1. < Chronic Pain

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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sprinrosa64 | @sprinrosa64 | Dec 2, 2020

I would love to hear about your ketamine experience, if you go that route Looks like I will be trying PNS. Nerve stimulator implants. But if this doesn’t work then ketamine it is. I have read where it’s not covered by ins co Is that true

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trip17 | @trip17 | Dec 2, 2020

Yeah, seems like it’s not. I just had one Dr agree to do it and I was going to pay, then he called me today and said he only does it for back patients which is not what their web site says. Wasted days of my time. 😡

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1 reply
sprinrosa64 | @sprinrosa64 | Dec 2, 2020

Unreal well hang in , best of luck

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bustrbrwn22 | @bustrbrwn22 | Dec 2, 2020
In reply to @trip17 "Yeah, seems like it’s not. I just had one Dr agree to do it and I..." + (show)
@trip17

Yeah, seems like it’s not. I just had one Dr agree to do it and I was going to pay, then he called me today and said he only does it for back patients which is not what their web site says. Wasted days of my time. 😡

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@trip17 so sorry!

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wheelerma | @wheelerma | Dec 4, 2020
In reply to @teetee7 "Hello to all! I wanted to share a little of my Ketamine experiences. I was prescribed..." + (show)
@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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Does insurance/medicare pay for the infusions?

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mandrake70 | @mandrake70 | Dec 7, 2020

@wheelerma Sadly, no. It isn't approved for that use by the FDA so the insurance companies won't cover them. The nasal spray is covered but it isn't as effective as the infusions. The main issue with the coverage is that there isn't any money in doing testing by big pharma so it hasn't happened.

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bluegirl0 | @bluegirl0 | Dec 7, 2020

I'm prescribed sub-lingual ketamine for depression that is resistant to conventional antidepressants. The nasal spray just doesn't work for me. I also suffer from chronic pain.

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1 reply
wheelerma | @wheelerma | Dec 7, 2020
In reply to @mandrake70 "@wheelerma Sadly, no. It isn't approved for that use by the FDA so the insurance companies..." + (show)
@mandrake70

@wheelerma Sadly, no. It isn't approved for that use by the FDA so the insurance companies won't cover them. The nasal spray is covered but it isn't as effective as the infusions. The main issue with the coverage is that there isn't any money in doing testing by big pharma so it hasn't happened.

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Thank you.

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Erika | @erikas | Dec 9, 2020
In reply to @bluegirl0 "I'm prescribed sub-lingual ketamine for depression that is resistant to conventional antidepressants. The nasal spray just..." + (show)
@bluegirl0

I'm prescribed sub-lingual ketamine for depression that is resistant to conventional antidepressants. The nasal spray just doesn't work for me. I also suffer from chronic pain.

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@bluegirl0 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support. It sounds like ketamine has been successful for you. May I ask what you have learned and what you could share with members who are considering this treatment?

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mayomayo | @mayomayo | Dec 9, 2020

Hi and yes I have had this made for me at a compound pharmacy. It is a lotion mixed with some other med. Anything you can rub on usually doesn't help me much but always worth a try.

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