tromsø, Norway

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