How Long Does It Take For Ketamine Infusions To Work?

Ketamine infusions are a rapidly emerging treatment option for various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. One popular way ketamine treatment solutions are administered is through infusions, where the medication is slowly dripped into a patient’s bloodstream over a while. A common question asked by those considering ketamine treatment is, “How long does it take for ketamine infusions to work?” The answer to this question can vary depending on several factors, such as the individual’s condition, dosage, and frequency of treatment. However, the effects of ketamine infusions can be felt within a few minutes, with the most significant changes occurring within the first 24 to 72 hours. 

Exploring the Mechanisms of Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine’s mode of action is distinctive from other antidepressants (as it targets the NMDA receptor), a key component in regulating glutamatergic neurotransmission. Glutamate, the most widespread excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, plays a vital role in neuronal plasticity, synaptic transmission, and cell survival. By blocking the NMDA receptor, ketamine causes an increase in the concentrations of both glutamate and dopamine, which leads to downstream effects such as anti-inflammatory and antidepressant action. These changes in the brain could be a reason why ketamine has a prolonged therapeutic effect. Unlike other antidepressants, which can take weeks or even months to show results, ketamine’s effects are felt in hours or days, making it a highly effective treatment for individuals experiencing acute suicidal ideations.

What to Expect During your First Ketamine Infusion Therapy

Your initial consultation with your physician will mostly be informational. During your first appointment, they will gather as much information as possible to tailor your treatment plan to match your needs. This includes discussing your past medical and mental health as well as considering factors such as your weight, age, and previous treatment experiences. Before the infusion is administered, you will also be alerted to potential adverse side effects. Some of the most common side effects may include confusion, dizziness, hallucinations, and dissociation. These effects are usually mild and brief and typically resolve within a few minutes to a few hours after the infusion. 

On the scheduled day of the treatment, you can expect to receive a low dose of the medication administered intravenously (IV) by a trained medical professional. You can be seated or lying down during the process (which takes roughly 45 minutes to one hour), after which you can go home and continue your normal activities. Depending on your treatment plan (based on your individual needs and response to the medication), you may be scheduled to have another treatment in about 1 or 2 days. 

How Long Does Ketamine Medication Stay in Your System?

The length of time that ketamine stays in a person’s system can vary depending on several factors, such as the dose and route of administration. The simplest way to understand this is to view it in terms of its half-life. The half-life of a medicinal compound is the length of time it takes for 50% of it to be broken down by the body. Ketamine’s half-life is about 2.5 hours, meaning half of the medication will be eliminated from the body within 2.5 hours. However, the effects of the drug can last for several hours. When ketamine is administered intravenously, the effects can be felt within minutes and typically last for 1-2 hours. When taken orally or intranasally, the onset of action is slower, and the effects may last for several hours. 

As for how long ketamine stays in the body, it is eliminated primarily through the urine. The elimination half-life ranges from 2.5 to 4 hours after an IV infusion, but it can be up to 24 hours after oral administration, as the body breaks down the medication slower.

All in all, it’s important to note that chronic use of ketamine can lead to the accumulation of the drug in the body, and it can be detected in urine for several days after the last use. It’s also vital to note that urinary excretion of ketamine and its metabolites can be affected by other factors such as hydration, urine pH, and renal function. It’s always crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication and to follow the dosage and administration instructions as provided.

Ketamine infusion therapy offers hope for those who have not found success with traditional treatments. Its unique mechanism of action, fast-acting nature, and lasting effects make it a one-of-a-kind and promising therapy option for mental health conditions and chronic pain. If you or a loved one has been struggling with treatment-resistant mental health issues or chronic pain without any improvement, ketamine infusion therapy may be worth considering.