Do you have experience with ketamine treatments?

I will be starting intranasal eskatamine in a few weeks as a treatment for treatment resistant depression (TRD). My psychiatrist will combine it with Family Systems Therapy in the second hour after the dosing, for a two hour treatment. In talking to him he said that the FST would be more effective on my TRD than the ketamine. I've read that the Spravato (compounded eskatimine) works a little less than ECT (electro convulsive therapy). So I'm hopeful despite what he says!

Used to get online through Tripsitter.clinic The Doctor I met there has left their company as they were money first. I get it from him through same pharmacy in Houston. Online is a good place to start but the DEA is changing laws regarding the virtual prescribing of scheduled drugs like Ketamine since the pandemic ended. It has become much harder to get at home ketamine. Thank our government (NOT! ) for making life-saving treatment much more difficult to attain. Ketamine saved me from my planned suicide. I've had Treatment-Resistant Depression and Chronic PTSD since my diagnosis in 1980. It Does work better than ECT. I had 43 treatments. I do not recommend ECT.

@deadpoets i took about 8 rounds of it at a Psychiatrist’s office monitored by a nurse back in 2018. I thought it helped a bit after the first 3 or 4, but ultimately it didn’t. $500 bucks a dose-no insurance to cover it, but I was desperate as ECT hadn’t helped and I was treatment resistant. It was kind of fun the way it warped your senses during the infusion. I know it’s a wonder drug for some, but the high cost meant I needed to see results to warrant continuing treatment and I didn’t get it. Hope this helps.

I'm having trouble finding an antidepressant that works for me. Has anyone tried Spravato treatments? Thanks!

@tbb3512 welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You will find members and mentors here that have a variety of health conditions and experiences. It is a sharing and supportive community. I am unfamiliar with Spravato treatments. Hopefully someone has experience with this and can give you some input. What other antidepressants and treatments have you tried?

I’ve been on Spravato since the end of April. I’ve tried nearly every antidepressant there is. None worked very well at all. Spravato has worked for me. I don’t think about suicide at all. It’s given me more hope and motivation. Side effects aren’t too bad. It makes me feel high and tired on treatment days. I’ve also had some nausea on occasion at the higher dose. Your doctor can give you anti-nausea medication for this. Everyone reacts differently to Spravato. I definitely recommend giving it a try. It’s very inexpensive with most insurance. Also, ask about the observation rebate program.

Thank you so much. This is very helpful.

@tbb3512 in addition to @jewelina's helpful post, you may also be interested in @audriana's experience here:
- Positive Awareness+ Medical Intervention (Spravato) + Lifestyle
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/spravatoesketamine/
Has Spravato been recommended for you?

I have tried Spravato and had very positive experience for months and then it peaked out. My psych said that happens with some. She then pute on a new med Auvelity that if different than any other antidepressant in that it impacts same neurotransmitters that Spravato does. It's been about 1month and so far so good.

Hello all.
Thanks for including me in the discussion. I started Spravato treatments in 2019. I might be providing TMI, or as I like to think, I offer a different perspective.

At that time, the provider wasn't following the strict protocols. For example, a TV was on in the room. That provider discontinued treatments. Perhaps too many patients were going to the ER.

With my current provider,--of almost two years--we follow strict guidelines:
•I take medications to control my BP, anxiety, and nausea prior to treatment
•no cell phone or TV during treatment
•low watt blue/white lamp

About seven years ago, I had Gene Sight testing. SSRIs are in the red. Old-fashioned desipramine has worked much better.
Even with all the chemistry, I still remember that meds are only a component of my well-being. I see my psychiatrist every other week and therapist on alternate weeks. I've returned to teaching to use my brain as effectively as possible. With every psychiatrist I've seen, they've had their own strengths and philosophies. What I've learned about my brain is that it has the potential to heal itself and create new pathways. I know it's more complicated than that. However, I relate to, " if you don't use it, you lose it."
So, the mental stimulation and the social aspects are helping, too.

Am I perfect? No, never was, never will be...lol.

Am I better?

Yes.

Will I stay better?
One moment at a time.
Body, mind, and spirit.
☮️🎄
Good wellness, happy holidays, and Merry Christmas. Wishing all the best for all the right readons.