[Jolisse]

I'm scheduled to start Ketamine infusions in January for depression. Has anyone had this treatment and did it work? Thanks.

[steelcurtain27]

I haven't had this done but I'd like to if I could find someone near me or who isn't expensive. Please, if you remember, let me know how it works for you.

[kecanoe]

I would give it a try in a heartbeat if there were anyone near me who provided it.

[Jolisse]

I had my first dose of IV Ketamine yesterday. It was a good experience and I feel a significant improvement in my mood today.
I have 5 more treatments, hopefully I'll continue to progress.

[gayleggg]

That's great news. I would like to try it too if there was a place close enough and it didn't cost too much.

[Jolisse]

I've had 5 Ketamine treatments and feel good. No depression and my anxiety level went from a 10 to about a 2. I can't believe the difference in the way I feel, unfortunately insurance doesn't cover the treatments and they are very expensive.
Once the FDA approves Ketamine for depression, insurance will cover it. I have one more infusion and may need maintenance infusions down the road.

[cowboysyl]

I am new to Psychcentral. Have been very interested in ketamine. Happy to hear how well it has helped you, Jolisse. How would I find out where it is available?

[overwhelmed daughte]

Tomorrow is my 6th Ketamine Infusion. My results have been a little disappointing. I remember nothing about my first session and felt no different. I did remember bits of the second one, but still felt no difference. No memory or difference with the third. I came out of the fourth in a full fledged panic . It was a good hour before they'd let me leave. I did however feel less anxious for most of the next day, until the Ketamine Center called to say that because my blood pressure got a little high they wouldn't do any more sessions until I had written clearance from my PCP. This was mid afternoon on a Friday and I was scheduled for Monday afternoon. It took a bit, but I was able to get my fifth this past Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday were the best days I have had in almost 2 years. Unfortunately today I regressed and I am certain that just made the depression and anxiety worse. The fact that my mother has been in the hospital since Sunday and I was having issues with them trying to discharge her too soon and I didn't crumble was great!

I am pretty sure they are going to suggest a few more sessions right away, but at $600 per, I don't know if I can afford it. How I wish this were covered by the insurance.

Bottom line, so far, it is the only thing that has made any difference. I really really hope I have a good session tomorrow and it has longer lasting results.

Kara

[overwhelmed daughte]

I had my sixth treatment yesterday. I feel minimal anxiety, but I feel blah. It isn't helping much for the depressions. I am so disappointed.

[Retnick]

The ketamine trial I participated in did nothing for me. First, I had to go through the screening process. That took at least a month. Then there was the placebo treatment, which obviously had no effect.

Finally it was time for the real thing. I did it twice a week for a month and saw no benefit to my mood or my depression related chronic pain. Each time I did it, I'd trip out less and less, since your body gets used to it quickly and builds a tolerance. But I wasn't there to trip out.

The only positive, besides getting paid, was that I felt less inhibited for approximately an hour after its administration (nasal). This was nice since my social anxiety is a contributor to my depression. Still, only a few hours after I left the treatment facility, I felt the same.

This shouldn't dissuade you from trying though. Just don't spend any money on it. I personally know someone who this worked for. I'm just a hard case I guess.

By the way, throughout the process you cannot admit to having any serious suicidal thoughts or else they kick you out of the study. My guess is that's true in most trials. So keep that in mind.

Anyway, the pay was pretty good, so at least there's that. I still worked part time when I was doing it. It just didn't work for me.

P.s. You can't drive for 24 hours after the dose so they gave me rides free of charge. Can't speak for other trials.

[Guiness187055]

Nice to hear about that. Thanks.

[Retnick]

Originally Posted by Guiness187055

Nice to hear about that. Thanks.

Sure thing, I'm happy to help. It's my belief that people should never, ever have to fork over thousands of dollars for something that is still experimental when there are so many other options out there.
Look for a clinical trial near your area. Ketamine can work just don't count on it too much.

They combine ketamine with ECT treatment here.

[Have Faith]

Originally Posted by Jolisse

I'm scheduled to start Ketamine infusions in January for depression. Has anyone had this treatment and did it work? Thanks.

I just had this procedure three weeks ago (three infusions in two weeks) Helped my anxiety immensely, helped my depression (went from a ten to a six ) Very expensive ($650.00 per infusion) and Maintenance starting at every three weeks (everyone's different). You also receive a prescription for Ketamine lozenges to take every day. I wish you luck.

[Jolisse]

Unfortunately the Ketamine didn't last. Now I'm looking into ECT.

[La.Last.Lucy]

Originally Posted by Jolisse

I had my first dose of IV Ketamine yesterday. It was a good experience and I feel a significant improvement in my mood today.
I have 5 more treatments, hopefully I'll continue to progress.

Wow that is amazing you have access to those treatments I have ugh chronic pain with crap load of diagnosis’s regarding that but I am also Szchioaffect with hypo mania and “treatment resistant depression” when I have gone to the ER and hospitalized for the pain they have given me small treatments for the pain @ UCSD (like all my drs Er hospital etc) do have the ketamine treatments but maybe you could tell me which symptoms or how you talked with ur psych to get that referral. I know patients should never ask their psychs for specific meds or treatments but with my few times it has helped physically and psychological.... like how was it decided that the treatments were an option? Maybe some pointers? Means the world to me!
Ps DONT DO ECT EVER!!!!

[La.Last.Lucy]

Originally Posted by Jolisse

Unfortunately the Ketamine didn't last. Now I'm looking into ECT.

If u want to chat about ECT I’m ur girl lol I know each person is very different but from multiple treatments I have a strong opinion about them. So yeah lol

[Jolisse]

Originally Posted by La.Last.Lucy

If u want to chat about ECT I’m ur girl lol I know each person is very different but from multiple treatments I have a strong opinion about them. So yeah lol

Did it work for you?

[Jolisse]

Hi Lucy,
My pdoc is very good at thinking outside the box. He uses a company called Neuragain, that supplies the Ketamine. Insurance doesn't cover the treatment and it is very expensive.
They have a website Neuragain.com.

[overwhelmed daughte]

Ketamine has stopped helping. I don't know why. Okay, maybe I do. Due to the hurricane, I went 6 weeks between boosters. After the hurricane I got a booster and it didn't help the anxiety. I went for another 2 weeks later and again nothing. I went this past Friday, which was one week in between and although the anxiety wasn't as bad, I am still having anxiety attacks. I am scheduled again for this Friday. I don't know whether to keep the appointment. They are expensive and if they aren't really helping. The ketamine never helped with the depression and the depression is crushing me right now. I don't know what to do. I see the doc tonight and I know he wants to add a stimulant because I am so lethargic. I'm going to tell him we need to deal with the depression. I hope he listens.

[Have Faith]

I did 6 sessions, which didn't work. I have hit bottom, I really really expected it to work. I have also tried ect with minimal results but when I can find the time I'll try again, thenTCM, really running out of options. I really wish lobotomy was still legal. I have a new doctor who is at least trying hard as I'd had my last one for 12 years, and she gave me klonopin. My other doc wouldn't prescribe me anything addictive. So the anxiety feels better, but I'm still trapped in the house. I have no interests, I don't feel emotions towards my husband and kids, I just let my husband plan trips so my daughter goes with him. I m empty, I feel like I have weights on my body. I bent down on my knees to reach for something on the floor and I literally did not have the strength to get back up. I don't cook, clean, my hygiene is terrible. My husband just had our $30.000 bathroom remodel, but I don't care. I don't miss my daughter......Just a void, sick feeling, and nothingness. And yes, I have been in intensive therapy for 3 years, and know every coping skill there is. Sorry so long, but everyone else would just think I was wanting attention, and trying to label myself. Today my husband finally acknowledged how bad I'm getting but doesn't make a fuss. He says i have to learn to get through this myself. My kids don't know how bad it is, we never told them I tried to commit suicide twice even though they are adults. I have been taking Benzedrex every day just to function a tiny bit... Thanks for listening.

[Have Faith]

Originally Posted by Have Faith

I just had this procedure three weeks ago (three infusions in two weeks) Helped my anxiety immensely, helped my depression (went from a ten to a six ) Very expensive ($650.00 per infusion) and Maintenance starting at every three weeks (everyone's different). You also receive a prescription for Ketamine lozenges to take every day. I wish you luck.

updated nov 15

[Jolisse]

TCM did nothing for me.

[Ambrosia Toad]

I just started my second round of 6 shots (I do IM) and I feel it has helped me. I have PTSD, and really struggle with depression and anger. I did my first round in August, and although the effects were subtle, I felt much lighter, and had hope for the first time in a very long time. But the fires we had here in Wine Country were horribly stressful, and I slipped back down into the dark. Hopefully this second round will be as effective as the first. My daughter has also done it, and it has really helped her as well. I just wish it wasn't so expensive.

I never took Ketamine for depression but was given Ketamine during my last surgery, and it completely erased my depression for 3 days afterwards . I realize much bigger doses are given for surgery but i emphasize it only lasted 3 days. I felt so positive and content and happy. I literally felt very light and free.

It's more than disappointing it's not offered to people with TRD at an affordable cost. People should not have to go through such struggles if an alternative is out there. It bothers me how people pay so much only to find it doesnt work for them or that it only lasts a couple of days.