5 Ketamine Myths, and What’s Actually True

therapy attracts a lot of noise. Here are five common misconceptions, sorted out with the evidence.

As ketamine therapy has grown, so has the misinformation around it. Let’s clear up five of the most common myths.

Myth 1: “It’s just a party drug.”

Ketamine has been used as a medical anesthetic for decades and is on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines. Its use for depression involves much lower, carefully controlled doses in a clinical setting — a world apart from recreational use.

Myth 2: “There’s no real science behind it.”

There’s substantial science. In large analyses pooling dozens of trials, ketamine is among the few treatments that clearly outperform placebo for treatment-resistant depression. In a major head-to-head trial, IV ketamine was at least as effective as ECT — long considered the gold standard for severe depression.

Myth 3: “It works like a normal antidepressant.”

It doesn’t. Traditional antidepressants adjust serotonin over weeks; ketamine acts on the glutamate system and can lift symptoms within days. That speed is one of its most distinctive and valuable features.

Myth 4: “One treatment cures you forever.”

A single infusion can help quickly, but the effect fades. Ketamine is typically given as an initial series followed by individualized maintenance. It’s a tool for managing depression, not a permanent one-time cure.

Myth 5: “The nasal spray and IV are basically the same.”

They’re related but not identical. Esketamine (Spravato) is an FDA-approved nasal spray derived from ketamine; IV ketamine is used off-label. Studies suggest comparable results, with IV possibly acting somewhat faster — but the two differ in approval status, cost, and coverage, which is worth discussing with your provider.

The bottom line

Ketamine therapy is neither a miracle nor a myth — it’s an evidence-based option with real strengths and real limits. The clearest way to separate hype from fact is a conversation with a qualified clinician.

Curious whether this could be a fit for you? Refound Center offers clinician-led care in the North Denver to Fort Collins area. Reach out to schedule a consultation and we’ll talk through your history and options together.

Medical disclaimer

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ketamine therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Talk with a qualified clinician about your history, medications, and goals before starting any treatment. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) in the U.S.

Sources & further reading (studies identified via PubMed):

Saelens J, et al. Relative effectiveness of antidepressant treatments in treatment-resistant depression: a network meta-analysis. Neuropsychopharmacology, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-024-02044-5

Anand A, et al. Ketamine versus ECT for nonpsychotic treatment-resistant major depression (ELEKT-D). New England Journal of Medicine, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2302399

Elmosalamy A, et al. Intravenous ketamine versus esketamine for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1177/20451253251394127

Johnson & Johnson / FDA. Spravato (esketamine) approved as the first monotherapy for treatment-resistant depression, January 2025. https://www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/spravato-esketamine-approved-in-the-u-s-as-the-first-and-only-monotherapy-for-adults-with-treatment-resistant-depression