If you’re dealing with chronic or treatment-resistant pain, you might have come across ketamine as a possible treatment. Recently, ketamine has been recognized for its powerful pain-relieving properties. It is particularly utilized for conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and neuropathic pain that don’t respond to traditional treatments. A frequently asked question is: “How long does the pain relief from ketamine last?” This article aims to explain the duration of its effects, the factors that influence it, and how to safely enhance its benefits. We’ll explore these aspects through scientific insights, standard protocols, and practical outcomes.

How Long Does Ketamine Pain Relief Last?

The length of ketamine’s pain relief can differ for each individual, influenced by various factors such as the type of pain, the dose administered, the method of delivery, and your body’s specific reaction. Here’s a simplified overview:

Short-Term Pain Relief

• Most people who undergo single ketamine infusion may notice relief from pain that lasts for hours to a few days.

• During the initial period of the therapy, individuals often feel a noticeable reduction in pain.

Long-Term Pain Relief

• For people who receive a series of infusions, the relief from pain might last for a longer period as it is given for days or weeks.

• The relief might last for many weeks or even months due to continuous “renewal” of pain pathways.

It’s important to note that ketamine therapy might not be entirely effective for all pain types. Some individuals might notice only moderate relief for a limited time. However, many people report that ketamine provides more substantial relief, particularly for neuropathic pain and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), compared to other forms of treatment.

Ketamine Administration & Pain Relief Duration: Protocol Comparison

What Does the Research Say About Ketamine for Pain Relief?

Research about the effect of ketamine on managing pain is still going on. However, many researchers have put some studies together and come up with some results:

• A meta-analysis of three studies shows that prolonged ketamine infusion (about 4-14 days) shows a significant reduction in pain for up to 4 weeks. The effects reduce with time for some people, leading to the need for retreatment every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain pain relief.

• One systematic review & meta-analysis reports that intravenous (IV) ketamine infusion provided significant relief from pain for individuals struggling with chronic pain.

• Another study shows that ketamine at higher doses is more effective in reducing chronic pain. People who underwent the treatment were followed up after 1 year, and it was found that those with mild pain or fibromyalgia-induced pain experienced higher and more lasting relief from pain than ones with severe pain.

• One observational pilot study reports that ketamine infusion for 5 days offers huge pain relief for 6 patients who were hospitalized for chronic migraines, which haven’t responded to standard treatments. However, the pain recurs when monitored after 6 weeks of discharge.

Factors That Affect the Duration of Ketamine Pain Relief

Several factors can influence how long ketamine’s effects last. They are:

1. Type and Severity of Pain

• Conditions such as neuropathic pain or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) may need frequent treatments for long-lasting relief than general pain.

• Severe and chronic (long-standing) pain may need more sessions of the ketamine therapy for longer pain relief.

2. Method of Administration

3. Dosage and Frequency

• Higher-dose ketamine infusions given intravenously may provide longer relief compared to lower doses. However, careful monitoring is needed with higher doses.

• More frequent treatment may give more long-lasting pain relief than a single session.

4. Individual Response

• Metabolism, age, overall health, and how one’s body reacts to ketamine can impact its stay in the body.

• Some individuals naturally respond more effectively to this therapy.

5. Coexisting Treatments

• Combining ketamine with physical therapy and medicines like antidepressants can offer prolonged benefits.

• However, some medications might interrupt the effects of ketamine.

Important Consideration:

• Frequency of Maintenance Infusions: As pain relief is not permanent, many people have to undergo maintenance ketamine infusions monthly or quarterly to maintain the benefits of the treatment.

• Skipping the sessions might lead to rapid recurrence of the symptoms. 

Dosing & Administration of Ketamine: The Key to Pain Management

Wondering how these two factors are a solution to managing pain?

Dosing

Route of Administration

Always undergo ketamine therapy under medical supervision to ensure safe dosing and minimize side effects.

How Often is Ketamine Given for Managing Pain?

Here is the dosing schedule:

Initial Series (Loading Phase)

• Typically, 3-6 infusions for over 1-2 weeks.

• Given every day or on alternate days to form therapeutic effects.

Maintenance Infusions

• Administered every 2-8 weeks, and the duration can vary based on the individual’s response.

• Some individuals might need monthly sessions, while others may wait for many months between sessions.

Important considerations:

• The frequency of ketamine treatment is adjusted depending on the severity of pain, underlying health issues, and pain duration.

• If pain subsides, the frequency of infusion may be gradually reduced.

• The healthcare providers monitor the patients after each session to decide the need and timing for further sessions. 

How Does Ketamine Work for Pain?

Ketamine’s pain-relieving effects go beyond masking symptoms. Here’s how it works:

• Blocks NMDA Receptors: Inhibits the activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which are found in the spinal cord and brain and are responsible for transmitting pain signals.

• Interrupts Chronic Pain Pathways: Disrupts the abnormal patterns of nerve signaling that lead to persistent and treatment-resistant pain.

• Lowers Central Sensitization: Calms down the nervous system when it becomes extremely sensitive to pain.

• Modulates Glutamate Levels: Balances glutamate (a neurotransmitter that processes pain), which helps regulate the response of the brain to pain.

• Reduces Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory effects of ketamine help relieve tissue and nerve inflammation, which are the contributing factors to pain.

• Improves Mood and Mental Strength: The antidepressant properties of ketamine can help boost mood, which can decrease the emotional effects of pain.

Side Effects and Risks of Ketamine Treatment

Ketamine therapy is well-tolerated and safe at lower dosages. However, it can still come with some common side effects that typically resolve after the infusion. However, if they last and bother you, seek medical attention.

• increased heart rate

• high blood pressure

• dizziness

• increased secretions

• disorientation

• nausea

Before starting therapy, always tell your doctor about:

The safest way to receive ketamine is in a clinically monitored setting with thorough pre-treatment evaluations.

Tips to Maximize the Benefits of Ketamine Therapy

For prolonged pain relief, consider these tips:

• Stick to the full course: Finish all the series of ketamine infusions as advised by your doctor.

• Attend maintenance sessions: Always go for maintenance infusions to extend the duration of pain relief.

• Combine with other effective therapies: Involves physical therapy, medicines, and counseling for better results.

• Follow a healthy lifestyle: Consume a well-balanced diet, exercise regularly, sleep enough, and manage stress to promote overall healing and support long-term pain relief.

• Report the side effects to your doctor: This can help the doctors adjust the treatment.

• Avoid recreational drugs and alcohol: These substances can disrupt the effects of ketamine and increase the risk of side effects.

• Practice relaxation techniques: Yoga, deep breathing, and meditation can improve the calming effects of ketamine. 

Final Thoughts

So, how long does ketamine pain relief last? Well, it varies depending on the type and severity of the pain, individual response, and overall health. In general, a single session of infusion may last for several days to weeks, and a series of infusions may last for weeks to months. However, maintenance infusions are often required to sustain pain relief.

If you’re considering ketamine therapy for pain, speak with a qualified doctor. They can recommend a tailored plan based on your condition and ensure it’s done safely.

Read Also: Who Is Not A Good Candidate For Ketamine Therapy?

Frequently Asked Questions