Ketamine for chronic pain

@mayomayo If you haven't already been formally welcomed to Mayo Clinic Connect, let me do so now. Mayo Clinic Connect is a place to give and get support. It sounds like you have information and support to give.

May I ask how you were able to find the treatment that works for you?

I take ketamine oral under tongue last about 3 hrs takes the edge off really like it

I paid $95. for an apothocary to mix it and it hasn't done a thing for my pain. Has anybody had luck with Cymbalta?

Oral ketamine is not very effective. It must be metabolized by the liver and dye to th shirt half life by then it has no effect. Nasal ketamine is very difficult to absorb. Most runs down your throat and once again nothing is absorbed. The only ketamine I have found to be somewhat effective is IV. However I required a higher dose than standard dose. It took a few tries before doc realized this. I have done around 20 infusions. I get relief but due to the cost it's not worth it a doesn't last long. I go Wednesday for my second pain pump trial. First one I had some very unpleasant side effects. This for me sounds like the best choice. Insurance covers it and once the device us implanted I only need go in every other month to have it filled. Dilaudid but only 1/300th of what an oral dose is.

Due to short half life*

I would love to at least try ketamine, but it is too risky for me. The neurological side effects including the hallucinations and lowering of the seizure threshold would put me in too much danger of status epilepticus due to my epilepsy. It's not worth the risk. The pain from the CRPS could probably be lowered or at least impacted by ketamine. I'm at 40% relief on a good day. But not today. Nothing is worth having my seizures back.

My friend had her first Ketamine Infusion and she reported very strong hallucinations and separating from her body. It terrified me hearing what she experienced. After it was over with the clinic notified her they gave her too much drug.

Did nothing for me! Sadly.

A friend of mine is easing off of Ketamine because it caused her to fly into rages - she called a clerk, a doctor, and her roommate "effing whores" -- she is normally a nice girl. Her doctor prescribed it for her newly diagnosed epilepsy - they are trying different meds and combinations to eliminate seizures with the fewest side effects. Her doctor said that Ketamine is known for causing rage in some people, but it helps other people without causing rageful side effects. It's interesting that it's being prescribed for neuropathy. Peggy

@pepper2019 I see that you have been a member for awhile but this is your first post. I'd like to formally welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect.

It looks like you are interested in the Ketamine discussion.

In order to try and connect you with members like you, may I ask what brings you here?