Online Ketamine Treatment Available in: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, NY, OR, TX, and WA.
Online Ketamine Treatment Available in: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, NY, OR, TX, and WA.
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Mental Health
March 19, 2025
March 24, 2025
Depression affects millions of people worldwide, and for many, conventional treatment like antidepressants and therapy fail to provide adequate relief. Ketamine, traditionally used as an anesthetic, has gained prominence in recent years for its ability to deliver rapid and sustained relief for people with treatment-resistant depression. If you are considering ketamine therapy or wondering how long its effects last, this guide covers everything you need to know about treatment duration, its effects, and what to expect.
Before discussing the specific treatment of Ketamine depression duration, it's essential to understand what ketamine is and its role in a cure for mental illness. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used in medical settings since the 1970s. It essentially works by inhibiting several receptors in the brain, most notably the NMDA receptors in the brain, increasing glutamate production. This neurotransmitter helps promote synaptic connections between neurons. This process, known as synaptogenesis, is believed to play a role in ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects. It is not without criticism, but it has shown some auspicious results in treating mental health conditions, especially for people who have severe or treatment-resistant depression.
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to work, ketamine acts very quickly, providing relief within days or even hours. Its rapid action has made it a valuable option for those with severe depression or suicidal ideation who need immediate relief.
The exact mechanism by which ketamine relieves depression is still being studied. However, research suggests that by blocking NMDA receptors and increasing glutamate levels, ketamine helps restore neural pathways associated with mood regulation. This leads to rapid improvements in mood, mental clarity, and energy levels.
One of ketamine’s unique benefits is its ability to work quickly, unlike selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which may take weeks to show noticeable effects. For individuals with severe depression, this rapid relief can be life-changing.
Ketamine can be administered in various forms, including intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), oral, subcutaneous, and nasal spray (such as esketamine). At Isha Health, we use oral ketamine for treatment.
The effects of ketamine start to happen shortly after the administration of ketamine. Within hours, most people notice a significant improvement in mood, mental clarity, and energy levels. That temporary relief is rarely long-lasting, though. For lasting benefits, multiple sessions are often necessary. Similarly, Ayahuasca, a powerful plant medicine, leads to noticeable shifts in mood and mental state during its 1–2 hour peak, with users often reporting emotional clarity, a sense of peace, and relief from depressive symptoms. However, like ketamine, the therapeutic effects of Ayahuasca are usually enhanced through continued use and integration, making it a part of a broader healing journey.
Although the immediate effects of ketamine at the time of administration are short-lived, therapeutic benefits can continue. In most cases, people say their depression symptoms remain improved for days or weeks after a single treatment. But this period can vary according to personal factors such as:
The duration of ketamine’s antidepressant effects varies from person to person and depends on factors such as depression severity, frequency of treatments, and individual neurobiology. Most people experience benefits lasting several days to weeks after a single session.
Ketamine is typically administered in a structured treatment plan to maximize benefits.
Ketamine is particularly effective for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), which does not respond well to conventional antidepressants or therapy. Many people with TRD face challenges in achieving satisfactory treatment outcomes, which is where ketamine comes in, with the potential to provide immediate relief for up to weeks at a time.
Many people say that within a few sessions, they have found relief from depressive symptoms that last for weeks, even months. This positions ketamine as an effective alternative for individuals with treatment-resistant depression.
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Although ketamine can be highly successful in alleviating depression symptoms, it’s essential to be aware that it is not a cure-all. Integrating ketamine therapy with psychotherapy can greatly enhance long-term results, leveraging neuroplasticity that results from ketamine sessions. Psychotherapy aids people in understanding the underlying causes of their depression, spotting unhealthy thought patterns, and forming coping skills to handle subsequent depressive broods.
Many people experience the benefits of ketamine at a greater level when they are also actively engaged in a psychotherapeutic process. Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy(ACT), and internal family system(IFS) are often helpful. This combination enables people to find relief from symptoms and learn the tools to develop long-term mental resilience.
So ultimately, how long do the effects of ketamine for depression last? How long do the antidepressant effects last? The duration of the antidepressant effects can vary based on several factors, such as the severity of depression, the method of administration, and individual response to the treatment.
Ketamine is a potentially life-saving treatment for people with treatment-resistant depression. While the subjective experience of ketamine lasts only for a few hours, its antidepressant benefits can persist much longer, often days to weeks. Regular follow-ups with your doctor are essential to monitor its effectiveness and address any side effects.
At Isha Health, our expert team is dedicated to guiding you through your ketamine treatment journey, ensuring you receive the highest level of care. If you’re interested in learning more about ketamine therapy for depression, contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey to healing.
How long does ketamine therapy for depression work?
While one session of ketamine therapy may offer relief from depression for days to weeks, the length of effect differs from person to person. Maintaining the benefits might require regular treatments.
Does ketamine work for all types of depression?
Ketamine is particularly effective for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in which other antidepressants did not provide relief. It may also help with depression that occurs alongside other conditions such as anxiety or PTSD. However, it doesn’t work for everyone, and its effects vary from person to person.
Can ketamine be used alongside traditional antidepressants?
Yes, ketamine may be used concurrently with other antidepressants, particularly for those who have not responded well to conventional therapies. However, it is essential to consult your doctor to determine the safest and most effective treatment plan.
How often should I receive ketamine treatments for depression?
The frequency of ketamine treatments varies. The standard approach involves 2-3 treatments per week for 2-3 weeks, followed by a personalized maintenance plan based on individual needs.
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This website has been reviewed by Isha Health California, P.C. and should not be used as medical advice in place of a licensed psychiatric clinician.
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