Do you have experience with ketamine treatments?

Welcome! Hope things get better for you.

What is Ketamine treatment?

I have taken two ketamine infusions and on-target injections for back pain. My psychiatrist thought perhaps the ketamine infusions would help the depression, but they did not. I have also gone through a serious of 18 shock treatments (9 over a period of two weeks, and then another 9 for two more weeks). I understand from people I talked to in the waiting room that they came once a month for a treatment and they helped them tremendously. I did not find them helpful; only made me very, very sore all over. I always felt like I'd been hit by a bus. A good medical team who actually talk to each other, and apparently the right combination of drugs (I have tried so many that either don't work or have horrible side effects), which I think I finally have is helping a lot. I take Neurontin, which incidentally helps with pain, Lamictal, Wellbutrin and Zoloft. Especially in these troubled times, I have been feeling especially anxious and depressed, but the meds seem to be working. I'm not jumping for joy, but I'm not crawling the walls either. I do understand about the Canadian health care system; my husband, son and I lived in Calgary for a year as my husband was responsible for the Canadian oil production for an American company. We had to wait forever to get in to see a GP, and the company recommended that if we had anything serious, to let them know and they would fly us back to the States for treatment. As far as my back pain is concerned, it has eased a great deal since all of this pandemic and rioting mess has taken hold. I have lost 70 pounds without even trying. I simply cannot eat; it makes me sick to my stomach. And I have to say that my back is much better. So, another 40 pounds and I think my back will be cured. I am fortunate in that I am retired and eligible for Medicare. My health care treatment is the best. I have access to all the specialists I need and a fantastic hospital system, primo in the world. I sympathize with you and the pain; my husband suffers from diabetic neuropathy, and there isn't much they can do for him; they have tried. I do not know what to suggest to you; moving to the States would make you eligible for Medicare, but I don't know what is involved in making such a move. The best I can do is keep you in my prayers and hope there is a solution soon. Keep the faith and stay safe.

@cb772 Ketamine is normally used in sedation but has also been used as a party drug over the years. Several years ago, it was found to help people with severe depression. The initial infusion can help reduce suicidal thoughts and depression very quickly and is often used that way now in emergency rooms. The more interesting treatment, though, is through a series of six or so IV infusions over a two week period. These infusions may or may not work but have about 70-80% chance of helping a person. Most people don't feel any relief for the first few infusions but towards the 5th or 6th, they start feeling better if it is going to work. I felt better after my 5th and much better after the 6th. The idea with this type of treatment is called neuroplasticity and is using the ketamine to help rewrite the neurons in the brain. I go back in for a single infusion every three months. I am not currently on any anti-depressant or anti-anxiety meds. At one point, my psychiatrist had me on an overdose level of Parnate and Olanzapine in addition to ECTs. I am one of the success stories for ketamine. One of the issues with ketamine is that different clinics will do different things. A single dose or two really won't do much long term. You really do need to start off with the series and then have the upkeep treatments. There is a nasal version that was put out recently but I am a little dubious of it since it only uses one of the two ketamine molecules. It is by prescription so that may be a good reason to try it (insurance covers it) but the response isn't as good as the IV series.

@vickimurray, When you say you had two infusions, do you mean single infusions or two series of six infusions? I don't know if having two single infusions would actually do too much beyond a little help while you are getting the infusion and for a short time afterwards. I won't get on my sandbox about how one clinic does things one way and another does it another way.

I mean I had just two infusions. And you are right; they only helped for a short time afterwards. I became disillusioned quickly. Perhaps I should have given them more time to work. I do get inpatient at times. Hope they help other folks.

@vickimurray , the ketamine treatments need to build up, from what I understand. Initially 6 infusions in 2 weeks' time. I am in-between my 5th and 6th treatments at my new clinic. I can already feel the depression bogging me down, and it's only been three days. I scheduled this next treatment too far out. I realize ketamine treatments are ridiculously expensive. It's sad that they are not more accessible for people. I am going to spend my savings until I stop feeling so suicidal.

Thank you, @mandrake70. Grief comes back when I'm feeling low/vulnerable and hits me like a ton of bricks. I'm sorry about the loss of your father. I know my grief has made my depression worse. Having a bad day today; I need to get back in to the new clinic for the 6th ketamine treatment. I don't know what else I will do. I hope you're doing okay.

@kelster69 Life does seem to pile it on all at once. I hope the next treatment goes well and that you get some good results. There really isn't anything else to do but keep trying to find something that works. I hope you feel better soon.
I'm doing OK. I spent some time with my daughter today which was really nice. Spent some time with my wife which ended the same way most of our conversations for the past month have. At least it is quiet afterwards. 😉

Any updates on the results of ketamine treatments IV or nasal? I have suffered MDD for many years and was just checking in.