Long-Term Effectiveness of Affordable Ketamine Therapy for Depression

Recent research highlights the promising results of using low-cost generic ketamine to treat severe depression over extended periods. The study, conducted by UNSW Sydney and the Black Dog Institute, analyzed real-world clinical data from 65 patients treated between 2021 and 2024. Findings indicate that when carefully monitored, long-term use of generic racemic ketamine—administered via injection or orally—was both safe and effective, reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing quality of life for many patients.

The patients, all diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression or bipolar disorder and having failed at least two antidepressant treatments, received ketamine treatments averaging five months in duration. The administration schedule varied from twice weekly to every three weeks, tailored to individual responses. Results showed that over a third of patients responded within the first eight weeks, with response rates increasing to over 44% at six months. Furthermore, approximately a quarter achieved remission, and most experienced significant reduction in suicidal thoughts and improved overall well-being.

Clinicians employed structured safety assessments, like the Ketamine Side Effect Tool, to monitor patient safety throughout treatment. Importantly, no serious adverse events or misuse cases were reported, underscoring the tolerability of this approach.

This study addresses a critical gap by providing evidence of the safety and efficacy of longer-term use of generic ketamine in routine clinical practice, beyond short-term trials. While prior research demonstrated short-term benefits, this real-world data affirms that extended use can sustain improvements in mood and functioning.

However, despite the compelling evidence, accessibility remains limited. The absence of commercial sponsorship and lack of regulatory approval through agencies like the TGA mean that generic ketamine cannot yet be officially funded or widely available through Medicare. Advocates like Professor Colleen Loo emphasize that getting formal approval and funding is the next vital step to ensure broader patient access, considering ketamine's significance as a transformative treatment for severe, treatment-resistant depression.

In summary, affordable ketamine presents a powerful treatment option with long-term benefits, but policy changes and regulatory support are needed to bridge the gap between research and real-world accessibility.

For more information, see the study: Clara Massaneda-Tuneu et al, "Real-world clinical data on the long-term effectiveness and safety of generic racemic ketamine treatment," Journal of Affective Disorders, 2026.