Could ketamine lift depression in Parkinson's? VA launches new trial

NCT ID NCT06231563

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a single dose of intravenous ketamine can quickly improve depression in veterans with Parkinson's disease. Researchers will also look at how ketamine affects brain flexibility and inflammation. The trial involves 80 veterans and compares ketamine to a mild sedative (remimazolam) as a placebo.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: ketamine
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new, fast-acting treatment for depression in people with Parkinson's disease.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study with only 80 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Ketamine can cause side effects like dizziness or confusion, and its long-term effects in Parkinson's are unknown.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression Parkinson disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
RECRUITING

San Francisco, California, 94121-1563, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.