Can a Low-Dose ketamine infusion lift depression in the ICU?

NCT ID NCT05803551

Terminated Symptom relief Sponsor: Mayo Clinic Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 12, 2026 · Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase II trial tests whether three low-dose ketamine infusions, given over consecutive days, can reduce depressive symptoms in patients who have been in the intensive care unit (ICU) for at least a week and show signs of clinical depression. Participants receive either ketamine or a saline placebo, and their mood is tracked using a standard depression questionnaire. The goal is to see if ketamine can provide a safe, rapid way to ease the emotional burden of critical illness.

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 given as low-dose intravenous infusions
What this could lead to: If effective, ketamine infusions could offer a rapid way to ease depressive symptoms in critically ill ICU patients, improving their recovery experience.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial, so results may not apply broadly. Ketamine can cause side effects like dissociation or blood pressure changes, and the benefit over placebo is unproven.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Mayo Clinic Florida

Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, United States

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