How Long Does Ketamine Pain Relief Last?

Ketamine is a widely known surgical anesthetic. It is a dissociative drug that blocks the NMDA receptors in the brain. These are the receptors that deliver pain signals to the brain. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD can also activate the NMDA receptors. Ketamine works by interrupting these receptors, allowing patients suffering from mental health conditions to improve. 

Ketamine is now increasingly being prescribed for chronic pain. However, this is a last pick after other traditional pain relief methods like opioids are not effective. 

If you’ve been prescribed this pan-relief drug, you might wonder how long it will relieve you of pain. In this blog, we explore details about ketamine pain relief and introduce another alternative non-invasive pain relief method that is quite effective for chronic pain. 

How Does Ketamine Affect Your Body?

Ketamine is classified as a dissociative anesthetic, meaning it alters sensory perception by interacting with specific pathways in the brain. Its primary mechanism involves blocking NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors. These are the receptors that play a critical role in transmitting pain signals. Ketamine interrupts these signals, significantly reducing or eliminating chronic pain sensations.

Ketamine impacts other neurotransmitters as well like serotonin and dopamine. This influences the user’s mood and gives sedative, dissociative, and hallucinogenic effects. 

But Ketamine is a drug that can reset your brain's response to pain over time. Therefore, how long the pain relief lasts cannot be objectively defined. It depends on a variety of factors. 

How Long Does Ketamine Pain Relief Last?

The duration of pain relief from ketamine varies depending on several factors. The dosage, method of administration, and the individual’s condition are a few of the factors at play. Here is a list of all the factors that affect the duration of ketamine’s pain relief:

1. Pain Severity

The severity of the pain greatly affects how long ketamine's effects last. Studies suggest that for chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, a single ketamine infusion can provide relief for up to 3-7 days. In cases of less severe pain or when a higher dosage is used, relief can last anywhere from 1-2 weeks. However, for severe pain, the effects might only last a few days unless combined with repeated sessions.

2. Treatment Frequency

Treatment frequency plays a critical role in the long-term efficacy of ketamine. Research shows that 6 infusions over 2-3 weeks can lead to pain relief lasting up to 3 months for certain chronic pain conditions. For acute pain or post-operative recovery, a single session might suffice for immediate but short-term relief. Maintenance infusions, often spaced weeks or months apart, are sometimes required for extended relief.

3. Individual Response

The duration of relief also depends on individual brain chemistry and neurotransmitter response. Studies indicate that approximately 70-80% of chronic pain patients experience some level of relief from ketamine infusions. However, the duration of relief can vary widely, with some patients reporting significant effects lasting weeks while others may only experience relief for a few days. Factors such as age, overall health, and concurrent treatments can also influence results.

Is Red Light Therapy Effective for Pain Relief?

Ketamine is one common method employed for pain relief advised by doctors. However, red light has now emerged as an effective pain relief therapy as well. The best part about red light therapy is that it is non-invasive and drug-free. Meaning, that you can use it to complement your herbal medications, allopathic medications, and ketamine treatment as well. 

Red light therapy works by using laser light to penetrate the skin. This red light helps boost the function of mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell. A boosted mitochondrion means the damaged tissues and inflammation that is causing the pain starts healing. So, red light therapy doesn't work by blocking pain receptors, but rather by treating the issue at its core making. 

It makes pain manageable on a day-to-day basis and also provides long-term pain relief by promoting the body’s healing function. 

Why Choose PRUNGO for Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy devices are still in very novice stages. Here, PRUNGO’s red light therapy module is one of the most prominent ones out there. The reason? This power-packed device uses a dual red light source of 650nm red light and 850nm near-infrared light so that its treatment range can penetrate the surface skin and deep tissue at the same time. 

Its 650nm red light uses a self-developed focusing lens to reduce the divergence of red light, make the energy more concentrated, and achieve targeted treatment. 

PRUNGO’s 850nm near-infrared light is equipped with a polarizer that is mostly used in large medical equipment to polarize the laser. Polarizers align the light wave vibrations more consistently with biological structures. This results in more effective pain relief. 

Summary

Ketamine is one of the common pain relievers prescribed to patients who don’t find relief with traditional pain medications. However, there is no single answer to the duration of the pain relief offered by ketamine. 

For some patients, multiple ketamine sessions might be needed for pain relief. For others, a couple of sessions might be enough. The efficacy of the treatments depends on the individual’s response and the severity of the pain. 

Red light therapy is an alternative pain relief treatment. Its non-invasive, side-effect-free, and drug-free nature makes it perfect to complement other pain relief treatments such as ketamine. PRUNGO’s medical-grade red light therapy devices are the best ones out there for effective pain relief. So, if you’re thinking of getting a red light therapy device, there’s no need to look further. PRUNGO’s power-packed red light therapy device is all you need for pain relief. 

FAQs

1. How Often Do You Get Ketamine Infusions for Pain?

The doctor can advise the dosage and the frequency of the ketamine infusions depending on the patient’s condition and severity of pain. Some comorbidities might also factor in the treatment administration, frequency, and dosage. 

2. Can Ketamine Be Used Alongside Other Pain Relief Treatments?

Yes, ketamine can be used in combination with other pain relief treatments. However, it is essential to consult with your doctor before combining therapies to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions. Red light therapy, being non-invasive and drug-free, is a complementary option that pairs well with ketamine treatments for chronic pain.

3. Are There Any Side Effects of Ketamine Treatment for Pain Relief?

Ketamine treatment can have side effects, including dizziness, nausea, confusion, and mild hallucinations. These effects are typically temporary and subside shortly after the treatment session. Always discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider to ensure you are fully informed before starting ketamine therapy.

Related reading: Is Heel Pain a Sign of Cancer?