It’s no secret that depression is a mental health condition that can be tough to manage. But for some, it just hits differently, making people feel like nothing could ever work. Enter ketamine, which can be a promising alternative treatment for this condition.

If you’re wondering, how long does ketamine work for depression? You’re in the right place. This blog will discuss ketamine therapy, its benefits, who might see the best results, and the risks involved.

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine, first introduced over 50 years ago as an anesthetic, has a fascinating history.

In 1966, Guenter Corssen, M.D., and Edward Domino, M.D., first documented the use of ketamine as an anesthesia, with Domino coining the term “dissociative anesthesia.” This condition allows you to maintain certain reflexes and respiratory functions while rendering yourself insensitive to sensory stimuli. 

Beyond this initial use, ketamine has recently shown promise in the field of mental health, particularly for treating depression, a condition that can be hereditary. 

In 2019, the FDA approved a nasal spray version of ketamine called esketamine (Spravato). If you’re considering this treatment, know that it’s designed to be used under medical supervision in certified clinics. A healthcare professional will closely monitor your condition to ensure safety. This approach offers a structured and supportive environment as you explore this cutting-edge therapy.

How Ketamine Works in the Brain

So, how does ketamine work in the brain?

Ketamine works very differently from traditional antidepressants, and that difference is critical to its rapid effects. Unlike conventional antidepressants, which slowly increase serotonin or norepinephrine levels over weeks, ketamine targets a completely different system: glutamate. Glutamate is the brain’s most abundant neurotransmitter and is crucial in neural communication, learning, and memory.

When ketamine is administered, it rapidly increases your brain’s glutamate activity, triggering a cascade of changes in this body organ. The surge promotes the formation of new neural connections and pathways. 

Ketamine also temporarily blocks the so-called NMDA receptors, which experts associate with glutamate regulation. This blocking effect disrupts the unhealthy neural activity patterns often seen in depression. Essentially, it “resets” parts of the brain to function more normally. 

But how long does ketamine work for depression? 

The duration of ketamine’s effects can vary. You may feel relief within hours of treatment, with the benefits lasting anywhere from a few days to weeks or even months. While it’s not a permanent fix, ketamine provides a much-needed critical window of relief. 

Who Might Benefit from Ketamine?

If you’ve been struggling with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), you know how overwhelming it can be when traditional therapies just don’t work. TRD often involves persistent, severe symptoms. Sometimes, it also comes with suicidal thoughts.

This is where ketamine has emerged as a game-changer.

One of ketamine’s most significant advantages is how quickly it works. Unlike conventional antidepressants, which can take weeks to show any improvement, ketamine can lift mood within about 40 minutes of administration.

Studies also show that ketamine nasal spray, when paired with ongoing antidepressant therapy, leads to significant reductions in depression symptoms compared to placebo treatments. Even better, continued use of ketamine alongside standard medications has helped many people maintain those improvements, with some studies showing stable remission lasting up to 16 weeks. 

How Ketamine Is Administered

Ketamine for depression is a highly talked about topic in the mental health community. Currently, there are two methods to administer ketamine: IV infusion and nasal spray.

IV Infusion

This method involves delivering the medication directly into your bloodstream, which allows for a fast onset of effects. Each session typically lasts about 40 minutes. However, the exact dosage and duration are tailored to your individual needs and the specific protocol of the treatment center.

Nasal Spray

As previously stated, another option is the esketamine nasal spray, known by its brand name, Spravato. This method is less invasive than an IV infusion and offers a convenient alternative for ongoing outpatient treatment. Administered in a certified clinic under medical supervision, the nasal spray is designed to be effective while maintaining safety. 

What to Expect During Treatment Sessions

Whether you’re receiving an IV infusion or nasal spray, ketamine treatment typically takes place in a clinical setting to ensure your safety and comfort. During the session, medical staff will closely monitor you to manage any immediate side effects.

For IV infusions, you’ll usually recline in a calm, controlled environment, often with dim lighting and a quiet atmosphere to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Many patients describe sensations like dissociation (feeling detached from yourself or your surroundings), changes in perception (such as visual or auditory shifts), or a deep sense of relaxation.

With the nasal spray, you’ll follow a series of sprays in each nostril under the supervision of healthcare providers. They’ll guide you through the process, monitor you for side effects, and ensure the correct dosage. The session is structured to be as supportive and calming as possible, allowing you to focus on the therapeutic experience.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Now that you know how long does ketamine work for depression and who it benefits the most it’s time to talk about the other side of the story. While ketamine has shown promise in treating depression, especially in cases where traditional medications have failed, it comes with potential risks and side effects.

The common side effects of ketamine are:

• Dissociative symptoms 
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness 
• Blurred vision
• Headache 
• Euphoria

As for potential risks, these are the things you must be aware of:

• Cognitive impairment. Repeated use can lead to difficulties with memory and attention.
• Dependency and abuse. Ketamine also has the potential for abuse, so it must be administered under strict medical supervision.
• Unknown long-term effects. The long-term effects of ketamine therapy are not fully understood, which necessitates ongoing monitoring and research.

All these potential risks and side effects underscore one thing: the importance of medical supervision during ketamine treatment. Careful monitoring by healthcare professionals ensures proper dosing, immediate response to any issues, and adjustments to the treatment plan as needed. 

Conclusion

How long does ketamine work for depression? Who is it most useful for? What are the risks and side effects? These are the questions we answered through this blog. 

If you’re struggling with severe or treatment-resistant depression, ketamine offers a unique and potentially life-changing option. Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to work, ketamine often provides relief within hours. 

However, ketamine isn’t without its challenges. During treatment, you might experience side effects like dissociation, dizziness, or nausea, and the potential for dependency means it’s critical to undergo therapy under strict medical supervision. Ongoing monitoring ensures the treatment is safe and effective for your specific needs.

Looking for a clinic that offers ketamine therapy? At RR Wellness Clinic, we specialize in administering ketamine safely and effectively, tailoring treatments to your needs to maximize benefits and minimize risks. Contact us today!