Relief that goes beyond managing symptoms
For generalized anxiety, social anxiety disorder, and treatment-resistant anxiety that hasn’t responded to conventional therapies, ketamine offers a new therapeutic pathway with a growing evidence base.
Reported anxiety reduction post-infusion
Typical onset of calming effect
Dependency risk vs. benzodiazepinesAnxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions, affecting millions of Canadians. While many patients benefit from cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and medications like SSRIs or benzodiazepines, a significant subset experience only partial relief or unacceptable side effects.
Ketamine is increasingly recognized as a viable option for patients with treatment-resistant anxiety — including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and anxiety co-occurring with depression or PTSD.
Unlike benzodiazepines, which work through GABA and carry dependency risks, ketamine acts through the glutamate system, offering a fundamentally different mechanism with a distinct and favourable safety profile in clinical use.
Anxiety disorders involve dysregulation of glutamatergic signaling and hyperactivity in the amygdala — the brain’s threat-detection centre. Ketamine’s NMDA receptor blockade modulates this hyperactivation and promotes neuroplastic changes in fear-processing circuits. It also enhances connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, supporting better emotional regulation and reducing the excessive threat response characteristic of anxiety disorders.
Thorough evaluation including anxiety severity scales (GAD-7, STAI)
Review of previous treatment history and medication trials
Initial course of 4–6 infusions tailored to anxiety profile
Many patients report reduced hypervigilance and rumination within days
Integration with ongoing psychotherapy is strongly recommended
Maintenance sessions as needed based on clinical response
Full step-by-step treatment guide
Emerging research supports ketamine’s anxiolytic effects. Studies have demonstrated rapid reductions in anxiety symptoms in GAD and SAD, with effects often persisting for days to weeks post-infusion. The anxiolytic effect appears to be at least partially independent of its antidepressant action, suggesting a distinct mechanism relevant to anxiety pathways.
View our full research page
Ketamine for anxiety disorders is currently used off-label, meaning it is prescribed based on clinical evidence rather than formal Health Canada approval for this indication. This is a common and legal practice in medicine.
During the infusion, some patients experience transient anxiety due to the dissociative effects. This is managed by our clinical team in a calm, supportive environment. Post-infusion anxiety reduction is typically the dominant effect.
In most cases yes. Our physician will review your current medications and make recommendations in coordination with your prescribing physician. We do not make unilateral medication changes.
Ketamine for anxiety disorders is currently used off-label, meaning it is prescribed based on clinical evidence rather than formal Health Canada approval for this indication. This is a common and legal practice in medicine.
During the infusion, some patients experience transient anxiety due to the dissociative effects. This is managed by our clinical team in a calm, supportive environment. Post-infusion anxiety reduction is typically the dominant effect.
In most cases yes. Our physician will review your current medications and make recommendations in coordination with your prescribing physician. We do not make unilateral medication changes.
Our clinical team will review your history and answer your questions — confidentially and with no obligation.
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