The Food and Drug Administration approved a drug for depression that could be the first in a wave of long-awaited treatments, but that has also raised concerns about abuse.
The Food and Drug Administration approved a drug for depression that could be the first in a wave of long-awaited treatments, but that has also raised concerns about abuse.
The Food and Drug Administration approved a drug for depression that could be the first in a wave of long-awaited treatments, but that has also raised concerns about abuse.
Hi, @mikecranny - Thanks for sharing information on the FDA approval of esketamine, a nasal spray that's a relative of ketamine, for treatment-resistant depression.
Hi, @mikecranny - Thanks for sharing information on the FDA approval of esketamine, a nasal spray that's a relative of ketamine, for treatment-resistant depression.
The Food and Drug Administration approved a drug for depression that could be the first in a wave of long-awaited treatments, but that has also raised concerns about abuse.
Thrilled that esketamine/Spravato was approved by the FDA. I participated in the clinical trial and my improvement was dramatic. Been waiting for this announcement for 2 1/2 yrs. I think that the regulations are going to all but kill the possibility of abuse. My main concerns are where I'll be able to get it and which insurance companies will cover it. Phase 2 of the waiting game has begun.
Thrilled that esketamine/Spravato was approved by the FDA. I participated in the clinical trial and my improvement was dramatic. Been waiting for this announcement for 2 1/2 yrs. I think that the regulations are going to all but kill the possibility of abuse. My main concerns are where I'll be able to get it and which insurance companies will cover it. Phase 2 of the waiting game has begun.
Hi, @spluck - thanks for sharing your experience on the esketamine clinical trial.
You mentioned your experience was dramatic. Will you share a little about how you were doing before the trial and how this medication affected your situation?
Hi, @spluck - thanks for sharing your experience on the esketamine clinical trial.
You mentioned your experience was dramatic. Will you share a little about how you were doing before the trial and how this medication affected your situation?
Made a suicide attempt years ago. Self-medicated with alcohol for about 15 yrs (that stopped 25+ yrs ago). Took all the meds they prescribed over the years. None helped. I eventually became convinced that nothing would ever help. For the decade preceding the trial, I was an overweight, heavy-smoking recluse with daily suicidal ideation. I left my house only to buy cigarettes and see my counselor. In 2013, things got worse when my husband passed away. I had to move and I have no close friends.
During the trial, I quit smoking cold turkey and lost 30lbs. Most importantly, I went out almost every single day, mostly with my sister. At first it was stressful but my anxiety level dropped quickly. Went to movies, restaurants, museums, plays, stores ... the depression nearly evaporated. I stopped being afraid of and overwhelmed by everything. I stopped thinking about suicide. I was able to enjoy things. I had a life. I was no longer ruled by screwed up brain chemistry and I never felt medicated. When I was dosed, I experienced slight dizziness, sneezing, post-nasal drip and tinnitus, all of which subsided within minutes. There were no other side effects. Esketamine did not make me high and I felt no disassociation. (not true for others) The dose was perfect for me. I lucked out in a big way.
Post-trial, the depression returned immediately and was full blown within a few weeks. I started smoking again, gained the weight back and rarely leave my house. I am typing this from my bed, where I spend 99% of my time. I don't answer my phone most of the time, my room is always dark, my eating habits are terrible and I'm in poor physical shape due to being sedentary. My suicide plan is in place but for 2.5 years I've been clinging desperately to the hope that some day I'll have access to esketamine again. That day is now a lot closer.
Thanks to the esketamine trial, I know that there actually IS hope for me, which helps keep the suicidal thoughts just that ... thoughts only. One day at a time.
Golly, I can't really give you any advice with this, but I am so sorry you've had so much to deal with. I guess the first thing that I would consider is to get to one of the top ranked teaching hospitals in the country ... i.e. Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, Washington Hospital Center, and I'm sure there are others that you know about. If I were at the place where you are, I do whatever it took to get a good answer and treatment plan. I'm so sorry, and I'll be praying for you.
Abby
I am very depressed over my medical condition, added to that I have PTSD, almost trapped in home, medical. Would you have any information on the Patients Perspective?
I am very depressed over my medical condition, added to that I have PTSD, almost trapped in home, medical. Would you have any information on the Patients Perspective?
Hi, @kimspr3 - that sounds very rough to feel almost trapped in your home and very depressed. Just wanted to clarify about your question on information on the patient's perspective. Were you looking for a patient perspective on ketamine treatment, or something else?
Hi, Thank You for thinking of me. I was thinking of the ketamine treatment. I've learned about during my researching. I know I'm a mess from PTSD but did EST make me worse???? Would that help? I DON'T WANT TO BE DEPENDENT ON ANY ONE. I have always done things myself so I owe no one anything and nothing can be thrown in my face.
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FDA Approves Ketamine-Related Drug for Depression
The Food and Drug Administration approved a drug for depression that could be the first in a wave of long-awaited treatments, but that has also raised concerns about abuse.
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2 ReactionsHi, @mikecranny - Thanks for sharing information on the FDA approval of esketamine, a nasal spray that's a relative of ketamine, for treatment-resistant depression.
This article talks about this development https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/03/05/700509903/fda-clears-esketamine-nasal-spray-for-hard-to-treat-depression
Have you had experience with depression, @mikecranny? Is this a medication you are potentially interested in for yourself?
What are your thoughts about FDA approval of esketamine, @dstewart318?
Yes, I've had anxiety and depression and thankfully it's under control. I thought it would be of general interest.
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2 ReactionsThrilled that esketamine/Spravato was approved by the FDA. I participated in the clinical trial and my improvement was dramatic. Been waiting for this announcement for 2 1/2 yrs. I think that the regulations are going to all but kill the possibility of abuse. My main concerns are where I'll be able to get it and which insurance companies will cover it. Phase 2 of the waiting game has begun.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi, @spluck - thanks for sharing your experience on the esketamine clinical trial.
You mentioned your experience was dramatic. Will you share a little about how you were doing before the trial and how this medication affected your situation?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi @lisalucier
Happy to share.
Made a suicide attempt years ago. Self-medicated with alcohol for about 15 yrs (that stopped 25+ yrs ago). Took all the meds they prescribed over the years. None helped. I eventually became convinced that nothing would ever help. For the decade preceding the trial, I was an overweight, heavy-smoking recluse with daily suicidal ideation. I left my house only to buy cigarettes and see my counselor. In 2013, things got worse when my husband passed away. I had to move and I have no close friends.
During the trial, I quit smoking cold turkey and lost 30lbs. Most importantly, I went out almost every single day, mostly with my sister. At first it was stressful but my anxiety level dropped quickly. Went to movies, restaurants, museums, plays, stores ... the depression nearly evaporated. I stopped being afraid of and overwhelmed by everything. I stopped thinking about suicide. I was able to enjoy things. I had a life. I was no longer ruled by screwed up brain chemistry and I never felt medicated. When I was dosed, I experienced slight dizziness, sneezing, post-nasal drip and tinnitus, all of which subsided within minutes. There were no other side effects. Esketamine did not make me high and I felt no disassociation. (not true for others) The dose was perfect for me. I lucked out in a big way.
Post-trial, the depression returned immediately and was full blown within a few weeks. I started smoking again, gained the weight back and rarely leave my house. I am typing this from my bed, where I spend 99% of my time. I don't answer my phone most of the time, my room is always dark, my eating habits are terrible and I'm in poor physical shape due to being sedentary. My suicide plan is in place but for 2.5 years I've been clinging desperately to the hope that some day I'll have access to esketamine again. That day is now a lot closer.
Thanks to the esketamine trial, I know that there actually IS hope for me, which helps keep the suicidal thoughts just that ... thoughts only. One day at a time.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI am very depressed over my medical condition, added to that I have PTSD, almost trapped in home, medical. Would you have any information on the Patients Perspective?
Hi, @kimspr3 - that sounds very rough to feel almost trapped in your home and very depressed. Just wanted to clarify about your question on information on the patient's perspective. Were you looking for a patient perspective on ketamine treatment, or something else?
Hi, Thank You for thinking of me. I was thinking of the ketamine treatment. I've learned about during my researching. I know I'm a mess from PTSD but did EST make me worse???? Would that help? I DON'T WANT TO BE DEPENDENT ON ANY ONE. I have always done things myself so I owe no one anything and nothing can be thrown in my face.