A new study shows longer-term use of generic ketamine for severe depression is safe and effective, but researchers say access to the low-cost option remains limited by funding gaps. 

Generic ketamine has been successfully used to help people with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) for up to six months, reducing symptoms and improving overall quality of life, new research shows.

The study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders,, opens in a new window analysed real-world clinical data from 65 patients treated with generic racemic ketamine – a low-cost formulation of ketamine – between 2021 and 2024. The drug was found to be effective, safe and well tolerated when treatment was carefully monitored.

The study led by UNSW Sydney and Black Dog Institute, opens in a new window adds to growing evidence of the antidepressant effects of generic ketamine, which is far cheaper than the patented S-ketamine nasal spray, Spravato, which was added to Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for TRD this year.