A new study has found that small doses of liquid ketamine, taken in a clinical setting, can significantly reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with fewer side effects.
The study, conducted by researchers at the National PTSD Research Centre at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), was published in European Neuropsychopharmacology. It is the first open clinical trial to test the safety and effectiveness of low-dose oral ketamine for PTSD treatment.
What Is Ketamine and How Was It Used?
Ketamine is a short-acting anesthetic that has been used for decades in medical settings. In recent years, researchers have been studying its potential as a fast-acting treatment for PTSD and depression. However, most ketamine treatments involve injections or IV infusions, which must be given in a hospital under medical supervision.
In this study, researchers explored whether ketamine could be taken as a drink instead. Participants drank a small dose of ketamine once a week for six weeks, with medical staff monitoring their response. The goal was to see if oral ketamine could be a safe and more accessible alternative to IV treatments.
Study Results: PTSD Symptoms Were Cut in Half
The results were promising. After completing the six-week treatment, 73% of participants reported that their PTSD symptoms had been reduced by more than half. Even one month after their final dose, 59% still experienced symptoms that were less than half of what they were before the treatment began.
The participants in the study included 22 men and women, aged 22 to 77, many of whom had suffered from PTSD their entire adult lives. Most also had clinical depression.
Oral Ketamine: A More Accessible and Safer Alternative
Professor Dan Hermens, one of the study’s lead researchers, said the findings suggest that oral ketamine could be an easier, more affordable treatment option for people with PTSD. He explained that while IV ketamine is well-studied, there are still questions about the best way to use it and the most effective dosage.
“Our study found that oral ketamine, taken in small amounts once a week in a clinical setting, is safe and well-tolerated,” Professor Hermens said. “It could be integrated into ongoing PTSD treatment programs.”
Participants in the study also reported feeling less depressed, less stressed, and less suicidal after treatment. They experienced better sleep, an improved quality of life, and stronger social and work functioning.
Dr. Bonnie Quigley, a researcher at UniSC, highlighted the benefits of taking ketamine as a drink rather than through an IV.
“Oral ketamine can be taken at a doctor’s office, whereas IV ketamine must be administered in a hospital or specialized clinic. This makes oral ketamine much easier to access, especially for patients who need ongoing treatment.”
Fewer Side Effects Than IV Ketamine
Another key advantage was that oral ketamine caused fewer side effects compared to IV ketamine. Common side effects of IV ketamine include headaches, dizziness, breathing difficulties, irregular heartbeat, and feelings of disconnection from reality.
However, in this study, participants reported fewer of these side effects when taking ketamine orally. Importantly, all side effects disappeared before participants were discharged from the study. “This suggests oral ketamine is not only effective but also safer for patients,” Dr. Quigley said.
Careful Dosing for Best Results
The study used a careful approach to dosing. Participants started with a low dose, which was gradually increased over time. This allowed researchers to monitor how each person responded and ensure they received the most benefit while minimizing side effects.
“The results are encouraging,” Dr. Quigley said. “They show that oral ketamine could be an effective part of PTSD treatment. More studies are needed, but this opens the door for future research on how to best use this treatment for PTSD patients.”
What This Means for PTSD Treatment
For people with PTSD, especially those who have not responded well to other treatments, oral ketamine could offer a new option. It is easier to access than IV ketamine, potentially more affordable, and appears to have fewer side effects.
While more research is needed, this study provides hope that a simple, safe, and effective PTSD treatment may soon be available to more people in need.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies that ultra-processed foods may make you feel depressed, and Vitamin D could help reduce depression symptoms.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about antioxidants that could help reduce the risk of dementia, and Omega-3 supplements could improve memory functions in older people.
The research findings can be found in European Neuropsychopharmacology.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
