A method for treating ameliorating or preventing the onset of anxiety in a subject comprises administering to such subject an NMDA receptor antagonist in an amount that is sub anesthetic and hypo analgetic. The NMDA receptor antagonist may comprise ketamine and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts and is administered as a premedication. Instances of use in this manner include administration prior to an anxiety causing event such as a medical or a dental procedure. The administration of the NMDA receptor antagonist composition is particularly useful as a premedication for adults.
