The global incidence of snakebites is estimated to exceed five million annually. Envenomations are responsible for more than 150,000 deaths and over 400,000 permanent disabilities. Although snakebites are a medical emergency, substantial obstacles frequently impede the provision of effective therapy in regions with limited medical facilities. The treatment of acute snakebite pain is often inadequate, which can contribute to the development of post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), depression, psychosocial impairments, and chronic, potentially debilitating pain. The antidepressant, analgesic, and resilience- and PTSD-improving effects of ketamine make it a promising addition to snakebite management. Because ketamine shows a wide safety margin and low costs and is available in most low-resource settings, it is a suitable option for therapy in any location. The aim of this work is to improve our understanding of the challenges and therapeutic principles associated with snakebite envenomation. The positive effects of ketamine on acute snakebite pain, as observed in a prospective observational study in Guinea, will be discussed.