How Fast Does Ketamine Work For Anxiety?

Predominantly used as a numbing agent in procedures, Ketamine has been receiving attention lately for its possible benefits in alleviating feelings of anxiety and depression, especially among individuals who have not seen improvement with conventional medications. As the interest in this therapy option continues to grow, many people struggling with anxiety are curious about the speed at which Ketamine can provide relief.

What is Ketamine Therapy?

Research carried out by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reveals that Ketamine can swiftly alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in a matter of hours, a stark contrast to antidepressants that may require weeks or even months to take effect. This rapid response has sparked hope and optimism in the potential of Ketamine as a therapy for anxiety conditions like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

How Does Ketamine Therapy Help Alleviate Anxiety?

Research into ketamine’s potential to treat anxiety is promising. Ketamine’s unique mechanism of action in alleviating anxiety involves altering the function of neurotransmitters in the brain, explicitly targeting levels that influence brain flexibility and emotional control associated with learning and mood regulation disorders. This understanding of Ketamine’s action can empower individuals struggling with anxiety and their families with knowledge about its potential benefits. 

Ketamine possesses a quality in that it supports synaptogenesis, creating links between neurons. This could potentially aid in repairing the brain’s communication pathways affected by anxiety in individuals. Furthermore, Ketamine works to calm down the overactivity in the brain’s hubs, such as the amygdala, which is involved in managing fear and anxiety reactions.  

How Fast Does Ketamine Work for Anxiety?

Ketamine is renowned for its rapid action in relieving symptoms. Research suggests that individuals may start feeling better within 1 to 4 hours after taking it. This swift response distinguishes it from treatments like SSRIs, which can take weeks to show effectiveness. Users often describe the impact of Ketamine as a significant reduction in their symptoms or a shift in their mental state. 

​The positive effects of Ketamine can endure for weeks following a single session​, with some individuals experiencing lasting relief from their mental health symptoms. This long-lasting impact makes Ketamine a promising option for those seeking sustained relief​. 

How Is Ketamine Therapy Administered?

There are multiple ways to administer ketamine, with varying start times and durations of impact.

  • Ketamine can be administered through intravenous (IV ) infusion, where patients get the medication directly into their bloodstream, resulting in quick effects usually felt within minutes. These infusions typically take around 40 minutes. Patients are observed for hours afterward.
  • A type of Ketamine known as esketamine can be administered through the nose using a nasal spray called Spravato, which has been approved by the FDA to help with treatment-resistant depression.

Pacific Mind Health: Managing Anxiety Through Ketamine Therapy

The fast and practical effects of Ketamine make it a promising solution for people dealing with anxiety issues that haven’t improved with other treatments. 

At Pacific Mind Health, our mission is to assist people in improving their well-being using cutting-edge treatments such as ketamine therapy. If you or someone close to you is battling anxiety and seeking help, our expert team is ready to support you at every stage. Get in touch with Pacific Mind Health now to discover how ketamine therapy can play a role in your path toward wellness and recovery.