How Long Does Ketamine Stay in Your System?
How Long is Ketamine in Your System?
The time it takes for ketamine to leave an individual’s system and the timeframe during which it is detectable depends on a number of factors. Some tests can detect the drug for hours, others for days, and still others for months. When it comes to individuals, variables include:
- Height and weight.
- Age.
- Genetics.
- Body fat content.
- Amount taken.
- Route of administration.
- Drug quality.
- Metabolism rate.
- Health of the liver and kidneys.
- Hydration.
One study published in the International Journal of Legal Medicine found that ketamine can be detected in hair up to 4 months after a single dose.11 Ketamine and its metabolites were also detected in scalp samples collected by a wet cotton swab up to 48 hours after administration of the drug. In a study of urine samples collected from hospitalized children who had received ketamine as an anesthetic, ketamine could be detected in the urine up to 11 days after drug administration and its metabolites could be detected for up to 14 days.12
Ketamine Uses & Effect Duration
Ketamine is administered by injection into a vein (intravenous or IV) or muscle (intramuscular or IM). A ketamine nasal spray has also been recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of patients with treatment-resistant depression.8 At lower doses, ketamine produces pain relief and sedation, while at higher dosages the drug produces dissociation and hallucinatory effects. The effects appear within seconds when the drug is given IV, whereas it can take up to 4 minutes for the onset of action when given IM.7
Depending on how it is administered, the effects of ketamine can last from 5 to 30 minutes.
Ketamine Half-Life
Following administration, ketamine is quickly metabolized by the liver into less active metabolites. Approximately 90% of ketamine is excreted in the urine in the form of metabolites.9 The half-life of ketamine, which is the time it takes for the total amount of drug in the body to be reduced by 50%, is about 2.5 hours in adults.10
From a clinical standpoint, it is estimated that a drug is effectively eliminated after 4-5 half-lives, meaning the majority of ketamine should be out of the system of an adult in about 10 to 12.5 hours. Factors such as age, body mass, metabolic rate, drug dosage, and route of administration can affect the duration and elimination of the drug.7
Ketamine Withdrawal
Prolonged misuse of ketamine may result in psychological dependence. Chronic users may experience cravings when ketamine use stops, making it difficult to quit because the body is not used to functioning without it. Ketamine withdrawal symptoms can last for 4-6 days and can include:13
- Cravings for ketamine.
- Loss of appetite.
- Tiredness.
- Chills.
- Sweating.
- Restlessness.
- Tremors.
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Irregular and rapid heartbeat.
Ketamine Abuse Treatment Options
If you are worried about your ketamine use and you’re ready to quit, help and support are available. You should consult your primary care physician, mental healthcare professional, or an addiction care specialist.
American Addiction Centers (AAC) operates treatment centers throughout the country. Reach out to connect with a knowledgeable admissions navigator, who can answer your questions, explain your options, and assist you in getting the help you need to regain control of your life.
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