Do you have experience with ketamine treatments?

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.

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

It is making me angry that people are not getting the proper treatments and care. This is serious business, and I am sorry for anyone who has had a bad experience because protocols are not being followed. The treatment gets a bad name and is only known as the party drug that killed a "Friend."

I have been fortunate to have a wonderful experience with my provider. They are a hub of mental health care. They offer individual and group therapy to compliment the ketamine and Spravato treatments. And I still have all my limbs because it does not cost an arm and a leg.

I know that others may not have the same options and experience. My hope is for everyone to find something that will help.

@nickel69 just came across your post having positive results with ketamine.
Interested to know if you are still having treatments with any updates on how often needed and how your feeling.
My husband is a Veteran with PTSD and severe depression. Been on trials for many different drugs therapies with no help for years.
Began Esketamine at his mental health hospital on and off for past 7 mths which seems to be working great for him. His nightmares and anxiety has decreased.
His treatments varying between 2x week to 1 each 3 weeks dependant on his mental health at the time.
Had a hospital hiccup of no Esketamine availability for 3 mths which threw hubby back to square one.
As his partner watching differences at home I'm trying find out if these are normal side effects.
Definitely spaced out for 2/3 days afterwards with no emotion or decision making possible. Then calm for couple of days then anger with a short fuse. My biggest concern is his short term memory recall.
Have tried reaching out to treating doctors and specialists with no answers so far.
One geratrician said ketamine works on the frontal lobe where short term memory lies.
Anyone else noticing these changes?
I'm so very grateful that Esketamine has helped his mental health but torn about the other changes. Still on a bit of a roller coaster.

Ketamine. Will Medicare or Blue Cross help out with the costs? Pretty expensive on a monthly basis and may be out of the question for those with limited monthly incomes.

@leebee26 I’m glad Spravado is working for your husband’s depression. You sound like a really caring and supportive caregiver. I’m sorry to hear about the lapse in treatment. I wonder if there is a different facility you could have in mind as a backup, in case it happens again?
I wonder if the memory problems can be attributed to normal aging? Did it seem to get better when he had to pause his treatment? I think the side effects you describe sound kind of intense. I’m wondering if he is on any other meds that may be contributing to these side effects. I think you’re right to want to bring these concerns to his prescribing physician.
Wishing you both the best.

I know that Medicare and/or Blue Cross will not cover IM or IV Ketamine injections. Supposedly, they do cover the esketamine (Spravato). My provider is working on getting insurance approval for Spravato now. Today, I'm having my first IM Ketamine injection for treatment resistent depression. In about a month in Texas, most clinics will not be able to give the injections anymore because the medical board is placing so many restrictions on the clinics it won't be cost effective. They will only be able to give Spravato. I've heard that the IM injections start to work much more quicky and much better. I'll have a series of 6 injections to determine dosage, then would have had a maintenance dose every few months if it were to be available. Now I'll have the 6 injections, then probably start over with Spravato. I'll post how it goes. My daughter has gone to the same clinic and the IM injections have really helped her.

@ashleyharris728 Thank you for your reply and encouragement to keep seeking answers.
Hubby is not on any other pharmaceutical medications for his mental health.
Only other is Cbd oil which helps on his regular days. Especially for sleeping. His treating doctors are aware and monitor this also.

He's 77yrs so decline could be part of it but was so sudden for memory drop.
Made sense when Geratrician discovered hubby had a recent stroke with slight scar on his frontal lobe.
He's on a low dose b/p tab and beta blocker for AF. But these have been his regular meds for bout 7 yrs.
Everything else is vitamins.
We've booked in to see new GP who will hopefully investigate and navigate with us for more answers.
Thank you for suggesting a different facility if another lapse occurs.
All these treatments are new where we live. Trials are still being investigated in our growing coastal town of Qld.

Hubby is fortunate that his hospital is actually up and running with the ketamine program. Even with hiccups.

Glad to have found this website to connect with others that possibly have similar reactions with feedback.
First asked questions regarding GAE & Embolisms for his double TKR.
Appreciate your well wishes.
Warmest Regards