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Ketamine for chronic pain

Posted by ckeys @ckeys, Sep 3, 2019

My pain doctor recently prescribed ketamine as an adjunct to my pain management. Has anyone had experience with this? It has to be compounded and you inhale it through a nose spray. Since it’s compounded there is not much info on side effects so I’m curious about other’s experiences.

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Profile picture for threestooges
threestooges | @threestooges | Aug 20, 2025
In reply to @threestooges "Thanks terrible I had. BOTOX for post herpetic neuralgia — $3000 dollars I’m prepared to fight..." + (show)
Profile picture for threestooges @threestooges

Thanks terrible
I had. BOTOX for post herpetic neuralgia — $3000 dollars
I’m prepared to fight all the way with MEDICARE because it is MEDICALLY NECESSARY
not cosmetic
and It didn’t work!

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Wow !!!
The same here
$3000
It didn’t work
I am going to fight too

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2 replies
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mikayla | @mikaylar | Aug 21, 2025
In reply to @threestooges "Wow !!! The same here $3000 It didn’t work I am going to fight too" + (show)
Profile picture for threestooges @threestooges

Wow !!!
The same here
$3000
It didn’t work
I am going to fight too

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Didn't work for me either. $80

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Profile picture for threestooges
threestooges | @threestooges | Aug 21, 2025

Hmmm$80?
What’s that.
Did you appeal to Medicare:
There’s an appeal process.
You can’t take them to small claims court.
I have a third catastrophic policy and I could take them to court if warranted.
More later

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mshepard1 | @mshepard1 | May 3 11:25am
In reply to @mandrake70 "I went with the IV ketamine treatment so I haven't used the nasal spray. From what..." + (show)
Profile picture for mandrake70 @mandrake70

I went with the IV ketamine treatment so I haven't used the nasal spray. From what I understand, the nasal spray just uses the S molecule of ketamine while the IV uses S and R. I used it as a treatment for my depression, not for pain though. I was told for the six sessions that I went to that the side effects are during the treatment, not after. I am heading in for another session tomorrow sort of as a 'booster' since my depression is coming back. I had been told that would happen within a few weeks and that I would need another session. The time between sessions is supposed to get longer and longer for preventing depression. My cousin hasn't been back for another session in over a year.
Good luck with the treatments for your pain.

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@mandrake70 thank you for wishing good luck with Ketamine for pain. I am anxious about it as it is sort of new.

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mshepard1 | @mshepard1 | May 3 11:29am
In reply to @threestooges "Wow !!! The same here $3000 It didn’t work I am going to fight too" + (show)
Profile picture for threestooges @threestooges

Wow !!!
The same here
$3000
It didn’t work
I am going to fight too

Jump to this post

@threestooges oh great one of my doctors wants me to do a Botox shot for Myofascial pain!! Lots of side effects possible. And she said only 70 percent chance it will work.

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mshepard1 | @mshepard1 | May 14 7:37am
In reply to @mandrake70 "I went with the IV ketamine treatment so I haven't used the nasal spray. From what..." + (show)
Profile picture for mandrake70 @mandrake70

I went with the IV ketamine treatment so I haven't used the nasal spray. From what I understand, the nasal spray just uses the S molecule of ketamine while the IV uses S and R. I used it as a treatment for my depression, not for pain though. I was told for the six sessions that I went to that the side effects are during the treatment, not after. I am heading in for another session tomorrow sort of as a 'booster' since my depression is coming back. I had been told that would happen within a few weeks and that I would need another session. The time between sessions is supposed to get longer and longer for preventing depression. My cousin hasn't been back for another session in over a year.
Good luck with the treatments for your pain.

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@mandrake70 I am supposed to try Ketamine for Chronic Pain (Myofascial pain) tomorrow but still have so many questions! Not sure if I am going through with it.

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mandrake70 | @mandrake70 | May 14 8:32am

Well, if you haven't had any issues with anesthesia in the past, you should be fine with the Ketamine. Having taken it only for depression, I can't speak to its effectiveness besides what I have just read. It seems like it does something very similar to pain as it does with depression and essentially resets your receptors. Are you doing an IV infusion or a localized series of injections? The localized injections look like they have long term effects. In any case, it sounds like it is worth a try for relief from pain.
My mother was resistant to having spinal surgery but ended up giving it a try since it was the simpler surgery and had a 6 week recovery. She woke up from the surgery with no pain. Sometimes trying something new and different is scary as hell, but it may end up being just what you need. What ever your choice, I hope you find something that helps.

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mshepard1 | @mshepard1 | May 15 8:28am
In reply to @mandrake70 "Well, if you haven't had any issues with anesthesia in the past, you should be fine..." + (show)
Profile picture for mandrake70 @mandrake70

Well, if you haven't had any issues with anesthesia in the past, you should be fine with the Ketamine. Having taken it only for depression, I can't speak to its effectiveness besides what I have just read. It seems like it does something very similar to pain as it does with depression and essentially resets your receptors. Are you doing an IV infusion or a localized series of injections? The localized injections look like they have long term effects. In any case, it sounds like it is worth a try for relief from pain.
My mother was resistant to having spinal surgery but ended up giving it a try since it was the simpler surgery and had a 6 week recovery. She woke up from the surgery with no pain. Sometimes trying something new and different is scary as hell, but it may end up being just what you need. What ever your choice, I hope you find something that helps.

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@mandrake70 thanks for responding regarding ketamine. I did cancel my first infusion for today but can change my mind at any time. I was just so unsure and, yes, a little scared, as you mentioned happens. I appreciate the hope that I find something that works.

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buttercup55 | @buttercup55 | Jun 8 10:23am
In reply to @ckeys "@JustinMcClanahan Of course my provider talked about some things to expect, but without the typical insert..." + (show)
Profile picture for ckeys @ckeys

@JustinMcClanahan Of course my provider talked about some things to expect, but without the typical insert you get with prescriptions, I am interested in personal experiences. Thank you!

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@ckeys I used spavado and when I was using it I felt great. My only side effect afterwards was hearing music in my head which was wonderful. I happen to love music. There were no adverse side effects. I'm currently going through a rough patch with anxiety which I've never had to deal with before in my life. Nothing is helping it. This is after 18 years of being on clonazepam and the withdrawals from it. I think I should go back on ketamine but it requires travel and that is difficult for me. Good luck to you. I do recommend it.

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caregeraci15 | @caregeraci15 | Jun 9 6:11am
In reply to @teetee7 "Hello to all! I wanted to share a little of my Ketamine experiences. I was prescribed..." + (show)
Profile picture for teetee7 @teetee7

Hello to all! I wanted to share a little of my Ketamine experiences. I was prescribed the Ketamine nasal spray (compounded at an apothecary) over 3 years ago. It is mild and it takes a little while to "build up" in your system. It seems to take the edge off the beginning stages of a migraine and also takes the edge off of my Small Fiber Neuropathy. I haven't had any bad side effects with the nasal spray. You will start off at a couple of sprays a day and then you gradually titrate yourself up, to more sprays a day, not exceeding the dosage you are prescribed.

I just started the Ketamine Infusions, in April of this year, for my chronic pain and widespread neuropathy. They are nothing like the Ketamine nasal spray - no comparison whatsoever. I am prescribed the Ketamine Infusions from my pain management doctor and my Neurologist approved of them, as well. I first started with 3 infusions on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday (every other day for the first 3 infusions). After the first three infusions, you will go by how well your body responds to them and how long it takes for your pain to return. Once your pain starts to come back (usually 2 weeks or more after your 3rd infusion), you then go back and receive a "booster" infusion. The relief can last well beyond 2 weeks and you then return for any "booster" infusions. For chronic pain and Neuropathy, the infusions are 2 hours long. You will need a driver to take you home after each infusion. I hope this sheds a little light for everyone. Best wishes to everyone. I hope to post again, real soon!

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@teetee7 I didn't know Ketamine is used for chronic pain. Your text was very helpful and it gives me something to bring up with my pain specialist should I need another option to manage my chronic pain. I'm going to a new pain center in July but I don't know if they use ketamine. Continued good luck with the ketamine infusions!

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