Understanding How Does Ketamine Infusion Therapy Work

Ketamine infusion therapy involves the use of ketamine infusions for treating mental health conditions and chronic pain syndromes. Despite its growing popularity, the process of ketamine infusion therapy can be unclear to some individuals. This article aims to provide a clear understanding of the treatment process, including the medical uses, how it works, conditions treated, and benefits of ketamine infusion therapy.

Ketamine is a type of anesthetic, with its origins dating back to the 1960s. The first clinical use of ketamine was in the Vietnam War to treat troops with battle wounds. Since then, ketamine has been used in medical settings for anesthesia during surgeries.

Ketamine infusion therapy was first used in the 1990s to treat individuals with chronic pain, particularly those who did not respond well to traditional treatments. Additionally, ketamine has been used in psychiatry as a promising treatment option, known as ketamine therapy, for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions.

In recent years, ketamine infusion therapy has grown in popularity as a medical treatment option for several conditions. There have been many reported cases of successful ketamine infusion therapy treatment for difficult-to-treat conditions like treatment-resistant depression.

Although ketamine infusion therapy is still a relatively new treatment option, it has shown promising results for individuals who found success with traditional treatments. Research studies have shown that ketamine infusion therapy can help improve mood and decrease symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

During a ketamine infusion therapy treatment session, patients are carefully monitored by medical professionals to ensure their safety. The treatment typically lasts for about an hour, and patients may require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results.

One of the benefits of ketamine infusion therapy is that it can provide fast relief for individuals who are struggling with severe mental health symptoms. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks or even months to take effect, ketamine infusion therapy can provide relief within hours or days.

It is important to note that ketamine infusion therapy is not a cure for mental health conditions, but rather a treatment option that can help manage symptoms. Patients who undergo ketamine infusion therapy may also need to continue with other forms of treatment, such as therapy or medication, to maintain their mental health.

Ketamine is a medication that has been used for many years as an anesthetic in surgery. However, in recent years, it has gained attention for its potential use in treating depression and chronic pain.

Ketamine is thought to reduce certain types of brain activation that can contribute to depression or pain sensation. The drug blocks the activity of a chemical transporter, which can increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters associated with mood, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Additionally, ketamine's antidepressant effects are related to its interaction with opioid receptors, which play a role in mood regulation.

Research has shown that ketamine may also help to promote the growth of new brain cells, which can improve brain function and potentially reverse the effects of certain neurological conditions.

Ketamine infusion therapy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, with each treatment session involving a precise dosage of ketamine delivered through an intravenous infusion line. The patient is placed in a comfortable room and connected to the infusion line. The infusion takes approximately 40 minutes to complete, and patients are monitored throughout the duration of the session. Upon completion, patients are evaluated for any immediate side effects before being released.



The infusion process is typically repeated several times over a period of weeks or months, depending on the patient’s response to treatment. During this time, patients may also receive other forms of therapy, such as talk therapy or medication management, to help manage their symptoms.

Each ketamine infusion therapy session is administered at a different dosage of ketamine, depending on the patient’s specific condition and response. Typically, patients receive multiple sessions over a specific period. The number and frequency of sessions depend on the patient and the underlying condition. Patients often experience relief from symptoms within hours or days after the infusion.



Ketamine infusion therapy is not a cure for depression or chronic pain. However, it can be a valuable tool in managing symptoms and improving overall quality of life. Patients who undergo ketamine infusion therapy should continue to work closely with their healthcare providers to monitor their symptoms and adjust their treatment plan as needed.

Depression, including major depressive disorder, is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, not all patients respond to traditional antidepressant medication.

Treatment-resistant depression is a type of depression that does not improve with traditional antidepressant medication. Ketamine infusion therapy has been shown to be effective in treating several types of depression, including treatment-resistant depression. Often, patients who have tried other depression therapies without success find relief with ketamine infusion therapy.

Ketamine works by targeting the glutamate system in the brain, which is responsible for regulating mood and emotions. It helps to increase the production of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is essential for the growth and survival of neurons. This, in turn, helps to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

Chronic pain syndromes can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. Ketamine infusion therapy is also used to treat neuropathic pain, a type of chronic pain that can be debilitating and difficult to manage with traditional pain medications. Conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and fibromyalgia can cause chronic pain that is difficult to manage with traditional pain medications.

Ketamine infusion therapy is also used to treat chronic pain syndromes. Research has shown that ketamine infusion therapy can help relieve chronic pain symptoms and improve overall functioning for several months to years after treatment.

Ketamine works by blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain, which are responsible for transmitting pain signals. It also helps to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the affected area, which can help to alleviate pain symptoms.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. It can cause symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and flashbacks, which can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.

Ketamine infusion therapy has been shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of PTSD. Patients often report an improvement in symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and flashbacks after receiving the treatment.

Ketamine works by helping to reduce the activity in the amygdala, which is the part of the brain responsible for processing fear and anxiety. It also helps to increase the production of BDNF, which can help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that can cause excessive worry, fear, and apprehension. They can significantly affect a person’s quality of life and make it difficult to carry out daily activities.

Ketamine infusion therapy has also been shown to be effective in treating several anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder. Patients often experience a reduction in symptoms shortly after receiving the infusion.



Ketamine works by helping to reduce the activity in the amygdala, which is the part of the brain responsible for processing fear and anxiety. It also helps to increase the production of BDNF, which can help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Ketamine infusion therapy is known for its rapid-relief effects. Patients often experience symptom improvement within hours to a few days of receiving the infusion.

Ketamine has been shown to have a low risk of addiction or dependence when used as prescribed in the controlled setting of ketamine infusion therapy. Ketamine infusion therapy is considered safe for individuals without a history of substance abuse or schizophrenia. This makes ketamine infusion therapy a safer alternative to traditional medications that can have a higher risk of abuse or dependency.

Overall, ketamine infusion therapy is generally safe. The most common side effects are mild and may include nausea, dizziness, or increased blood pressure. These typically resolve shortly after the infusion.

In conclusion, ketamine infusion therapy is a promising treatment option for individuals with specific mental health conditions and chronic pain syndromes. While there are still gaps in the knowledge around the precise mechanism of action, existing evidence suggests that ketamine infusion therapy is a relatively safe and effective therapy option. As always, it is recommended that individuals consult with their physician to determine if ketamine infusion therapy is right for them.

Ketamine infusion therapy has shown promising results in relieving symptoms and improving the overall quality of life for individuals who have not responded well to traditional treatments. With its rapid relief effects, low risk of addiction, and minimal side effects, ketamine infusion therapy offers a safe and innovative approach to mental health and pain management.

Take the first step towards a better quality of life by scheduling a consultation with The Albany Clinic. Our compassionate healthcare providers will evaluate your specific condition, answer any questions you may have, and create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Don’t let your condition hold you back any longer—regain control of your life with ketamine infusion therapy at The Albany Clinic.

If you are interested in learning more about ketamine infusion therapy contact at The Albany Clinic and request your consultation today.

Cited Sources:

Li, Linda, and Phillip E Vlisides. “Ketamine: 50 Years of Modulating the Mind.” Frontiers in human neuroscience vol. 10 612. 29 Nov. 2016, doi:10.3389/fnhum.2016.00612

Mandal, Suprio et al. “Efficacy of ketamine therapy in the treatment of depression.” Indian journal of psychiatry vol. 61,5 (2019): 480-485. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_484_18

Niesters, Marieke et al. “Ketamine for chronic pain: risks and benefits.” British journal of clinical pharmacology vol. 77,2 (2014): 357-67. doi:10.1111/bcp.12094