Do you have experience with ketamine treatments?

***Vyas Pankaj MD

@audriana ,
Thanks again for the info. That is quite interesting that clinic is offering this treament/therapy. A good thing, I hope for that community. It's just unusual to see that being done by a general practice clinic by a GP physician! I hope Pinehurst works for you.

From what I understand, the program is the first of its type in the US and was designed to serve the rural community. When I spoke with Andrew last week, during the height of COVID, he was administering Spravato via housecalls. Amazing!
I hope the Benson clinic works out for you.
Have you had Soravato treatments?
Even though I was seeing my primary psychiatrist through CFVMS, (and continue to do so) Carolina Psychiatry offered the REMS protocol treatments. I was monitored by a PA and medical assistants took my vitals, handed me the Spravato and observed me as I administered the nasal sprays...I have no idea why Dr.Chowdery discontinued the program. There is a void, a desert in Fayetteville NC when it comes to treating individuals with mental illnesses through the use of the most up-to-date methods.
I am going to ask my psychiatrist to contact the psychiatrist at the Pinehurst office. I'm motivated by something you said regarding the value of my health. If I needed Chemotherapy and a designated driver, I would push the issue...I know--I'm a cancer survivor and had to go to Duke Oncology in 2006-07.
Thank you @clutch

@audriana, that is really interesting with the clinic in Benson. I had no idea it offered anything like that. I have had 2 esketamine treatments, but stopped because my nausea went out of control, afterwards. If I can get a hold on the nausea, I will start back. How many treatments did you have before you felt results?

My titration schedule was slow and the following is my best recollection:
First month, 2 × per week, 27 mg
Second, 2 x per week, 54 mg
Third month, 84 mg once a week
At this point, the suicidal ideations were gone and I felt purposeful again....With cautious optimism, I engaged in a community service group.
Fourth month & 5th month, 84 mg every other week
January- March 2020, 84mg once a month and you know the rest of the story...
Last week, Andrew told me the protocol has changed--post suicide attempt dose is 84 mg...no titration.
I'm not going to dwell on the woulda, coulda, shouldas...knowing that once I find a provider who will accept Medicare, BCBS, & Tricare 4 Life...smh...that I have relief and comfort in knowing I don't have to start at the beginning...lol
BTW, although I do experience the wish to be dead, I will not commit suicide. I live by a contract that I, with my therapist, drafted in 2001. I am a woman of my word...besides, I can't stand the thought of someone saying, "oh, she's in a better place..." I'm in a good place now. I want to leave it in better condition than when I arrived.
I'm a hippie at ❤
Oh...your nausea...I do hope that can be addressed. Encourage your doctors to think outside the box.
Spravato/esketamine may not be in our future, but nausea is a pain in the butt...lol...at the therapeutic level of Cymbalta, I had projectile vomiting. Zofran caused constipation...I apologize for TMI.

Halifax, Nova Scotia. Yes, most everything.

I am interested in getting ketamine treatments for depression.
Has anyone ever tried this nasal treatment?
If not, do you have any information about this treatment?
I would really appreciate any information about this which is relatively new and has been FDA approved. I have read several articles but would really like to connect with either a professional or a patient about ketamine treatments. My psychiatrist thinks I should start this program but I feel I don't know enough to commit to something like this. Thanks for sharing.

Hi @dqg, I would like to invite @audriana to the conversation since she looked into these treatments as well. You can see her post here: Rejection letter from Janssen CarePath re Spravato: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/rejection-letter-from-janssen-carepath-re-spravato/

Here is some information you may like to browse.
A New Ketamine Nasal Spray Has Been Approved for Depression (But It’s Not for Everyone) - The possible benefits and risks, explained: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/a-new-ketamine-nasal-spray-has-been-approved-for-depression-but-its-not-for-everyone/

2019 - FDA-Approved Ketamine Nasal Spray Cuts Depression Symptoms in 24 Hours: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/ketamine-nasal-spray-can-help-reduce-depression-in-24-hours

What steered you to the ketamine treatments for depression? Are you currently on anything to manage?

I have been receiving Spravato since November 2021.
Ask me. I will be as objective as possible.

@amandaburnett
@dog
@clutch Hello!
Nov 12, 2021 marked my first treatment in over 2 years. The pharmacists at ECMC advocated for me to get through the insurance issues.
For 6 weeks, I was started at 84 mg. I currently receive a weekly treated. Through FMLA, my husband has taken me..
Currently, no providers are available to follow REM protocols in Fayetteville, NC. It is a medical desert.
Initially the protocol required that I take a concurrent SSRI.
GUESS WHAT? In 2018, I took the Genesite test. It indicated that my brain doesn't "like" SSRIs. My brain "likes" MAOIs.
So, I was tapered off of Sertraline and titrated onto Desipramine.
I have cardiac issues, so I have a pretreatment with Coreg and Ativan 3 hours prior to Spravato.
Every person is different is an understatement.
I have a collaborative relationship with my psychiatrist, my primary care provider, my Endocrinologist, my pharmacists, a CBT therapist focusing on insomnia, and a therapist engaging in talk therapy.
ECMC, in Benson. NC is the only facility in the USA that offers Spravato, dispensed and monitored by a doctor of pharmacy throughout the phases of each Spravato treatment session. So much better than my treatments with the Fayetteville psychiatric provider. I was initially upset when they suddenly pulled the plug. I was left feeling abandoned.
Through Janssen and ECMC, I have joined a thoroughly professional team with Dr Andrew, Dr. Kim, and Dr. Lisa.
Persistence and Advocacy paid off.
So, I've provided you with the framework.
What are your questions, comments or concerns related to my personal experience?