Although scientists are still studying exactly how and why these drugs stimulate relief from depressive symptoms so quickly and effectively, most researchers believe both drugs work as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Both medications restore the brain’s proper levels of the most prevalent neurotransmitter glutamate (occurs in 90%+ of the brain), which in turn re-establishes the correct balance of other neurotransmitters required for a healthy, well-functioning brain. There are many other neurochemical processes that occur when s-ketamine, r-ketamine, or ketamine enter the bloodstream.DOES KETAMINE TREATMENT WORK THE SAME WAY?