Typically, it will take just 1 or 2 infusions to know if ketamine will help you. If you are having positive results, it is recommended to have 6 total infusions within the first 2 weeks. After that, maintenance intramuscular injections and/or infusions may be scheduled to maintain response, usually after 3-5 weeks after completing the initial series of 6. The total length of treatment is highly dependent on each individual. A series of 6 infusions may last anywhere from weeks to months, and often a single booster infusion when effects are wearing off can restore response. There is research to suggest that in order for the effects of ketamine to be sustained, a maintenance regimen is needed. For those who have not had long-standing chronic depression, it may last much longer than that.
