Do you have experience with ketamine treatments?

Thank You for the information on esketamine. I tried to take my life at 15 years but I don't remember why? 2 other times. I knew when I was getting there again so I admitted myself to a good hospital. It crosses my mind I have to admit but now, I'm scared. Do you see a Psychiatrist for It.

Hi, @kimspr3 - Hoping that other members who have looked into ketamine/esketamine will respond and tell you about their experiences, like @mikecranny @dstewart318 @czechmate @pankaj @amberpep @hopeful123. @gingerw may also have some input on ketamine/esketamine and treatment for depression/PTSD.

Have you talked to your doctor about the possibility of treatment with this medication, kimspr3?

Hi Lisa, I'm going to ask my Primary about the treatments. I need something, Pain is pretty bad. In the past I contacted Mayo Clinic trying to find a doctor, research, something to no avail. As soon as the staff hears about my disease doors are closed. Or they tell me they will ask the Dr., calls me back, dr. doesn't treat that. Another Negative. I have Adhesive Arachnoiditis. My experience, those 2 words, they run.

@lisalucier thank you for tagging me in this post. Unfortunately, I have not had any experience using ketamine at all for any reason so I cannot offer input. I do know anxiety and PTSD can be stifling and life-altering. And any means to alleviate helps, knowing that each person is different.
Ginger

Hi Kim. I dropped my psychiatrist because she was ineffective. Pushed for me to try IV ketamine, which I specifically told her I had no desire to do. I'm seeing a counselor weekly. Thankfully, I like him very much. Not on any meds. Only 2 practices in my general area are prescribing esketamine. They're located in an upscale town - very expensive ($650 for an initial consult). The drug isn't covered by insurance and neither are the consults so I have no access to it. I'm just taking things one day at a time and trying to hang in there.

Hello spluck, your information is so helpful. I made my decision. "No." I had best Psychologists, 2, who were rare, "so good" and perfect for me. I started seeing Psy. when Was 15. I have lots of experience. In and out of therapy not really helped. I knew they did not except Medicare thought I could pay but not every week at $175. and $150. I can not find a therapist that asks the right questions, not talk to me about their lives. I see a Therapist now about once a month. She's OK but not great. Excepts Medicare. Thank You for your help.

Thank You Lisa.

I went through the IV ketamine treatments about 3 weeks ago. It cleared up the major depression that I have had for 30 years. I am no longer on medication for depression and am working on getting my anxiety under control. It has been a dramatic change in how I feel. Now I am trying to put my life back together. It was $2,400 for the six treatments since it wasn't covered by insurance but it was the best money I have spent. I wish it had been available years ago.

I am trying to start esketamine treatments for depression/anxiety, which is long-term without medication relief. Does anyone know how Medicare is handling these claims, in general?
Thanks for any responses.

Hi. My depression is intolerable right now. I started ketamine infusion therapy last August. It helped initially, but it has not really worked for me in about 7 months. I still went to the same clinic for 11 months, which I'm learning is a ketamine mill. I spoke with another doctor/clinic who does intramuscular ketamine treatments and who monitors dosing and patients' reactions very carefully during the treatment (my former clinic did not at all). I swore I wouldn't try ketamine again, after this last run failed and seemed to make me even more depressed. But I have some hope with this new clinic who seems to know what they're doing. I am at the end of my rope here; very depressed. I'm wondering if anyone else on here has experience with this treatment?