Ketamine Withdrawal
Compiled from cited sources · not yet medically reviewedUpdated 3 sources
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For information only, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before stopping or changing any medication. Medical disclaimer
⚠ Medical warning
Withdrawal from this drug hasn’t been studied well, so it’s hard to predict. Don’t go through it alone if you’ve been using heavily or every day. Call 911 for seizures, chest pain, trouble breathing, or severe confusion, and call or text 988 for thoughts of suicide.
Quick answer
The FDA label for esketamine (Spravato) says withdrawal symptoms have been reported after stopping frequent (more than weekly) large doses of ketamine used for long periods. In Spravato trials, no withdrawal symptoms were captured up to 4 weeks after stopping prescribed treatment. Research on the recreational ketamine withdrawal timeline is limited.
Ketamine withdrawal timeline at a glance
| Phase | When | What you may feel | Severity | Red flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| After stopping frequent heavy use | Days to weeks (not well studied) | Cravings; Anxiety; Poor appetite; Tiredness (fatigue) | Moderate | Thoughts of suicide or self-harm: call or text 988 now |
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Symptoms, phase by phase
The Spravato label says withdrawal symptoms have been reported after discontinuation of frequently used (more than weekly) large doses of ketamine for long periods, and that such symptoms are likely if esketamine were similarly misused. In clinical trials of prescribed esketamine, no withdrawal symptoms were captured up to 4 weeks after stopping. NIDA notes ketamine’s effects depend on how much is taken, how often and for how long. The label says reported withdrawal symptoms with daily intake of large doses of ketamine include craving, fatigue, poor appetite and anxiety. Evidence on timing is limited.
After stopping frequent heavy use: Days to weeks (not well studied)
- Cravings
- Anxiety
- Poor appetite
- Tiredness (fatigue)
What makes withdrawal longer or shorter
- Frequency and dose. The label’s warning is about frequent, large doses over long periods.
- Prescribed vs recreational. Prescribed esketamine trials showed no withdrawal.
When to see a doctor or get help now
- Daily or heavy use: talk to a doctor about stopping.
- Symptoms like a urinary tract infection: see a doctor. NIDA says ketamine can cause ketamine-induced uropathy, a treatable but potentially serious condition.
- Call or text 988 for thoughts of suicide.
Not sure where to start? Call SAMHSA’s free, confidential helpline at 1-800-662-4357, 24/7. See Get Help.
Tapering
We don’t give tapering advice for recreational ketamine. A doctor or addiction service can help.
Tips for getting through it
- Get support from a treatment service: SAMHSA 1-800-662-4357
- Tell someone you trust
Frequently asked questions
Is there ketamine withdrawal?
The FDA label says it has been reported after frequent, heavy, long-term use.
Does Spravato cause withdrawal?
No withdrawal symptoms were captured in trials up to 4 weeks after stopping.
How long does ketamine withdrawal last?
There isn’t good research on this.
Next steps
Talk to others going through it. Share your experience or ask questions on the Day-by-Day Check-ins board in our community forum. Forum posts are personal experiences, not medical advice. Please read the community guidelines.
Related timelines
- MDMA Comedown and Withdrawal
- Nitrous Oxide Withdrawal and Risks
- Weed Withdrawal Timeline (Including Heavy Users)
- Psilocybin: Is There Withdrawal?
Sources
Last reviewed: October 25, 2026. Researched and written by Withdrawal Timelines from the cited sources. This article has not yet been reviewed by a medical professional. See How We Review and our Medical Disclaimer. This is general information, not medical advice.
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