How Long Does Ketamine Stay in Your System

How Long Does Ketamine Stay in Your System

 

At Novel Mind & Wellness Center, we understand that every patient’s journey with ketamine treatment is unique. The duration of ketamine’s presence in your system and the length of its effects can vary depending on several factors, including the purpose of the treatment, dosage, and individual patient characteristics.

 

Duration of Ketamine Treatment: For mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD, ketamine infusions typically last between 45 to 60 minutes. After the infusion, most patients return to their baseline state within about two hours. However, if you’re receiving ketamine treatment for chronic pain conditions like CRPS, neuropathy, or migraines, the infusion sessions may take longer—ranging from 2 to 4 hours—depending on the severity and nature of the pain.

 

How Long Ketamine Stays in Your System: The elimination of ketamine from the body varies from person to person. Factors such as age, body mass, metabolic rate, dosage, and the method of administration all play a role in how long ketamine stays in your system. In one study of hospitalized children who received ketamine as an anesthetic, the drug was detectable in urine for up to 11 days after administration, and its metabolites were present for up to 14 days. However, these timelines may differ in adults and depending on the specific use case of ketamine. Additionally, recognizing the difference between detecting it in the body versus feeling its’ effects is also important to note.

 

Ketamine Treatment Frequency and Side Effects: Unlike many other psychiatric medications that require daily administration, ketamine treatments are less frequent, reducing the likelihood of side effects. Typically, patients start with weekly sessions during an initial six-session program. Following this, they may transition to less frequent sessions in subsequent programs. Clinical trials have shown that an initial course of 4-6 ketamine infusions, administered twice weekly, can produce antidepressant effects that last for weeks or even months.

 

The Experience at Novel Mind & Wellness Center: At Novel Mind & Wellness Center, our approach to ketamine therapy is gentle and carefully monitored. Patients are gradually brought into the experience, with a smooth transition back to normal consciousness around 60 minutes after the infusion ends. We prioritize your safety and well-being, ensuring that each treatment session is tailored to your specific needs.

 

If you’re considering ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain, contact us today to learn more. Our clinic in Tallahassee, FL, is dedicated to providing you with compassionate, personalized care throughout your journey to mental and physical wellness.