Woman practicing mindfulness or qigong in a sunlit forest during golden hour

What Is Ketamine Therapy and How Does It Work?

Curious about a new path to healing? If you’ve been searching for answers beyond traditional mental health treatments, you may have heard about ketamine.

What is ketamine therapy?

It’s an innovative approach that offers rapid relief from conditions like treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mood disorders. By using low doses of ketamine under medical supervision, often from the comfort of your own home, ketamine therapy is changing lives quickly and safely.

Let’s learn more about how it works and why it might be the breakthrough you’ve been looking for. 

What is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine therapy is an emerging treatment that offers fast relief for people living with depression, anxiety, or PTSD, especially when other options haven’t worked. While it might sound new to mental health treatment, ketamine has actually been used in medicine for decades.

It was first developed in the 1960s as an anesthetic. Unlike most drugs used during surgery, ketamine kept patients conscious and breathing on their own, which made it especially useful in emergency and battlefield situations. Doctors also found it effective for managing pain when typical medications weren’t enough. 

More recently, researchers discovered that ketamine could have powerful effects on mood, when used at lower doses. In clinical studies, people with treatment-resistant depression often feel better within hours of a session. For many, it’s the first time anything has truly helped.

Ketamine is also showing promise for anxiety and PTSD. People with social anxiety, panic, or trauma-related symptoms often report rapid relief after treatment. Some notice their minds quiet down within a day. Others describe it as finally being able to “breathe” again after years of mental exhaustion.

How Does Ketamine Therapy Work?

Ketamine interacts with NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors in the brain, which are part of the system that regulates mood and stress responses. It helps restore damaged neural connections and supports the brain’s ability to adapt. This is called neuroplasticity. In simple terms, it helps your brain reconnect and reset.

There’s evidence that ketamine lowers inflammation and increases serotonin (the chemical that affects mood and emotion) levels. These combined effects may be why ketamine works so quickly and powerfully, even in people who haven’t responded to other treatments. 

Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to kick in, ketamine often brings noticeable improvement within hours or days. These effects don’t always last. Some people need repeated treatments to maintain the benefits, especially for long-term conditions. 

Ketamine isn’t a magic fix, but for many, it offers real hope. If you’ve tried other treatments without success, this may be a new way forward. It’s an option that works faster, feels different, and supports healing in a whole new way. 

What Does Ketamine Therapy Do?

This impressive therapy provides a range of benefits of individuals struggling with mental health conditions, especially if they haven’t responded to traditional treatments. 

Some key benefits of ketamine therapy include:

  • Rapidly reduced symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety within hours to days, offering swift relief for those in acute distress. 
  • Many have reported a decrease in intrusive thoughts, emotional distress, and hypervigilance shortly after treatment. It is also valued for its ability to quickly diminish suicidal ideation within hours.
  • The therapy is believed to help patients reconnect with their emotions, reducing numbness. Patients also find support in emotional processing. Improved neuroplasticity allows for new emotional and behavioral patterns, making it easier to integrate insights gained during therapy.
  • By increasing serotonin levels and reducing inflammation, ketamine contributes to better mood and overall functioning.
  • While a single infusion can provide sustained benefits, repeated sessions may offer longer-lasting improvements.
BenefitsDescription 
Symptom reliefRapid reduction in depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms
Reduced suicidal thoughtsQuick decreased in suicidal ideation, often within hours
Emotional insightsGreater ability to process emotions and integrate therapeutic insights
Improved moodImproved mood and behavior, increased serotonin, reduced inflammation
Sustained improvementsRepeated sessions may lead to longer-lasting benefits

Ketamine is recognized for its fast-acting, life-changing impact on mental health, particularly for those with treatment-resistant conditions.

Delivery Methods – At-Home Troches & Nasal Spray

At-home ketamine therapy comes in two common formats: Sublingual troches (lozenges) and nasal spray. Both deliver therapeutic doses in a non-invasive way, but differ in how they’re absorbed and how they’re used and monitored.

Troches

These small lozenges should be placed under the tongue and dissolve slowly. This method allows ketamine to absorb through the mucous membranes in the mouth, offering a gentle onset of effects. Since the ketamine troches are taken orally and metabolized differently, the effects can feel more gradual and less intense, which many prefer. 

Nasal spray

Absorbed through the nasal lining, ketamine nasal spray can produce effects a bit faster, typically within minutes. This option is the easier choice for those who prefer a quicker route of administration or find it difficult to tolerate the taste or texture of the troche.

FeatureTrochesNasal spray
AdministrationDissolve under tongue or in cheekSpray into nasal cavity
Onset of action20–40 minutesWithin minutes
ConvenienceHigh (at-home)High (at-home)
Taste/DiscomfortCan be unpleasantNo taste, nasal irritation
Telehealth supervisionYesYes 
Relaxed young woman with braided hair enjoying music through headphones while sitting on a couch

Both delivery methods offer effective, convenient options for ketamine therapy at home. With Daytyrp RX, your experience is supported by clinician-led telehealth supervision and ongoing care to track and manage side effects .

Safety, Preparation, and Integration

To get the most from your ketamine therapy experience, structure, support, and medical guidance are essential. At Daytryp RX, you’re never navigating this alone. Every step of the process is designed for safety, intention, and lasting change. 

Smiling female doctor conducting a virtual consultation using a smartphone and tablet

It all begins with a free telehealth evaluation, where a licensed Daytryp RX provider reviews your history, discusses your symptoms, and determines if ketamine is a good fit. If approved, we’ll build a customized treatment plan (dosage, delivery method, and coaching schedule).

At the start of treatment, we’ll guide you through each session from the comfort of your home. Prepping your space, setting your intention, and minimizing distractions. It’s best to create a calm environment to shape the therapeutic experience. 

Ongoing support is vital for assessments to determine if dosage adjustments are needed and to monitor the effects and progress experienced. This regular telehealth communication is crucial to ensuring an effective therapeutic experience and lasting changes in how you think, feel, and heal. 

Who It’s For

Ketamine therapy is designed for those who have tried everything else and still feel stuck. If you’re living with depression, anxiety, or PTSD and haven’t found relief through traditional medications or talk therapy, ketamine could be for you.

It’s especially effective for those with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). If you’ve cycled through multiple antidepressants without success or continue to struggle, this treatment may be the answer. Many have reported a noticeable shift in mood within hours or days of their first session.

PTSD is another area where ketamine shows promise. It can quickly reduce symptoms like flashbacks, emotional reactivity, and intrusive thoughts. When combined with trauma-informed coaching or therapy, it is reported to help with processing your past without becoming overwhelmed by it.

Those with anxiety disorders may also benefit, especially if standard treatments haven’t helped. Ketamine’s ability to quiet racing thoughts and reduce panic has made it a valuable option when you feel stuck in constant mental overdrive.

If you’ve felt defeated by traditional approaches or need to try something different, then ketamine therapy could be your next step forward. With medical guidance and full-spectrum support, you’re on track to feeling yourself for the first time in a long time. 

Conclusion

Ketamine therapy offers new hope for those who haven’t found relief with traditional mental health treatments. It works quickly, safely, and with lasting impact when supported properly. 

At Daytryp RX, we make the process safe, simple, and personal. From your first consultation to ongoing integration, our team of experienced professionals guide you every step of the way. Whatever your mental health battle, our at-home treatment options are designed to fit your lifestyle and goals. 

Ready to take the next step? Contact us for a telehealth evaluation and find out if ketamine therapy is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ketamine safe?

Yes, when medically supervised, ketamine therapy is considered safe. At Daytryp RX, all treatments begin with a thorough screening to rule out medical risks. Ongoing monitoring ensures your dosage is appropriate, and side effects like nausea or dissociation are managed with professional support.

What does a typical ketamine session feel like?

Most people describe the experience as calming, introspective, or emotionally opening. You remain conscious, but you may feel detached from your body or usual thoughts. These effects are temporary and often help unlock new insights during integration.

How quickly will I feel results?

Some patients notice changes in mood or anxiety within hours of their first session. For others, it may take a few treatments to feel significant relief. Regular follow-ups help assess your response and adjust your plan if needed.

How long do the effects last?

Ketamine’s benefits can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the person. A series of treatments, supported by integration coaching, tends to lead to longer-lasting improvement. Maintenance sessions may be recommended based on your needs.

Will I be able to function after a session?

No, you should not plan to work, drive, or make important decisions right after a session. You’ll need time to rest and process. Most patients feel back to normal within a few hours, but it’s best to keep the rest of your day clear.

Is ketamine therapy covered by insurance?

In most cases, ketamine therapy is not yet covered by insurance because it’s considered an “off-label” use. However, Daytryp RX offers clear, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden costs. Everything (consults, medication, coaching, and support) is included in your monthly plan.

Can I choose between nasal spray and troches?

Yes. After your medical evaluation, your provider will recommend the best option based on your needs, preferences, and how your body may respond. Both options are available for at-home use and are equally effective when taken as directed.

Do I need a diagnosis to qualify?

While a formal diagnosis isn’t always required, you’ll go through a detailed intake process to determine if ketamine is appropriate. If you’re dealing with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or PTSD, Daytryp RX can help assess whether this therapy is a good fit.