How Quickly Does Ketamine Work for Depression Treatment?

How Quickly Does Ketamine Work for Depression Treatment?

The Albany Clinic • September 19, 2024

Traditional and typical antidepressants affect the level of different brain chemicals, the ones that are related to emotions and moods. These drugs help a person a lot; however, if someone experiences something severe like a major depressive episode, then they would need something more effective.


Ketamine is an effective dissociative drug that allows people who are struggling with severe depression to feel more normal and relaxed in their skin, which is a rarity for them because they are constantly feeling overwhelmed by their surroundings. Depression causes severe bouts of sadness, despair, and hopelessness, eventually leading to suicidal thoughts.


While ketamine isn’t enough to qualify as a cure, it is more effective and lasting to be a better option for people with major depressive disorder. And considering more than 265 million people struggle with depression, a suitable and effective solution is due.

What is Ketamine Treatment?

Ketamine treatment, also known as ketamine therapy, is a groundbreaking medical approach that leverages the anesthetic properties of ketamine to address various conditions, including treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to show effects, ketamine treatment is renowned for its rapid antidepressant action, often providing relief within hours or days. This treatment typically involves a series of intravenous (IV) infusions or the use of a nasal spray, administered in a clinical setting under the careful supervision of healthcare professionals. This ensures both the safety and effectiveness of the treatment, making it a viable option for those who have not found success with conventional therapies.

How Does Ketamine Treat Depression? 

Ketamine works as it ties the receptors in the brain; these receptors produce a chemical called glutamate. Glutamate is a type of neurotransmitter (a neurotransmitter is essentially a chemical messenger). Transmitter’s task is to deliver messages to the neurons in your brain, which evoke different emotions. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that is the most excitatory among the rest.


In simpler words, ketamine triggers an excitatory neurotransmitter that allows the person with depression to feel better and less burdened by despair.

While experts are still investigating the role glutamate plays in treating depression, they are sure that it affects mood significantly. People who have any mental condition, especially depression, have shown extremely low signs of glutamates’ presence. Therefore, this is certain; low levels of glutamate increase depressive symptoms.


Additionally, ketamine improves the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factors. Protein plays a great role in neuroplasticity; in simpler words, it affects your brain’s ability to adapt to new things as you experience new experiences. And when ketamine supports neuroplasticity, it often helps change the negative thought process that occurs when one is depressed.

How Long Does Ketamine Take?

Another advantage that ketamine has that antidepressants don’t is that it doesn’t take as long. It works swiftly and effectively. You don’t need to wait an entire night for the effect to take place. In fact, if you take antidepressants, you already know that most of them take weeks before working.


However, with ketamine, you can feel relief in about an hour or so. Depending on your state, you may feel it sooner even. That is how efficient it is; indeed, it can relieve you of the pain in a matter of an hour, if not sooner.


If you want an efficient and safe means of using ketamine, you should check out our clinic. We have considerate professionals who care for the procedure and help you feel comfortable in the setting. Our mission is to ensure the best experience for our clients, which includes their experience with our clinic. Treatments are administered in a specialized ketamine clinic to ensure the highest standards of care.

Why Use Ketamine for Treatment Resistant Depression

Ketamine is a new and fast acting treatment for TRD. Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks or months to work ketamine works in hours or days. It targets glutamate a different brain pathway than most antidepressants and helps restore the synaptic connections that are important for mood regulation.



Ketamine has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression especially for those who have not responded to other treatments. It’s also quick to reduce suicidal thoughts a lifeline for those in crisis. With careful monitoring and individualized dosing ketamine can be a game changer for patients who have tried everything else. These findings add to the literature confirming ketamine’s activity against depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with TRD.

Types of Ketamine Applications

Ketamine doesn’t just come in a singular form; one of the methods includes ketamine nasal spray, which is approved for treating treatment-resistant depression (TRD). If you don’t like a specific style, you have other options to choose from.

Ketamine Nasal Spray (Esketamine)

There is a method called a ketamine nasal spray. You can use the nasal spray once or twice a week; however, you can only do so for four weeks. After four weeks, your care team or provider will study and thoroughly analyze your symptoms before recommending you further treatment.

Intravenous Therapy (IV)

This is a continuous and slow IV drip that will deliver ketamine into your system slowly but surely. The procedure will be directly injected into your bloodstream.

Intramuscular Therapy (IV)

This is an IV where you receive your injection with the most available mass, for instance, your thigh or your shoulder. The area with the most muscle is where the specialist IV will inject the needle.

Benefits and Effectiveness of Ketamine Infusions

Ketamine infusions have emerged as a powerful tool in the fight against treatment-resistant depression, boasting response rates between 40-60%. One of the most compelling benefits of ketamine infusions is their rapid onset of action, providing significant mood improvement and reduction in depressive symptoms within a short period. Beyond depression, ketamine infusions have also shown promise in alleviating anxiety and chronic pain, offering a multifaceted approach to mental health and pain management. The effects of ketamine infusions can last for several weeks or even months, although the exact duration varies among individuals. This extended relief makes ketamine infusions a valuable option for those seeking long-term improvement in their mental health and overall well-being.

Ketamine Side Effects and Safety

While ketamine treatment offers substantial benefits, it is not without potential side effects. Commonly reported side effects include dissociation, hallucinations, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and nausea. These effects are typically short-lived, resolving on their own within a few hours post-treatment. However, there are more serious risks to consider, such as an increased likelihood of suicidal ideation and behavior, as well as potential bladder damage. It is crucial to have a thorough discussion with a healthcare professional about the risks and benefits before starting ketamine treatment. Ensuring that ketamine therapy is administered in a clinical setting under professional supervision is essential to minimize adverse effects and maximize the therapeutic benefits.

Final Thoughts

Ketamine has more than one type of treatment method, and it is a relatively new drug on the market. It has shown promise in treating various affective disorders, including depression and bipolar depression. However, despite all the odds, it has gotten exceedingly popular, and high-authority people are establishing this drug as a treatment option for not only depression, but also anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and all other types of mental health conditions. It has also demonstrated efficacy in treating unipolar depression, providing rapid relief from depressive symptoms.


The most beneficial quality that sets it apart from every other drug is that it takes little time to impact the person. Depending on the person’s state and the application method, it minimally takes 1 hour or a little over that. Patients with a history of substance abuse are typically excluded from studies to ensure the safety and accuracy of ketamine treatment outcomes.


Contact us at The Albany Clinic in Carbondale Illinois for reliable, safe, efficient ketamine treatment and valuable consultation.


Citation:

Glue, Paul et al. “Ketamine for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder: Double-blind active-controlled crossover study.” Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) vol. 38,2 (2024): 162-167. doi:10.1177/02698811241227026

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In-Clinic vs. At-Home Ketamine Therapy: What’s Best for Your Mental Health?

By Kimberly Mercille • July 9, 2025
As ketamine therapy becomes increasingly popular for treating mental health conditions like depression and PTSD, more people are exploring their options. At-home ketamine therapy gained traction during the pandemic for its convenience, but without medical supervision, this approach may come with elevated risks. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key differences and pros and cons of in-clinic versus at-home ketamine therapy. What Is In-Clinic Ketamine Therapy? IV Ketamine Treatment In-clinic ketamine therapy involves receiving treatment at a licensed medical facility, such as The Albany Clinic , where professionals monitor and administer the medication under strict protocols. This ensures your safety, especially during your initial sessions. At The Albany Clinic, we specialize in intravenous (IV) ketamine infusion therapy , which has been most well-researched when it comes to treating mental health disorders. IV ketamine bypasses the digestive system, delivering the medication directly into the bloodstream. IV ketamine can help relieve symptoms of various mental health disorders, including depression , anxiety , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , and more. During an infusion at our clinic, you’ll rest in a calm, controlled environment while ketamine is delivered into a vein through a catheter. Our trained staff will closely monitor your vital signs and mental state throughout the session, adjusting the dose of ketamine if needed. We’ll observe you after treatment to ensure any side effects are managed promptly and effectively. Spravato We also offer Spravato (esketamine) at our clinic, a nasal spray based on ketamine. Unlike other forms of ketamine treatment, Spravato is approved by the FDA and is specifically for adults with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts . Spravato is only approved for in-clinic use under professional supervision and cannot be administered at home, making clinical oversight a legal and medical necessity for this treatment option. During a Spravato session, you’ll self-administer the medication under the supervision of our medical staff. We’ll then closely monitor you for a couple of hours to ensure you’re safe and all side effects have subsided before leaving. What Is At-Home Ketamine Therapy? At-home ketamine therapy allows patients to self-administer the ketamine, typically in the form of lozenges or nasal sprays, delivered via mail. While this option offers flexibility, it usually involves minimal supervision , often limited to virtual check-ins with healthcare providers. Some at-home providers offer optional video support during sessions, but this is not always the case. Patients are largely responsible for monitoring their own physical and emotional reactions, without the benefit of immediate medical intervention if adverse effects occur. At-home treatment often includes supplementary materials , such as guided meditations or journaling tools. However, the lack of real-time clinical oversight makes this option less ideal for those with complex or severe mental health needs. Safety Considerations: In-Clinic vs. At-Home While ketamine therapy is considered safe for most patients, it does come with potential physical and psychological side effects , including: Physical Risks: Elevated blood pressure or heart rate Nausea or vomiting Sedation or dizziness Impaired coordination Rare allergic reactions Psychological Risks: Hallucinations or dissociation Temporary confusion or anxiety Emotional vulnerability during treatment Risk of misuse or dependency The FDA has issued warnings about at-home ketamine use due to its potential for abuse and lack of medical supervision . Without proper monitoring, the risk of addiction and long-term complications, such as bladder damage and cognitive decline, may increase. Key Differences Between In-Clinic and At-Home Ketamine Therapy

A Guide to IV Ketamine

By Matt Rodriguez • July 8, 2025
Intravenous (IV) ketamine has emerged as a promising option for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression and other hard-to-treat mental health conditions. Ketamine was originally developed as an anesthetic, but is now being used in controlled medical settings to deliver rapid relief when traditional therapies fall short. This guide explores the history, science, benefits, and practical considerations of IV ketamine therapy and what you can expect from treatment at The Albany Clinic.

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) for Depression

By Kimberly Mercille • May 27, 2025
Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is an emerging mental health treatment that targets key mechanisms linked to depression. In this article, we’ll discuss the science behind SGB and its potential benefits. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, this information can help you make an informed decision about whether SGB might be the right option. What is a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)? What is the Stellate Ganglion? The stellate ganglion is a cluster of sympathetic nerves located on each side of the neck near the first rib. These nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls automatic body functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. The term "stellate" means "star-shaped" because the ganglion often looks like a star under a microscope. It helps regulate the body's stress response by controlling norepinephrine, a chemical that triggers the fight-or-flight reaction. When this system becomes overactive, it can cause various physical and psychological problems, including depression. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) therapy may help by reducing the activity of the stellate ganglion, calming the fight-or-flight response, and lessening the damaging effects of prolonged nervous system stress. How Does Stellate Ganglion Block Work? Stellate Ganglion block (SGB) is when a local anesthetic is injected near the stellate ganglion. These drugs inhibit transmission between nerve cells, dampening activity in the ganglion. They typically include lidocaine, bupivacaine, or mepivacaine, which are sometimes combined with a steroid medication. Patients may also receive another medication to relax them before treatment. SGB is typically performed using ultrasound guidance . The injection process lasts no more than 10 minutes, but patients will motinoted for another 30-45 minutes after treatment to ensure their safety. How Does Stellate Ganglion Block Work for Depression? Chronic stress is a major contributor to depression and is often linked to an overactive sympathetic nervous system. People with depression commonly show high levels of cortisol, a hormone that plays a key role in the body's stress response, in their blood stream. Cortisol is helpful in small doses, but when chronically elevated, it can disrupt neural circuits in the brain. Excessive cortisol can lead to: Neurotoxicity - Cortisol can be toxic to nerve cells, especially in the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory and emotional regulation. Overinflammation - Cortisol increases the activity of the body’s natural defense system, resulting in the system causing damage to nerve cells. Impaired synaptic plasticity - Cortisol inhibits the capacity for the brain to “re-wire” itself. This makes it harder for people to adapt to stressful situations and learn new patterns of behaviour. Disrupted sleep - High cortisol can prevent people from sleeping well. During sleep, restorative biological processes occur in the brain, and excess cortisol can prevent these from happening. SGB decreases sympathetic nervous system activity, which can reduce cortisol levels. This can help restore function in brain areas and pathways associated with positive mood, emotional regulation, and stress resilience. Evidence Supporting SGB for Depression To date, there’s very limited evidence supporting the use of SGB for depression. One pilot study found that SGP significantly reduced depression symptoms in people with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and was well-tolerated. However, there was no significant difference to the placebo group and the sample size was very small. Nonetheless, multiple lines of research show that SGB can alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which shares similarities with depression. In a trial of SGB for PTSD , participants reported significantly lower scores of depression following treatment. Who May Benefit from SGB for Depression? SGB is primarily utilized for treating PTSD, so individuals with PTSD who also experience depression may find SGB beneficial. Additionally, SGB has shown potential in alleviating anxiety symptoms, suggesting it may be advantageous for those dealing with both depression and anxiety. Because SGB isn’t approved by the FDA, it is typically only used when standard treatments like antidepressants and psychotherapy haven’t worked. SGB is an “off-label” treatment, much like ketamine therapy or brain stimulation therapies. Importantly, SGB may not be suitable for everyone because of medical reasons. Contraindications include: Recent myocardial infarction Coagulopathy or anticoagulant therapy Glaucoma Pre-existing contralateral phrenic nerve palsy Severe emphysema Cardiac conduction block Potential Risks and Side Effects of SGB Common Side Effects Most side effects of SGB are temporary and resolve as the anesthetic wears off. These may include: Hoarseness or Voice Changes: The proximity of the stellate ganglion to nerves controlling the voice box can lead to temporary hoarseness. Drooping Eyelid (Ptosis): Temporary drooping of the eyelid on the side of the injection may occur. Red or Bloodshot Eyes: Some individuals may notice redness in the eyes following the procedure. Watery Eyes and Nasal Congestion: Increased tearing and nasal stuffiness are possible but typically short-lived. Sensation of a Lump in the Throat and Difficulty Swallowing: Some individuals may experience a sensation of a lump in the throat and have difficulty swallowing after the procedure. Warmth or Tingling in the Arm or Hand: A warm or tingling sensation in the affected limb may be experienced temporarily. Although uncommon, some individuals may experience more serious complications, such as nerve damage, seizures, and allergic reactions. Given the potential risks, patients interested in SGB at the Albany Clinic will have an in-depth consultation with one of our qualified healthcare professionals before undergoing treatment. They can assess your medical history, current health status, and the potential benefits and risks of the procedure in your specific case. SGB for Depression in Illinois If you're in the Carbondale area and interested in the potential benefits of SGB for depression, the Albany Clinic is here to help. We specialize in innovative mental health treatments, including SGB, which has been shown to provide rapid relief from mental health symptoms, with effects lasting several weeks. Our experienced team offers personalized support, guiding you through every step—from determining if SGB is the right option for you to exploring alternative treatments and financial considerations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your mental health journey.