When you’ve tried everything—therapy, multiple medications, lifestyle changes—and depression still hangs on, it can feel like you’re stuck in a cycle that will never break.
But emerging treatments are giving new hope, especially when traditional approaches haven’t worked.
One of the most promising? Ketamine for depression.
Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine has gained attention in recent years for its rapid and sometimes life-changing impact on people struggling with persistent, treatment-resistant depression. While it’s not a magic cure, it’s offering relief to many who have felt out of options.
Let’s explore what makes ketamine for depression different, what treatment looks like, and what to keep in mind when considering this innovative approach.
How does ketamine help with depression when other treatments haven’t worked?
Most antidepressants target neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine—and while these can help many people, they don’t work for everyone. Ketamine for depression works differently.
Ketamine primarily affects the brain’s glutamate system, which plays a key role in mood regulation, learning, and memory. By acting on NMDA receptors, ketamine helps form new neural connections—a process called neuroplasticity. For someone stuck in persistent depressive patterns, these new connections can create a kind of “reset.”
The difference is often speed. Traditional antidepressants can take weeks to show improvement. Ketamine for depression may reduce symptoms within hours or days, making it particularly powerful for those in crisis or living with severe, ongoing depression.
This doesn’t mean ketamine replaces other treatments, but rather that it can open a window of relief—giving patients the energy and hope to engage with therapy, lifestyle changes, or other supports that felt impossible before.
What can I expect during a ketamine treatment session?
A typical ketamine for depression session is very different from simply taking a pill. Depending on the clinic, ketamine may be given through an intravenous (IV) infusion, an intramuscular injection, a nasal spray (like FDA-approved esketamine), or lozenges taken under medical supervision.
Here’s what the experience usually looks like:
- Preparation: Before treatment, your provider will review your history, current medications, and overall health.
- Administration: During the session, you’ll be in a comfortable, monitored environment. The ketamine is administered at a much lower dose than what’s used in anesthesia.
- Experience: Some people describe feeling relaxed, detached, or as if they’re observing things from a new perspective. Music, soft lighting, or a calm setting often help.
- Recovery: The dissociative effects wear off in about an hour. You’ll need someone to drive you home, and most people return to regular activity by the next day.
Unlike daily medication, ketamine for depression is typically done as a series of treatments over a few weeks, followed by maintenance sessions if needed.
Are there any side effects or risks of using ketamine for depression?
Like any treatment, ketamine for depression has both benefits and risks. Most side effects are short-term and occur during or shortly after the session:
- Dissociation or feeling “out of body”
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Nausea
- Temporary changes in blood pressure or heart rate
Because ketamine has been used recreationally, some people worry about dependency. However, when given in a medical setting at controlled doses, the risk is low. That said, ketamine isn’t right for everyone. People with certain medical conditions, substance use history, or specific psychiatric disorders may not be good candidates.
This is why it’s so important to work with trained professionals who specialize in ketamine for depression and can monitor both physical and emotional responses.
How long do the effects of ketamine treatment typically last?
One of the most common questions about ketamine for depression is: how long will it help? The answer depends on the individual.
Some people experience relief after just one session, but most benefit from a series of treatments. The effects can last from days to weeks, and with repeated sessions, many patients report sustained improvements in mood, motivation, and energy.
Follow-up or “booster” sessions may be recommended every few weeks or months, depending on how symptoms return. Importantly, ketamine for depression often works best as part of a larger treatment plan—paired with therapy, support systems, and lifestyle changes to extend and stabilize the benefits.
Final thoughts: Hope in the cycle
Persistent depression can feel like an unbreakable cycle—but breakthroughs like ketamine for depression are changing that story. While not a one-size-fits-all solution, it offers hope, speed, and relief where other treatments have failed.
If you’ve been living with depression that hasn’t responded to traditional care, know this: new possibilities are out there. Talking with a professional about ketamine for depression could be the first step toward finding light where things have felt heavy for far too long.
At Annapolis Counseling Center, we offer more than traditional therapy—we provide innovative options like ketamine treatments, available in our office or from the comfort of your home. These treatments can open the door to breakthroughs in therapy, and we’re here to walk that journey with you.