As a new type of rapid antidepressant, ketamine has provided a new approach for the treatment and research on the pathological mechanism of major depressive disorder. However, the addictive potential and neurotoxicity of ketamine have become issues that cannot be ignored in clinical medication. This article briefly introduces the relevant research progress on ketamine addiction and neurotoxicity mechanisms at home and abroad, hoping to provide a reference for the rational development and utilization of ketamine.