How Long Does Ketamine Work for Depression?
For those managing depression, finding effective treatment options can be a long and challenging process. However, ketamine therapy is emerging as an innovative and promising method to reduce symptoms of depression.
This promising therapy can help provide a quality of life for those looking for a way to handle their mental health conditions. The best thing about this treatment is its fast effect. In most cases, people often experience immediate relief.
However, how long does ketamine work for depression?
Here, we are going to determine how ketamine therapy works for depression and how long does ketamine take to work for depression. Learn everything you need to help determine if this is the best treatment to help you bring somepeace of mind.
Key Takeaways
- Ketamine therapy offers fast-acting relief for depression, often reducing symptoms within 24 hours of treatment.
- The effects of ketamine on depression can last anywhere from several days to weeks, depending on each person.
- Ketamine targets glutamate activity in the brain, which helps repair neural pathways associated with mood regulation.
- Factors like dosage, individual response, and underlying conditions can all influence how long the ketamine’s effects will last.
- At Ketamine Wellness NY, we offer personalized treatment plans to help optimize results and improve mental health.
Ketamine Therapy for Depression
Ketamine therapy is the administration of ketamine (in controlled environments) to treat specific mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
In the beginning, ketamine was developed as an anesthetic. However, researchers discovered its rapid antidepressant effects, making it a groundbreaking alternative for people resistant to traditional treatments.
Unlike SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which can take weeks to show progress, ketamine works within hours, providing quick relief for those with severe symptoms. The FDA has also approved esketamine, a nasal spray derived from ketamine, specifically for treatment-resistant depression.
Now, ketamine therapy doesn’t only offer rapid relief in depression. It also offers additional benefits, such as improvedmood, reduced anxiety, and enhanced neuroplasticity. That is why this treatment is a top choice for those looking to improve their mental health.
At Ketamine Wellness NY, we combine expert medical supervision with compassionate care to provide safe and effective ketamine therapy, whether you get the treatment at our comforting facilities or from the comfort of your home.
Ketamine's Mechanism of Action in Depression
Ketamine primarily affects the neurotransmitter glutamate, which plays a key role in brain cell communication andadaptability. By modulating glutamate activity, ketamine enhances the formation of new neural connections, repairing pathways that may have been damaged by chronic stress or depression.
Ketamine also blocks NMDA receptors, which are a type of receptor involved in glutamate signaling. This blockage triggers a release of glutamate, stimulating a process called synaptogenesis, or the creation of new synaptic connections.These new connections can help restore mood, reduce negative thinking patterns, and improve emotional resilience.
By addressing depression on a molecular level, ketamine therapy delivers results that many other treatments simply can’t replicate.
How Long Does Ketamine Take to Work on Depression?
One of the most remarkable aspects of ketamine therapy is how quickly it works. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to deliver noticeable improvements, ketamine’s effects are often felt within hours to a day after treatment.
In most cases, th relief you get from ketamine infusion therapy lasts anywhere between a several days to two weeks. However, some people have reported positive effects that last even longer, especially when its part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Keep in mind that the duration of ketamine’s effects can vary. Some factors that influence its effect include:
- Dosage and frequency: Higher dosages and structured maintenance treatments often have more lasting effects.
- Individual response: Response times can also vary based on metabolism, severity of depression, and other health factors.
- Lifestyle and support: Combining ketamine with therapy or well-being practices (like mindfulness and exercise), may help extend its benefits.
At Ketamine Wellness, we are committed to helping you reduce your depression symptoms. Here’s what some patients have shared about their experiences with ketamine therapy.
“I felt immediate relief from the weight I’d been carrying for years. After the third session, I finally felt like myself again.”– Emily.
“Traditional antidepressants didn’t work for me, but ketamine turned things around within days. The team at Ketamine Wellness NY made the whole process so supportive.” – John.
“I’ve been using ketamine therapy for six months, and the difference is night and day. I can manage both my PTSD and anxiety much better now.” – Maria.
Final Words
When it comes to mental health therapies, ketamine therapy stands out as the preferred choice due to its fast effects. So, if you are looking for immediate relief, you may want to consider this innovative treatment.
If you still have some questions regarding this therapy, we are happy to clear them out for you. We specialize in personalized care, ensuring each treatment is tailored to your unique needs. Whether you prefer in-office visits or at-home care, Dr. Pervaiz Qureshi and our team are here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to change your life and get all the health benefits ketamine therapy has to offer? Don’t wait—book a call with our team at Ketamine Wellness NY today and find out how we can help you feel your best.
Whether you’re seeking relief from anxiety, depression, or chronic pain, we’re here to support you on your journey to a healthier life. At Ketamine Wellness NY, we are here to answer all your questions.
Contact us now to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward reclaiming your health!
DISCLAIMER
If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on our website are based on information drawn from medical research, societies, and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
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- Glue, Paul, et al. “Extended-Release Ketamine Tablets for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Phase 2 Trial.” Nature Medicine, 24 June 2024, pp. 1–6, www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03063-x, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03063-x.
- Hassan, Kazi, et al. “Safety, Effectiveness and Tolerability of Sublingual Ketamine in Depression and Anxiety: A Retrospective Study of Off-Label, At-Home Use.” Frontiers in Psychiatry, vol. 13, 28 Sept. 2022, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.992624.
- Hietamies, Tuuli M, et al. The Effects of Ketamine on Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety in Real-World Care Settings: A Retrospective Controlled Analysis. 1 May 2023, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.141.
- Mandal, Suprio, et al. “Efficacy of Ketamine Therapy in the Treatment of Depression.” Indian Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 61, no. 5, Sept. 2019, p. 480, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6767816/, https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_484_18.
- Shiroma, Paulo R., et al. “A Randomized, Double-Blind, Active Placebo-Controlled Study of Efficacy, Safety, and Durability of Repeated vs Single Subanesthetic Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression.” Translational Psychiatry, vol. 10, no. 1, 26 June 2020, pp. 1–9, www.nature.com/articles/s41398-020-00897-0, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-020-00897-0.
- Yavi, Mani, et al. “Ketamine Treatment for Depression: A Review.” Discover Mental Health, vol. 2, no. 1, 15 Apr. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9010394/, https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-022-00012-3.