Has anyone tried Ketamine for depression?

Posted by kelster69 @kelster69, Aug 8, 2020

Hi. My depression is intolerable right now. I started ketamine infusion therapy last August. It helped initially, but it has not really worked for me in about 7 months. I still went to the same clinic for 11 months, which I'm learning is a ketamine mill. I spoke with another doctor/clinic who does intramuscular ketamine treatments and who monitors dosing and patients' reactions very carefully during the treatment (my former clinic did not at all). I swore I wouldn't try ketamine again, after this last run failed and seemed to make me even more depressed. But I have some hope with this new clinic who seems to know what they're doing. I am at the end of my rope here; very depressed. I'm wondering if anyone else on here has experience with this treatment?

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francesmharris123 | @francesmharris123 | Jul 21, 2022

In reply to @shirleynz "I hope ketamine is script only from doctor, it works well to knock us and large..." + (show)

I used a nasal spray for pain and my head was knocked out. I could not drive while using it. It didn’t work for pain so I stopped using it.

shirleynz | @shirleynz | Jul 21, 2022

In reply to @francesmharris123 "I used a nasal spray for pain and my head was knocked out. I could not..." + (show)

Prob the best thing to stop using it. It's totally controlled here and you don't get it given to you unless you have a broken none to align or something else intensely painful

Mary Klepper | @marylessard | 3 days ago

I started IV ketamine in early Sept for TRD (treatment resistant depression). I'm 56 and have been treated with most everything out there since I was 21 - some successes along the way but nothing sustaining. I was in hospital (Rochester, MN - Mayo) in 2023 for suicidal ideation/had 14 ECT treatments, and had very significant memory loss - almost lost my job as a Mayo employee because of it. Fortunately, I work in a very compassionate department, and they were patient as I recovered my cognitive skills. Even though the ECT helped for a while, the depression returned, and I needed help once again. The IV Ketamine Clinic has CHANGED MY LIFE. It's a whole new world. Instant change - miraculous - and I mean SAME DAY. I wish that it worked for everyone like it has for me. I have never felt so good and well-adjusted. I have had maybe 8? treatments and I go every other week now, soon to be once a month. But I can't imagine a nasal treatment - getting a "full" dose in one shot...I enjoy the 40-minute infusion and have had zero side effects: no disassociation, nausea, headaches - nothing. I've 'tried' to go to that 'dark place' in my head - the suicidal 'room' where I don't want to live anymore - and I can't even find the door...it is unreal. The only barrier I had in securing treatment was that I am a recovering alcoholic/drug addict. I've been sober for almost 25 years and have quality sobriety, and that was a requirement for treatment. The feeling I get during treatment is not like being drunk; I am just utterly so happy; I can't explain it. I would suggest anyone with TRD to try it. Mayo Rochester is where I have been treated - Dr. Balwinder Singh. They have been treating patients for over ten years. God Bless you all - don't give up.