The immediate physical effects of ketamine can vary in duration depending on the method of administration. Different administration methods have their own timings, durations, and effects, which contribute to the overall experience.

Ketamine Administration Methods

Ketamine can be administered through various methods, including intramuscular infusion (IM), sublingual tablets, or intranasal vapor. Each method offers its unique characteristics and impacts the duration of the “felt effects.”

Intravenous Infusion (IV)

Intravenous infusion involves administering ketamine directly into the bloodstream via an IV. This method ensures a rapid onset of effects. The duration of the experience is influenced by the half-life of ketamine (the time it takes for the drug to leave the system) and individual psychological factors. Typically, IV infusion sessions last for one hour, but clinicians may extend them up to five hours if needed.

Intramuscular Infusion (IM)

Intramuscular infusion involves injecting ketamine into a specific muscle, such as the shoulder or thigh, using a syringe. The onset of effects with this method usually occurs within 2 to 4 minutes. The full duration of the experience ranges from 1 to 3 hours.

Sublingual Tablets and Troches

Sublingual tablets or troches provide another way to take ketamine. Rapid-dissolving tablets are placed in the mouth, allowing for oral absorption. Once the tablets have reached maximum absorption, they are removed. This method offers a longer-lasting experience as the gastrointestinal system does not metabolize the drug. On average, it takes 30 to 60 minutes to experience the dissociative effects if the medicine is not swallowed. After treatment, individuals typically return to their physical baseline within 1 to 3 hours. However, if the tablets are swallowed, the half-life increases and the effects can last around 4 to 5 hours.

A medical professional wrote this article at Florida Medical Pain Management. Florida Medical Pain Management is proud to offer comprehensive pain management services to a diverse group of patients. Patients at Florida Medical Pain Management can get help managing hip, knee, leg, and neck pain. The practice also offers comprehensive arthritis management, along with treatments for auto accidents, sports, and work injuries as well as ketamine infusion therapy.