[Terableesad]

I've read some things online about ketamine being used for depression. Has anyone here ever tried it for depression

[LucyG]

I've seen an episode of Drug Inc. about ketamine, and would urge you not to try it. From what I recall, it's INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS!!!

Why don't you look into alternative treatment for depression such as amino acids or herbs like St. John's Wort. Both work by increasing the neurotransmitters in your brain so you feel happy.

I have bipolar 2 and was on meds for 13+ years, went off them due to nasty side-effects and now use amino acids to control the depression and the natural mineral supplement lithium orotate to control the hypomania. I've been doing this for over 9 years with great success.

My philosophy about mood disorders like depression and bipolar and anxiety is that our problem is that our brains aren't able to produce enough of the needed neurotransmitters to keep our moods stable and calm. I view it like a diabetic needing insulin.

Here are some helpful articles on the subject along with a brain function questionnaire showing the emotions and feelings related to various neurotransmitters and the amino acids used to produce them.

Amino Acid Therapy for Depression and Anxiety

http://drjolee.com/Brain-Function-Questionnaire.pdf

Natural Nutritional Supplements, Clinical Anxiety and Depression Treatment

[Terableesad]

Thank you very much I will look in to those links you sent

[LucyG]

I hope you do. I saw your other threads, and I think you'll recognize yourself in the brain function questionnaire. When your brain isn't getting what it needs to function, how on earth can you feel happy and want to face the day?? And the problem is that pysch meds don't help the body produce the neurotransmitters, they just keep the small amount you have from being reabsorbed so you end up with old junky stuff that is so worn out you can't function. I went through all this, and can tell you that since I started using amino acids I'm not chronically depressed feeling like my life is utterly worthless. Good luck.

[LittleEarthquakes]

I read that insurance won't pay for ketamine treatments.

[Jolisse]

I've heard very good things about Ketamine. My pdoc is going to start using it in January.

[Misterpain]

Ketamine infusion clinics are popping up all over,they are basicly cash cows,Ketamine has no current F.D.A indication for depression, any doctor can prescribe a drug "off label " with Ketamine the research is ongoing , the cost of "treatment" varies depending on your location generally between $800-2000 per infusion ,for suicidal depression it can save your life .The thing with Ketamine is there is a known side effect bladder wall scarring which can lead to Incontinence with repeated long term exposure,over time Ketamine loses effectiveness as an antidepressant, no drug known to man is a "free ride" and the risk versus harm must be evaluated by both the physician and the patient , although two different teams of researchers are currently claiming to have isolated the mood lifting effect compounds of Ketamine ( this remains to be proven ) in an effort to make a drug that's simpler to take and ultimately hope to receive an F.D.A Indication so that they can market it and get insurance to pay for the treatment.

Misterpain