Ketamine for chronic pain

I had 7 days of ketamine infusions 13 mos ago, for Fibromyalgia and neck silurgery nerve pain. On the 7th day I had a massive histamine release (allergic reaction) - big hives around my body. The pain dr had given over 800 infusions so he was an expert on ketamine. He called my reaction a Mast Cell release. During this last yr, I’ve had lots of mast cell reactions after eating foods high in histamine. I knew going into the ivs that I inherited Histamine Intolerance from foods containing histamine, but didn’t know Metamine would trigger an allergic response. Apparently it got my immune system’s Mast Cells riled up and made them release histamine all over my body. Not everyone reacts like I did. If u have allergic reactions However, I would stay away from ketamine. Terri.

I used it as a nasal spray for headaches. It did nothing, but sure cleared out my sinuses. Be careful with it. It's nasty.

I had a ketamine IV drip with other pain meds after a fusion surgery. It seemed to make the other pain meds work better.

So sorry to hear you experienced this reaction. I too had a week in hospital hooked up to Ketamine. I told my (then) pain specialist that it was a dystopian nightmare as it was such an awful experience and did absolutely nothing at all for my awful pain! I know that some people have found it very helpful.

I totally agree. It was recommended to me by a nurse. I know they are using it. I guess out in Arizona they have a ketamine clinic. I talked to my pain management doctor and he said absolutely unequivocally NO. I’m sorry you had to go through this..

Hello, I am new here. I have had Small Fiber Neuropathy for 11 years and it has caused intractable pain and other symptoms.
After reviewing all the posts about Ketamine infusions being so unpleasant, etc. I wanted to add that I didn't have that experience when I received 3 Ketamine (for pain) infusions in the ER last year.
It is important to "go to your happy place" in your mind just before the IV - their recommendation. Think happy thoughts and go into it with a positive outlook.
I did experience visual hallucinations but they were wonderful and euphoric. My severe pain disappeared for about 24 hours.
Of course, this is different than week long infusions but I would do it again in a heartbeat in a hospital setting w ER doctors that are well-schooled in using Ketamine.

I had a ketamine drip and the chronic pain in my feet disappeared after a few hours on the drip. It was amazing. I had the drip for 24 hrs 6 days. This was 6 months ago and thank heavens I no longer get chronic pain. I had small nerve damage in both feet .. autoimmune response to a foot operation. Still slowly recovering. Final stage is sandpaper soles.

I was given IV Ketamine in the hospital after a 4-level laminectomy. My face and throat started swelling, the "nurse" stopped the infusion, but flushed the line and pushed all the remaining drug into my arm. I immediately lost my vision, hearing, and ability to move. I thought I was dying or having a stroke.

Later, how much later I have no idea, when I regained my senses, the "nurses" were laughing at me ... saying "oh, you're just high. " Having gone to college in the late '70s, I've been high. This was not being high. It was terrifying!

Agree. I received too much ketamine and went into a K hole. Thought I was in hell and then heaven. Hallucinations not pleasant. Didn’t want to come back to earth. I have squashed my memory now but I now have a very different attitude to death. I would still have Ketamine for its positive effects but pls check starting dosage and take care when the pain specialist wants to up it.

I don’t know about it for pain but my niece in Texas gets ketamine infusions for severe depression. She has been having a lot of success.