How Many Ketamine Treatments are Required for Anxiety?
Ketamine was originally used as an anesthetic, ketamine is now being studied and used in clinics to help people with treatment-resistant anxiety. Ketamine works on a brain chemical called glutamate, which plays a big role in mood and stress. According to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, about 72% of patients with anxiety showed a positive response to ketamine after just 10 sessions, and 38% even achieved full remission of symptoms.
In this blog, we’ll break down how many ketamine treatments are usually needed for anxiety relief, what the research says, and what you can expect if you're considering this option for yourself.
What Is Ketamine and How It Works in the Brain?
Ketamine is a medicine that was first used in hospitals as a fast acting anesthetic. But now, doctors have found that in much smaller doses, it can help people with depression and anxiety, especially when other treatments haven’t worked.
So, how does it help with anxiety? It helps the brain form new connections, a process called neuroplasticity. This gives your brain a sort of “reset,” making it easier to break out of anxious thought patterns.
It doesn’t work like regular antidepressants and that’s exactly why it’s showing such exciting results for tough cases.
Standard Ketamine Treatment Protocols for Anxiety
If you’re thinking about trying ketamine for anxiety, you might be wondering: how many sessions do I actually need? Most clinics follow a similar plan to start with. It usually begins with a “loading phase” of 6 treatments spread out over 2 to 3 weeks. These are typically done through IV infusions, although some people may receive ketamine through nasal spray (like Spravato) or intramuscular shots.
Each session lasts about 40 to 60 minutes, and you're closely monitored the whole time to make sure everything goes smoothly.
After the initial 6 sessions, some people start to feel much better. Others might need a few more infusions up to 10–12 total sessions. Once you’ve completed the main phase, you may move into a “maintenance” phase, where treatments are spaced further apart like once every 2 to 4 weeks, based on how you feel.
Factors That Influence How Many Ketamine Treatments You May Need
Not everyone needs the same number of ketamine sessions. Some people feel better after just a few treatments, while others may need 10 or more to see strong results. It really depends on a few key things:
How severe your anxiety is
How long you’ve been dealing with it
Whether you also have depression or PTSD
How your body responds to the medicine
Some people’s brains react quickly, while others take more time to build up the effects. Your doctor will usually adjust the plan based on how you’re doing after each session.
Risks, Side Effects, and Safety Monitoring
While ketamine has shown great promise for treating anxiety, it’s important to understand that it’s not completely risk-free. Like any medical treatment, there can be side effects—but the good news is, most are temporary and manageable, especially when you’re treated by a trained professional in a controlled setting.
Common Side Effects
During or shortly after a session, you might experience:
Dissociation
Blurred vision or dizziness
Nausea or upset stomach
Increased heart rate or elevated blood pressure
Mild confusion or fatigue
These effects usually wear off within an hour or two. Most clinics will have you stay and rest until you feel back to normal, and you’ll need someone to drive you home after the session.
Long Term Risks
There’s no strong evidence that occasional ketamine use for anxiety causes long-term harm when done under medical supervision. However, frequent or unsupervised use (like recreational abuse) can lead to memory problems, urinary issues, or even dependence in rare cases.
That’s why ketamine therapy should always be done in a clinical setting, with proper safety protocols and mental health support.
Safety Monitoring
Clinics closely monitor your vital signs like blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate throughout each treatment. They’ll also regularly check in on your mental health to see how well you’re responding and adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Conclusion
Ketamine therapy has opened new doors for people struggling with anxiety especially when nothing else seems to work. Most people start with 6 to 8 treatments over a few weeks and may need occasional boosters afterward. The exact number of sessions depends on your symptoms, how you respond, and your overall mental health journey.
At Mass Mind Center, we’ve helped many individuals find real, lasting relief through guided ketamine therapy. Our team doesn’t just follow protocols, we personalize every plan, monitor your progress closely, and create a calm, supportive space where healing can truly begin. Whether you’re just exploring your options or ready to begin treatment, we’re here to walk you through it every step of the way.
If you’re curious about how ketamine might help your anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out. You’re not alone and relief could be closer than you think.
