Can Ketamine Help with Debilitating Depression?
Living with debilitating depression can feel like carrying an invisible weight that affects every aspect of your life. For some people, it becomes so overwhelming that they’re too depressed to work, maintain relationships, or even take care of daily responsibilities. If traditional medications and therapies haven’t helped, you might be wondering: is there another option?
At Sea To Summit Psychiatry in Colorado Springs, we offer evidence-based, cutting-edge depression treatment options—including ketamine for depression, a breakthrough therapy that can bring fast relief when other treatments fail.
What Is Ketamine and How Does It Treat Depression?
Ketamine was originally used as an anesthetic, but researchers discovered it can also have rapid-acting antidepressant effects. Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to work, ketamine treatment for depression can start improving symptoms in hours or days.
This fast-acting effect makes ketamine especially helpful for people with treatment-resistant or severe depression.
How Long Does Ketamine Take to Work for Depression?
Many patients feel relief within 24–72 hours of their first ketamine treatment. In fact, studies show that even a single dose can significantly reduce depressive symptoms in some people (Source: NIH). Most patients report a noticeable mood lift within a day or two.
How Long Does Ketamine Last for Depression?
For folks that have endured TMS or time-intensive treatments only to have depression return, you may wonder how long does ketamine work for depression? The effects can vary from person to person. Some experience relief for several days, while others may feel better for weeks after a single treatment. Typically, a full treatment plan involves several sessions over a few weeks, followed by maintenance doses to keep symptoms under control.
What to Expect After Ketamine Treatment for Depression
Feeling nervous about what happens next? Here's what to expect after ketamine treatment for depression:
Most people feel lighter or more emotionally stable soon after treatment.
Some may feel tired or groggy for a few hours.
Ongoing improvement often continues over the following days.
Ketamine can be administered through IV infusions, nasal sprays, or even ketamine troches for depression, which dissolve in the mouth and are used under medical supervision.
Ketamine vs. TMS: What’s the Best Option for Treatment-Resistant Depression?
If you've been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression, you've likely heard about both ketamine therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Both are innovative, non-traditional treatments for depression that can help when medications haven’t worked—but they’re very different in how they work, how fast they act, and what kind of experience you can expect.
How They Work
Ketamine works by targeting the brain’s glutamate system, helping to quickly rewire neural connections related to mood and emotion. It’s usually administered as an IV infusion, nasal spray, or oral lozenge (ketamine troches for depression).
TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Treatment is typically done daily over several weeks.
How Fast They Work
How fast does ketamine work for depression? Many patients feel better within 24–72 hours of their first session.
TMS typically takes longer—often 2 to 4 weeks of daily sessions before patients begin noticing significant improvement.
Duration of Relief
How long does ketamine last for depression? Relief can last from several days to a few weeks after a treatment, especially with maintenance sessions.
TMS results tend to build gradually and can last several months or longer, especially when combined with other treatments like therapy or medication.
Side Effects and Experience
Ketamine may cause short-term dissociative or psychedelic experiences during treatment, along with possible nausea or dizziness.
TMS is non-invasive and doesn't require sedation, but some people report headaches or scalp discomfort during or after sessions.
Which One Is Right for You?
Both treatments are backed by science and are approved for use in people who haven't responded to traditional antidepressants. The best option often depends on your personal history, how quickly you need relief, and your tolerance for certain side effects. Ketamine may be a better fit based on your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals.
Take the First Step
You don’t have to live with debilitating depression. Whether you’re feeling too depressed to work or just haven’t found relief through traditional antidepressants, ketamine could be the breakthrough you need.
Contact us today to learn more about our depression treatment options in California or Colorado, or to schedule a consultation.
