Duration, Maintenance, and Booster Sessions Explained
Living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain can feel like an uphill battle. For many, standard treatments such as antidepressants, talk therapy, or pain medications don’t provide enough relief or take weeks to months to show results. That’s where ketamine infusion therapy has emerged as a breakthrough option, offering rapid improvement for patients who felt they were out of options.
But one of the most common questions patients ask is:
“How long do the benefits of ketamine infusion last?”
The answer isn’t the same for everyone, but research and clinical experience give us a clear framework. In this guide, we’ll explore treatment timelines, booster sessions, maintenance care, and the science behind ketamine’s lasting effects.
How Long Does a Ketamine Infusion Last?
The duration of benefits depends on whether you receive a single infusion or complete a structured treatment plan.
- Single infusion → Relief typically lasts 3–7 days.
- Induction phase (6–8 infusions over 2–3 weeks) → Relief may last 2–6 weeks for many patients.
- Maintenance & boosters → Benefits can be sustained for months to years, depending on individual response.
This staged approach is why ketamine infusion is not seen as a “one-time fix,” but rather as a long-term treatment strategy tailored to each patient.
Why Does Ketamine Work Differently?
Traditional antidepressants work by boosting serotonin or dopamine levels. These medications can take 6–8 weeks to start working.
Ketamine, however, works on a different pathway:
- Targets NMDA receptors in the brain.
- Increases glutamate release, a neurotransmitter essential for learning and memory.
- Stimulates neuroplasticity, creating new connections between brain cells.
- Provides relief in hours to days, not weeks.
This ability to “rewire” the brain explains why ketamine can have such a fast and lasting impact.
Factors That Affect How Long Ketamine Benefits Last
The timeline varies, but these factors play a major role:
- Condition being treated – Depression and PTSD often respond differently from chronic pain.
- Individual biology – Genetics, metabolism, and brain chemistry all affect response.
- Lifestyle habits – Good sleep, exercise, and stress management help extend results.
- Psychotherapy integration – Combining ketamine with therapy creates stronger, longer-lasting outcomes.
- Provider expertise – Correct dosing, scheduling, and monitoring maximize effectiveness.
The Ketamine Infusion Treatment Process
1. Induction Phase
- 6–8 infusions over 2–3 weeks.
- Builds cumulative effects in the brain.
- Patients often see noticeable relief by the 4th or 5th session.
2. Maintenance Infusions
- Scheduled every 3–5 weeks after induction.
- Designed to prevent relapse.
- Over time, intervals may lengthen as symptoms stabilize.
3. Booster Infusions
- Given when symptoms begin to return.
- Timing is unique to each patient—some need them every 4–6 weeks, others only a few times per year.
Research on Duration and Effectiveness
- A 2019 JAMA Psychiatry study found that repeated ketamine infusions significantly extended antidepressant effects compared to a single dose.
- Clinical trials show that 70% of patients with treatment-resistant depression respond to ketamine.
- Many patients maintain improvements for 6 months to several years when following a maintenance plan.
What to Expect Before, During, and After
Before your infusion
- Eat a light meal a few hours prior.
- Arrange transportation home.
- Review current medications with your provider.
During your infusion
- Lasts 40–60 minutes.
- Administered via IV in a safe, comfortable setting.
- Monitored by trained medical staff at all times.
- You may feel relaxed, floaty, or mildly dissociated.
After your infusion
- 20–30 minutes of recovery before leaving.
- Possible mild side effects: dizziness, nausea, fatigue.
- Benefits may appear within hours, and build after multiple sessions.
Benefits of Ketamine Infusion Therapy
- Rapid relief (sometimes within 24 hours).
- Effective for treatment-resistant conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
- Reduction in suicidal thoughts.
- Improved mood and daily functioning.
- Safe, controlled therapy with ongoing monitoring.
- Enhanced neuroplasticity supporting long-term brain health.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Ketamine infusion is safe under medical supervision, but some temporary side effects can occur:
- Mild dissociation or a floating sensation.
- Nausea or dizziness.
- Temporary rise in blood pressure.
- Fatigue post-treatment.
These effects typically resolve quickly. Serious side effects are rare when infusions are administered in a clinical setting.
Maximizing the Duration of Benefits
Patients can extend the effects of ketamine by:
- Engaging in therapy – cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma therapy, or ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP).
- Supporting overall wellness – good nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
- Tracking progress – mood journals and apps help identify early signs of change.
- Following booster schedules – prevent relapse instead of waiting for symptoms to worsen.
- Staying consistent with care – regular communication with your provider.
The Long-Term Outlook
Ketamine infusion therapy is not a quick “fix.” It is a long-term care strategy that can transform lives when combined with professional guidance, therapy, and wellness practices.
For some patients, relief lasts weeks or months with boosters. For others, ketamine becomes part of a sustainable care plan that allows them to reclaim quality of life.
Ketamine Infusion at Kleiman Healthcare Services
If you’re struggling with depression, PTSD, anxiety, or chronic pain and standard treatments haven’t worked, ketamine infusion therapy may provide the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
At Kleiman Healthcare Services, we provide:
- Experienced medical professionals trained in ketamine therapy.
- Safe, supportive environment for every infusion.
- Personalized care plans tailored to your unique health needs.
- Compassionate, patient-centered support throughout your treatment.