Safety Center
Ketamine and Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines can blunt ketamine's antidepressant effect.
Medically reviewed by: Pending medical review(draft)Last updated: June 6, 2026Evidence: Andrashko 2020; Albott 2017
Why it matters
Benzodiazepines act on GABA inhibitory signaling, which may dampen the glutamate surge thought to underlie ketamine's plasticity effects.
What clinicians often do
- Ask patients to skip the morning benzodiazepine dose on session day (when safe).
- Consider tapering long-term benzodiazepines, slowly, in coordination with the prescribing physician.
- Never advise abrupt discontinuation — benzodiazepine withdrawal can be dangerous.
Related reading
Educational content only. Not medical advice. Discuss any treatment decisions with a qualified clinician.
Educational use only. The content on this page is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ketamine and related therapies carry risks and are appropriate only under qualified medical supervision. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional about your individual situation. Information may change as research evolves.