While there is still much to be learned about how exactly ketamine works on the brain, the current understanding centers on ketamine’s effect on glutamate. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter associated with memory, learning, and mood regulation found throughout the central nervous system.

Current research shows ketamine has an excitatory effect on glutamate. The heightened glutamate activity allows new pathways to form. These new formations correlate with reduced stress, an increased ability to process information, and improved mood regulation.

In fact, the positive effects of many antidepressants may be a result of glutamate regulation, although less directly than ketamine. Because of this indirect process, SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants often take weeks to start improving symptoms of depression, if they do at all. Ketamine often produces results and relief from depression symptoms during the first session.