Ketamine infusion therapy is a form of ketamine treatment that administers low doses of ketamine through an intravenous (IV) drip. It’s primarily used off-label to treat certain mental health conditions, such as treatment-resistant depression, that have not responded to conventional treatments such as antidepressants [1].
This method allows for precise dosing and consistent absorption, ensuring that therapeutic levels are reached safely and efficiently. Infusions are administered in a clinical setting where vital signs are continuously monitored by trained medical professionals.
Ketamine infusion therapy is often delivered as a structured series of sessions rather than a single treatment. This allows clinicians to assess response, make adjustments if needed, and support sustained symptom improvement over time.
What is Ketamine and How Does It Work?
Ketamine has been used for 50 years in surgery, battlefield medicine in wartime, and veterinary practice. Over the past decade, research around its neurotrophic effects has grown, with experts taking a particular interest in its ability to treat depression and other chronic mental health conditions.
How ketamine works in the brain to relieve mental health symptoms is not entirely known. There are two main emerging theories that explain how ketamine may support brain connectivity and adaptation to help rewire rigid thought patterns and process emotional blocks [2].
- The Glutamate Hypothesis: Currently, the most widely accepted theory states that ketamine blocks NMDA receptors which increases glutamate activity. This action is thought to quickly improve communication between neurons, which may explain why ketamine works faster than traditional antidepressants.
- BDNF Theory: A newer developing theory focuses on the pathways that involve BDNF, associated with the growth of the brain’s synaptic connections and is thought to reset neural circuits and improve cognitive flexibility.
Although studies are still ongoing, most experts believe these theories work together in one way or another to help restore neuroplasticity and create the conditions for rapid symptom relief [3].
How Does Ketamine Infusion Differ from Other Forms of Ketamine Treatment?
Ketamine can be administered through a variety of routes, each offering their own pros and cons when it comes to dosing, convenience, and cost [4].
| Method | How It’s Administered | Onset & Intensity | Pros | Cons |
| IV Ketamine Infusion | Delivered directly into the bloodstream | Fast, often within minutes (most potent method) | Precise dosing, fast symptom relief, consistent absorption | Higher cost, more time in the clinic, more intense effects |
| Intramuscular Injection (IM) | Injected into the muscle | Fast onset, slightly less intense than IV | Shorter session, strong therapeutic effects | Less precise dosing or the ability to adjust when administered can feel intense |
| Oral (Capsules) | Swallowed and absorbed in the digestive tract | Slower onset and lower intensity | At-home convenience, gentler experience | Lower bioavailability and absorption |
| Lozenges | Dissolved under the tongue | Slower onset, less intense than IV or IM | At-home option, typically less intense | Less precise dosing, longer sessions |
| Intranasal Spray | Sprayed into the nose and absorbed through nasal passages | Moderate onset, typically less intense than IM or IV | Non-invasive, faster than oral methods, FDA-approved. May be covered by some insurance providers | Clinic time required, less precise dosing |
How Do I Know If Ketamine Infusion Therapy Is Right For Me?
Ketamine infusion therapy may be ideal for you if you have not found relief from traditional mental health treatments (at least two conventional antidepressants for a 6-8 week course). It can also benefit individuals with PTSD, severe anxiety disorders, suicidal ideation, and some chronic pain conditions.
However, ketamine is not suitable for everyone. If you have any of the following conditions, you may not be considered an eligible candidate for ketamine therapy:
- If you are pregnant
- If you have a history of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia
- If you have an uncontrolled medical condition such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or certain neurological disorders, such as seizures
- If you have a history of substance use disorder, you might not be automatically disqualified from treatment, but careful screening and monitoring are essential.
Side Effects of Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Although ketamine infusion therapy is generally considered well-tolerable and safe, it carries potential side effects. Some of the short-term effects of ketamine infusion therapy can include:
- Dissociation
- Dizziness/Blurry Vision
- Nausea
- Headache
- Increased blood pressure
- Changes in perception
How Can I Prepare for Ketamine Therapy?
Before starting ketamine therapy, a comprehensive medical and psychiatric evaluation is needed before beginning treatment. This often includes a review of medical history, current medications you are taking, and any pre-existing conditions that can impact safety or effectiveness.
On the day of treatment, patients are typically advised to not eat heavily for a few hours before their session to reduce the risk of nausea. Most centers also recommend or require having travel arrangements and someone to accompany them home after the session as mild sedation and dissociation can last for a few hours following the infusion.
Individuals should dress comfortably, in soft or loose clothing. Most clinics allow individuals to bring a blanket, headphones, stuffed animal, or anything else that brings them comfort.
What Happens During A Ketamine Session?
A standard ketamine infusion session typically lasts between 40 and 60 minutes. Patients remain seated in a calm, controlled environment where they can listen to music, talk with the ketamine therapist, or just close their eyes and relax.
Patients may experience temporary changes in perception or awareness during the session, which are closely monitored and resolve shortly after the infusion ends. For some individuals, this rapid and intensive dosing approach is ideal, particularly in chronic or treatment-resistant mental health cases where quicker symptom relief is needed.
What Happens After Ketamine Therapy?
After the infusion, patients are monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate side effects. Mild dizziness, nausea, and a slight or temporary increase in blood pressure are common but often resolve quickly. Patients are typically advised against driving or operating heavy machinery for the rest of the day.
Individuals report that the antidepressant effects of ketamine infusion therapy tend to come on quickly, with many reporting improvements within hours. However, the duration of symptom relief varies, and most clinics recommend follow-up sessions and combine ketamine therapy with other treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Trauma Therapy (e.g, EMDR).
Ketamine Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Utah
If you’ve already tried conventional methods of mental health treatment with no relief, ketamine may be an ideal option for you. At Harper Clinic Utah, we provide personalized treatment planning and licensed ketamine therapy to address deep-rooted depression, trauma, and emotional blocks.
We require clients receiving ketamine therapy to also be in traditional therapy, either with one of our therapists or an outside provider. Contact our consultation team to learn if you are a good candidate for ketamine assisted therapy today.
Sources
[1] Morgan, A. et al. (2021). Ketamine for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders: comprehensive systematic review. BJPsych open, 8(1), e19.
[2] Mason, G. et al. (2018). The effects of ketamine on prefrontal glutamate neurotransmission in healthy and depressed subjects. Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 43(10), 2154–2160.
[3] Pardossi, S. et al. 2024. Variations in BDNF and Their Role in the Neurotrophic Antidepressant Mechanisms of Ketamine and Esketamine: A Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
[4] Kohaf, A. et al. (2025). Optimizing ketamine dosing strategies across diverse clinical applications: a comprehensive review. Annals of medicine and surgery (2012), 87(9), 5678–5687.