When Will I Notice a Difference
JOURNEY TOWARDS IMPROVEMENT
When Will I Notice a Difference from Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
Every person responds to ketamine treatment at their own pace, but most patients notice clear and meaningful improvements as they progress through their initial infusion series of six treatments. At Lone Star Infusion in Houston, our experienced team has treated thousands of patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic neuropathic pain—and we consistently see hopeful changes beginning early in the process.
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Pioneers in Ketamine Therapy Since 2015
Expert Care, Every Step
Changes After every Infusion
At Lone Star Infusion most patients notice clear and meaningful improvements as they progress through their series of six treatments infusions.
After the First Infusion
Many patients experience a decrease in negative thoughts after their first ketamine treatment. This improvement can sometimes be subtle because it’s easier to notice new feelings than the absence of negative ones. Most patients feel better for 24–72 hours, and in some cases, the relief can last up to two weeks after a single infusion.
After the Second Infusion
Around the second or third infusion, patients often start to regain motivation and daily function. They may begin doing small things they once enjoyed—shopping, spending time with friends, or gardening. These changes are often noticed first by family members or loved ones. The benefits from the second infusion usually last two to four days before gradually fading.
After the Third Infusion
At this point, the majority of patients who will respond to ketamine—about 70–80%—experience a significant lift in mood and outlook compared to before treatment. The improvements generally last about one week, marking a key turning point in their recovery journey.
After the Fourth Infusion
Results begin to last longer—about one and a half weeks for most patients. Mood stability, motivation, and engagement in daily activities continue to improve.
After the Fifth Infusion
By the fifth treatment, benefits typically sustain for around two weeks.
Patients often report deeper calm, clearer thinking, and better emotional balance.
After the Sixth Infusion
At this stage, the positive effects usually extend to three to five weeks. Many patients describe feeling hopeful, motivated, and emotionally resilient, rather than simply “less depressed.” For some, these later infusions bring an even greater sense of well-being and stability.
how it workS
After the First Infusion
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Many patients experience a decrease in negative thoughts after their first ketamine treatment. This improvement can sometimes be subtle because it’s easier to notice new feelings than the absence of negative ones. Most patients feel better for 24–72 hours, and in some cases, the relief can last up to two weeks after a single infusion.
After the Second Infusion
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Around the second or third infusion, patients often start to regain motivation and daily function. They may begin doing small things they once enjoyed—shopping, spending time with friends, or gardening. These changes are often noticed first by family members or loved ones. The benefits from the second infusion usually last two to four days before gradually fading.
how it workS
After the Third Infusion
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● At this point, the majority of patients who will respond to ketamine—about 70–80% —experience a significant lift in mood and outlook compared to before treatment.
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● The improvements generally last about one week, marking a key turning point in their recovery journey.
After the Fourth Infusion
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● Results begin to last longer—about one and a half weeks for most patients.
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● Mood stability, motivation, and engagement in daily activities continue to improve.
how it workS
After the Fifth Infusion
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● By the fifth treatment, benefits typically sustain for around two weeks.
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● Patients often report deeper calm, clearer thinking, and better emotional balance.
After the Sixth Infusion
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● At this stage, the positive effects usually extend to three to five weeks. Many patients describe feeling hopeful, motivated, and emotionally resilient, rather than simply “less depressed.”
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● For some, these later infusions bring an even greater sense of well-being and stability.
Integrated Care Approach
Additional Benefits During the Infusion Series
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As symptoms improve, some patients find they require lower doses of psychiatric medications. (Always consult your psychiatrist before making any medication changes.)
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Twice-weekly infusions tend to produce faster and smoother results, though once-weekly infusions are also effective—it may just take a little longer to reach the same level of improvement.
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Even after several infusions, patients often notice ongoing gains in coping skills, stress management, and mood regulation.
Trusted Expertise
What If You Don’t Notice Results Right Away?
Roughly 10–15% of patients who don’t respond after the third infusion begin to notice results later—often after the fourth, fifth, or sixth treatments, or when enhancers like magnesium, zinc, or slightly higher ketamine doses are added. A multidisciplinary approach, such as with ongoing therapy can help all patients, particularly ones who are not early responders.
Factors That Can Affect Response:
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Medications that may reduce ketamine’s effectiveness, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines (Xanax®, Valium®, Klonopin®), lamotrigine, olanzapine, risperidone, baclofen, or high-dose NSAIDs. (We recommend avoiding these medications on the day of your infusion or spacing them as far from treatment as possible.)
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Underlying medical conditions, including thyroid issues, inflammation syndromes, vitamin D, zinc, or magnesium deficiency, or dementia.
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Misdiagnosis, where symptoms that appear to be depression or anxiety may actually be part of a different mental health disorder.
While some late responders go on to have lasting results, others may not achieve long-term benefit. If a patient does not show improvement by the fourth infusion, they may be among the 20–30% of non-responders, and continuing treatment may not be recommended. Other multidisciplinary approaches may need to be utilized depending on the clinical situation, such a nitrous oxide, therapy, supplements, or stellate ganglion blocks.
Trusted Expertise
How Ketamine Works Over Time
Research shows that ketamine stimulates the growth of new neural connections in the brain. As treatments continue, these connections mature and stabilize, improving how the brain communicates and processes emotion.
Because of this, traditional antidepressants may become more effective after ketamine therapy, since the brain has more active pathways for neurotransmitters to work within. As negative thinking patterns decrease, patients often gain stronger stress tolerance, greater productivity, and more consistent mood stability—helping prevent relapse.
How It Works
When Should I Schedule a Booster or Follow-Up Infusion?
Every patient’s needs are unique. Factors such as the length and severity of depression, treatment history, lifestyle, and schedule all play a role in determining the ideal follow-up plan.
At Lone Star Infusion, we aim to provide as few treatments as possible while achieving the best, most lasting results.
Just as psychiatrists recommend continuing antidepressants for up to six months after recovery, a similar course of periodic ketamine booster infusions can help maintain progress and prevent relapse as the brain continues to heal.
You should consider scheduling a follow-up infusion if:
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You notice your mood or motivation slipping, sometimes referred to as “fade or slip”
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Loved ones comment that you seem less engaged or more withdrawn
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You find it harder to maintain self-care or daily routines
Even if it has been several months since your last treatment, a booster infusion can help restore stability and support long-term recovery. We often refer to the stable phase as being “on the mountain top”. Fade or slip is when symptoms worsen and a person is “falling down the mountain.” This is the best time to return for maintenance infusions. If patients do not return until symptoms are severe and they are in crisis, then they are “in the valley”, and it may take several booster infusions to stabilize symptoms.
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Start Your Journey Toward Relief
At Lone Star Infusion, our expert team specializes in ketamine infusion therapy for depression, anxiety, PTSD, other mental health conditions, chronic neuopatinic pain, and CRPS/RSD.
If you’re ready to experience real and lasting change, we’re here to help you take the next step toward a healthier, more hopeful future.