Duration and Effects of Ketamine: What to Expect
Ketamine, an anesthetic from the 1960s, is noted for treating depression and anxiety by blocking glutamate at NMDA receptors. Effects vary by administration: IV (30s onset, 45-60m duration), IM (3-4m onset, 45-60m duration), intranasal (5-15m onset, 45-90m duration), oral (20-30m onset, 90m-3h duration). It causes dissociation, euphoria, and altered perception. Monitoring vital signs is crucial. It offers rapid antidepressant effects but poses risks like nausea, cognitive impairment, and potential addiction.