Is Ketamine a Safe and Effective Treatment for Anxiety and Depression?

Ketamine was approved by the FDA in 1970 as an anesthetic. It’s widely used in hospitals because it works quickly and doesn’t slow breathing like other sedatives. Its long history of safe medical use shows it is well-tolerated under professional care.

Though not FDA-approved for anxiety or depression, ketamine is legally prescribed off-label by doctors across the U.S.

Research shows it can rapidly relieve symptoms—often within hours—for people who have experienced depression or anxiety symptoms that are resistant to other treatments such as SSRIs or traditional talk therapy. Off-label prescribing is standard practice in medicine and backed by evidence.

Like any medication, ketamine can cause side effects, but they are typically short-lived and mild—such as dizziness or nausea. Mindbloom, the leading provider of ketamine therapy, conducted the largest-ever study on at-home ketamine treatment. Out of 124,000 sessions, 95% of clients reported no side effects, making it one of the safest mental health treatments available today Mindbloom Clinical Safety Study.

Like any clinical treatment, ketamine usage while prescribed and using other medications should be discussed with the prescribing clinician.

At Mindbloom, our clinician-led treatment programming ensures the safe usage of ketamine therapy. In the case that your clinician determines your existing medications make you ineligible for treatment, you'll be refunded the full amount of your purchase.

Ketamine has the potential to be addictive, but the risk of addiction largely depends on how it is used. When administered under Mindbloom's protocols, the potential for addiction is greatly reduced.

Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication now widely used off-label to treat anxiety and depression. Backed by research and real-world data, it offers rapid relief with minimal risk—especially under clinical guidance like Mindbloom’s.