Ketamine Therapy for Depression: What Patients Need to Know

Depression can feel like moving through life under heavy fog. You try medication after medication, hoping this one will finally lift the weight. Weeks pass. Side effects build. Relief never fully comes. For many people, this cycle is exhausting and deeply discouraging.

When standard antidepressants fail, it’s not just frustrating, it can feel hopeless. You may begin to question whether anything will truly help. If you are living with treatment-resistant depression, you are not alone, and your experience is valid.

In recent years, ketamine therapy for depression has emerged as a breakthrough option. Unlike traditional antidepressants that may take weeks to work, ketamine can provide relief within hours or days for some patients. That speed has changed lives and reshaped how clinicians approach severe depression.

At Lonerock Clinic, patients in Glide, Oregon, receive compassionate, evidence-based care that looks at the whole person. Ketamine therapy is not a quick fix, but within the right medical setting, it can be a powerful part of an integrated treatment plan focused on restoring hope and function.

Understanding Ketamine Therapy for Depression

What Is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine is a medication originally developed as an anesthetic. At low, controlled doses, it has been shown to reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder, particularly in individuals who have not responded to traditional antidepressants.

In ketamine therapy for depression, the medication is administered under medical supervision. The most common forms include intravenous infusions and intranasal esketamine. Doses used for depression are much lower than those used in surgical anesthesia.

Unlike conventional antidepressants that primarily target serotonin or norepinephrine, ketamine works on the brain’s glutamate system. This difference in mechanism is one reason it can act more quickly and may help patients who have not improved with other treatments.

Who Is a Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine therapy is most often recommended for individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder who have tried at least two adequate antidepressant medications without meaningful improvement. This condition is commonly referred to as treatment-resistant depression.

It may also be considered for patients experiencing severe depressive episodes accompanied by acute suicidal thoughts, where rapid intervention is critical.

Before starting treatment, clinicians conduct a thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation. Patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain cardiovascular conditions, active substance use disorders, or psychotic disorders may not be appropriate candidates. A careful screening process ensures safety and individualized care.

At Lonerock Clinic, eligibility is determined through a comprehensive assessment that considers medical history, current medications, and overall wellness goals.

How Ketamine Therapy for Depression Works in the Brain

A Different Mechanism Than Traditional Antidepressants

Traditional antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs influence serotonin and norepinephrine levels. Ketamine works differently by targeting NMDA receptors in the brain, which are involved in glutamate signaling.

By blocking these receptors, ketamine triggers a temporary surge in glutamate. This increase activates AMPA receptors and initiates downstream pathways linked to synaptic growth and connectivity.

Neuroplasticity and Rapid Mood Improvement

One of the most important concepts in understanding ketamine therapy for depression is neuroplasticity. Depression is associated with reduced synaptic connections in areas like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.

Ketamine appears to promote the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports the growth and strengthening of neural connections. Through this cascade, including mTOR signaling, the brain may begin forming new synaptic connections more quickly.

This process may explain why some patients report noticeable mood improvements within hours of treatment. While research is ongoing, the rapid biological changes triggered by ketamine distinguish it from conventional medications.

What to Expect During Ketamine Treatment

Intravenous (IV) Ketamine Infusions

IV ketamine is one of the most studied approaches. A typical protocol involves a subanesthetic dose administered over approximately 40 minutes. Many treatment plans begin with multiple infusions over several weeks, followed by maintenance sessions if needed.

During the infusion, medical staff monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. Patients remain in a comfortable, supervised setting throughout the session and for a period afterward.

Some individuals experience temporary dissociation, mild nausea, dizziness, or increased blood pressure. These effects usually resolve within a few hours.

Intranasal Esketamine

Esketamine, a derivative of ketamine, is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and depressive symptoms with acute suicidal ideation. It is administered as a nasal spray in a certified clinic setting.

Patients are monitored for at least two hours after each dose. Treatment typically begins with twice-weekly sessions for several weeks, then transitions to less frequent maintenance dosing depending on response.

Oral and Compounded Ketamine

Some clinics offer oral ketamine formulations. While this route may be more convenient, it has lower and more variable absorption compared to IV or intranasal administration.

When oral ketamine is used, close clinical follow-up is essential. Patients should receive clear instructions, regular mood assessments, and ongoing safety monitoring.

How Effective Is Ketamine Therapy for Depression?

Clinical research consistently shows that ketamine can produce rapid antidepressant effects, often within hours. Many patients experience peak improvement around 24 hours after a single infusion.

Studies demonstrate moderate to large effect sizes in the short term, particularly in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. Response rates are typically higher than remission rates, meaning many patients experience significant symptom reduction, though not complete resolution.

However, the benefits of a single treatment often last days to weeks. For sustained improvement, clinicians may recommend a series of treatments or maintenance sessions.

Long-term effectiveness and optimal maintenance schedules continue to be studied. This is why ketamine therapy should always be delivered within a structured, medically supervised program.

Safety, Side Effects, and Monitoring

Ketamine therapy for depression is generally well tolerated when administered under medical supervision. Common short-term side effects include dissociation, perceptual changes, mild anxiety, nausea, and temporary increases in blood pressure.

These effects typically occur during or shortly after treatment and resolve within hours. Clinics monitor vital signs closely during each session to ensure patient safety.

There is limited long-term safety data, particularly with frequent or unsupervised use. Potential risks may include cognitive changes, urinary symptoms, or misuse. For this reason, ketamine therapy should only be provided by experienced healthcare professionals who follow strict monitoring protocols.

At Lonerock Clinic, patient safety is central. Treatments are integrated into broader care plans that include mental health support, medical oversight, and outcome tracking.

Ketamine Therapy Compared to Other Treatments

For treatment-resistant depression, other advanced options include electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Electroconvulsive therapy has strong evidence for effectiveness, particularly in severe cases, but requires anesthesia and may carry cognitive side effects. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is less invasive but often requires daily sessions over several weeks and may take longer to show results.

Ketamine therapy stands out for its speed. For patients experiencing severe symptoms or suicidal ideation, the rapid onset of effect can be life-saving. However, it may require repeated dosing to maintain improvement.

Choosing among these treatments depends on individual medical history, symptom severity, and personal preferences. A comprehensive consultation helps determine the best path forward.

Integrating Ketamine Into Whole-Person Care

Ketamine therapy works best as part of an integrated treatment plan. Medication alone rarely addresses all dimensions of depression.

Psychotherapy, lifestyle interventions, primary care support, and ongoing mental health monitoring contribute to longer-term stability. Because ketamine may enhance neuroplasticity, some clinicians believe it can create a window of opportunity where therapy is particularly effective.

At Lonerock Clinic, the approach reflects their guiding principle: Whole Health, Whole You. By combining ketamine therapy with mental health care, primary care services, and wellness support, patients receive treatment that addresses mind and body together.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine Therapy for Depression

How quickly does ketamine therapy for depression work?

Many patients notice improvement within hours to a day after treatment. Peak effects are often seen around 24 hours after an infusion. However, response times vary between individuals.

How long do the benefits last?

For some patients, relief lasts several days to weeks after a single treatment. Others may require a series of treatments and maintenance sessions to sustain improvement.

Is ketamine therapy safe?

When administered in a controlled medical setting with proper screening and monitoring, ketamine therapy is generally safe. Temporary side effects are common but usually resolve quickly. Long-term safety continues to be studied.

Who should not receive ketamine therapy?

Individuals with uncontrolled hypertension, certain heart conditions, active substance use disorders, or psychotic disorders may not be appropriate candidates. A comprehensive evaluation determines eligibility.

Can ketamine cure depression?

Ketamine is not considered a cure. It is a treatment that can significantly reduce symptoms, especially in treatment-resistant depression. Most patients continue other forms of therapy alongside ketamine treatment.

A New Path Forward at Lonerock Clinic

Depression can make the future feel small and uncertain. When traditional treatments fail, it is easy to lose hope. But advances in neuroscience have opened new possibilities, and ketamine therapy for depression represents one of the most promising breakthroughs in decades.

At Lonerock Clinic, care goes beyond symptom management. Their integrated model blends mental health expertise, primary care, and wellness services to support lasting recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with treatment-resistant depression, exploring ketamine therapy within a trusted, compassionate setting may be the next step.

You do not have to navigate depression alone. Reach out to Lonerock Clinic in Eugene–Springfield to schedule a consultation and discover how whole-person care can help you move toward healing, stability, and renewed hope.