Has anyone tried the ketamine infusions for depression. If so, would you please share your experience? I'm interested, but there is very little data online. Just a few clinical studies but no patient experiences. I'm always interested in "real" experiences to expand my knowledge.
Ketamine for Depression?
Question posted by Blessed716 on 12 Feb 2017
Last updated on 20 December 2021 by Kdg
15 Answers
Kdg
21 Dec 2021
Blue Shield California has started covering ketamine IV infusion treatments. My clinic sends in all the patient claims because they get better results than each patient sending in their own claims. Try to find a clinic that sends in insurance claims and has had success getting reimbursed. Blue Shield PPO is one of the Affordable Care Act/Covered California individual plans so you don’t need employer insurance. I had to meet my deductible first and then pay about 40% of the cost. After I met my out-of-pocket Max for the year, they covered 100 % of the cost. So this would not work with a high deductible plan. Hopefully this helps people find treatment that is covered by insurance. I think as more clinics start sending claims to insurance, more insurance companies will start covering this life-saving treatment. Insurance has been covering nasal spray Esketamine brand name Spravato for a couple years now. I believe insurance is billed more for Spravato than IV infusion.
My uneducated guess is that it is cheaper for insurance companies to pay for IV infusions of ketamine than for the FDA approved Spravato. Who knows... but at least the infusions are beginning to be seen as a valid treatment and not some fringe experimental thing.
tdhcsc
20 Feb 2020
I'm 75 and in fair health. I guess that at 75 fair health is about all I can ask for.
Ketamine worked for me! I had 6 infusions and after the 4th one it was like I was a different person. My inability to perform any task was gone and I looked forward to life. I seemed to be cured of my depressive state. The infusions did cost me $4,000.00 total and it would have been worth it if it lasted but,,, after 3 weeks my depression was back. I couldn't perform any task and my outlook on life was crappy. What's the purpose of living? I'm just an old fart waiting for the end. At least that was how I felt.
I couldn't afford the infusions and tried Ketamine nasal spray daily. After a couple of weeks it started working but only for an hour or two after the spray. I was using a compounded ketamine spray at home. I used the Ketamine nasal spray twice daily since I started and I told my doctor that it's kind of like speed except it made me hungry. I got out of bed and actually did stuff and I even stopped a couple of times with no withdrawal or dependence.
For me, the Ketamine worked. The nasal spray worked but it's necessary to take it daily. Makes me dizzy for an hour so I can't go anywhere for about an hour but after that I feel like I've got something to look forward to in life.
Hope it continues to work.
elandem
20 Feb 2020
That's very interesting. I'm curious, what state do you live in and how is the compounded version administered (pick up at drug store?). I had no idea you could get a spray version to take home (and you are the 3rd person I've heard mention this), so how is it regulated? I'm happy to hear your experiences, as I'm trying to decide whether or not to take the leap and do this. Being anxious it frightens me to do the infusion, but then I suppose it frightens me more to live my life depressed every darn day -- it's awful. Can you share more about what the infusion experience was like? BTW I'm 63, have TRDepression for 15 years... I've responded slightly to some meds but they always stopped working and now nothing seems to work at all.
calicalica
20 Feb 2020
It’s called esketamine and it’s a nasal spray made by a pharmaceutical company. I receive the infusions regularly and had no response to any other psychiatric medication in the past. Since being on ketamine for 6 months, I’m now on Zoloft and it seems to help. The hope is I will need ketamine less and less and if needed will be more adaptable to prescription antidepressants. I’ve had major depression for a long time and nothing else worked.
elandem
20 Feb 2020
Yes, spray esketamine is given - but only in the office of a medical provider. The above person (and others I've seen) take a compounded spray version in their home (this is not esketamine, it is pure ketamine in a spray - likley a low dose). If you go by these posts, about 40% seem positive, while the others are either "it didn't work", or it was "awful." Anyway, I'm currently trying to get the nerve to go do Esketamine -- because if it doesn't work I'll be left with nothing -- a very frightening thought.
tdhcsc
21 Feb 2020
I'm in Southern California.
I had 6 infusions with a 7th as a booster. At $650.00 a pop I couldn't afford the infusions every 3 weeks so I looked for a physician that would prescribe a Ketamine Nasal Spray. This was before Eskatamine was available. I found a physician in LA that said he would prescribe a nasal spray but only if I had an infusion from him. I got the infusion and he prescribed the nasal spray from a compounding pharmacy who sends the spray to me every month,,, 100MG/ML with instructions to spray twice in each nostril up to 3 times a day. I can't do it 3 times a day and only take the spray in the morning. As my prescription was running out I asked my primary physician if he would prescribe it for me and he said he would.
If I had to go with the Eskatamine spray I wouldn't do it as it's too much of a hassle and not worth the time and energy. I can't get in the car for a couple of hours after I take the spray as it makes me dizzy and a bit disoriented but it helps me with pain and depression and gets me motivated. It also makes me hungry and that's a good thing as I'm trying to gain weight.
I pay $94.00 for a months supply of the spray.
tdhcsc
21 Feb 2020
It's my understanding that Eskatamine isn't really any different from the spray I'm taking. Only more restrictions and $$$$$. If you're the type of person who can regulate himself and not go anywhere (really) this version might be an option.
tdhcsc
21 Feb 2020
It's my understanding that Eskatamine isn't really any different from the spray I'm taking. Only more restrictions and $$$$$. If you're the type of person who can regulate himself and not go anywhere (really) this version might be an option.
tdhcsc
21 Feb 2020
It's my understanding that Eskatamine isn't really any different from the spray I'm taking. Only more restrictions and $$$$$. If you're the type of person who can regulate himself and not go anywhere (really) this version might be an option.
elandem
21 Feb 2020
Thanks, that is very helpful/useful info. I'm not sure they will do that in North Carolina, but perhaps? I have a great doc who is willing to do most anything possible. I plan to try Esketamine first, to see if it even works for me. The infusions are a bit "frightening" as I hear many stories of people being very uncomfortable, so I'd rather start with Esketamine spray. If that isn't successful then I suppose I would go for Ketamine infusions. I have to find something that works as I can't stand to feel this way much longer. My main symptoms are anhedonia and anxiety--and I hear that Ketamine is really good for anhedonia. Please feel free to elaborate on your infusion experience if you don't mind... good/bad/ugly... and how long you have been doing this..tx so much
calicalica
21 Feb 2020
I am 52 and was at the end of my rope. I tried TMS AND ECT and neither worked and I was left with memory deficits. I receive the IV infusion of ketamine and it’s administered over an hour followed by iv fluids. I was going to a ketamine clinic and paying $495 an infusion now I go through my doctor at a surgery center. I have heard a lot of mixed reviews about the nasal ketamine with even doctors saying the absorption rate is hard to determine and the dosing. Don’t give up because the dose might be wrong and they can increase it in small amounts. I can’t speak highly enough about it. I was so depressed with no hope or will to live and was seeking physician assisted suicide now I look forward to getting up, laugh, look forward to the future and am not thinking about suicide anymore. Sure, there are still days I’m sad but no where near what I was and I can get through them which is the most important part.
It’s been 6 months of treatments for me and it’s like all the chains and shackles holding me back and shame that bound me are gone. I’m also going to group and individual therapy too.
elandem
21 Feb 2020
Dear Calicalica,
Thanks so much for sharing all that. I'm so happy you found something to help you. People who have not been depressed simply have no way to comprehend the pain and suffering that it causes. At 52 you have a lot of life ahead of you now to make up for years lost to depression. I wish you all the best. I've lost 15 years to depression and am going to try like hell to get better whatever it takes.
tdhcsc
22 Feb 2020
I don't think you should bed afraid of Ketamine infusions. I found them profoundly interesting! The rabbit hole,,, it's a bit like having a trip in the company of a physician who can pull the plug if you get scared.
Eskatamine from what I understand is nothing but an expensive form of Ketamine nasal spray that need to be performed in a dr's office. If you stay home it's my belief that Eskatamine its unnecessary and a compounded Ketamine works the same.
As said,,, I had 7 infusions before trying the spray (before Eskatamine was available) and had no bad reaction. If you do have the infusions just relax and go with the flow. I understand that's key.
The nasal spray also burns my nose for a bit, than I become a bit disoriented and dizzy for about an hour,,, then I'm fine. I was talking to a guy in Las Vegas who takes Eskatamine nasal spray and he told me he takes his headsets and listens to Pink Floyd during the hour he's dizzy. Funny but it works for him! If your a child of the 60's it's no big deal.
Again, the infusions aren't scary unless you've never had any altering substance during your life. If you haven't it's just new and go with the Rabbit Hole experience. It's interesting.
tdhcsc
22 Feb 2020
Final note: I was talking to my GP about my depression,, (caused by chronic fatigue, IBS, fibromyalgia and 9 compression fractures) He mentioned ketamine. Never heard of it before he mentioned it. Out of desperation I had the infusions. Couldn't afford more and found the Ketamine nasal spray. Told my GP I was going to try it and he was on board with the thought of the Nasal Spray. I asked him straight off if he would prescribe the spray as I hate going to LA. He said he would and here we are.
tdhcsc
22 Feb 2020
If you find this post.
I spray a saline nasal spray (from Wallgreens) before taking the Ketamine nasal spray in an effort to moisture my nose before hand as I understand that the big problem with the nasal spray is dry nose versus moist nose. My feeling (and that of my GP) is that spraying a saline nasal spray first can stabilize and make the sprays more consistent. Hope this helps.
tdhcsc
22 Feb 2020
If you find this post.
I spray a saline nasal spray (from Wallgreens) before taking the Ketamine nasal spray in an effort to moisture my nose before hand as I understand that the big problem with the nasal spray is dry nose versus moist nose. My feeling (and that of my GP) is that spraying a saline nasal spray first can stabilize and make the sprays more consistent. Hope this helps.
elandem
20 Feb 2020
Here is what I know about Ketamine. There are two forms, IV and nasal spray (Esketamine). The infusions are much more intense than the Esketamine spray (tho you can still have dissociation with Esketamine), are expensive (a full round of IV treatment will run ~ $3,000), seem to be more effective than Esketamine, are not covered by any sort of insurance, and can be very disturbing at the time (people call it going into a K hole). There is a program for Esketamine (sponsored by the company that makes it) and if you qualify (most people do) the treatments are very inexpensive. For Esketamine you sign up for a round of two treatments per week for a few weeks, then if it is successful you go to one treatment per week, or every two weeks. They start Esketamine treatment at a low dose, but I'm told always end up increasing the dose on the 2nd visit. The range of experiences are from pleasant to awful, and the success rate seems to be around 30% or so.
It doesn't "cure" depression, but seems according to what most say makes things manageable. Like everything, there are a vast range of experiences (from saved my life to the worst thing I ever did). Importantly, nothing is known about the long term effects (past a year), and it can cause serious bladder issues, and this is likely related to dose/length of treatment. The downside for the treatment is you can't drive that day, someone has to take you to and from the treatment. Also, I've heard you can "fail" at Esketamine an IV still may work - so you could try both.
calicalica
20 Feb 2020
I was diagnosed with treatment resistant depression and PTSD. I’ve received ketamine infusions and it saved my life and gave me back the will to live. Prior to ketamine, I tried too many medications to name and many other therapies and treatments. You have to go into it with an open mind and also I tried different things to do during the infusion and what works best for me is to simply shut my eyes and think of positive things. If I experience anxiety or negative thoughts, I have key words I say to myself over and over until it passes. Words like love picturing a heart or hope picturing a rainbow or peace picturing a dove. Some people read or sleep or listen to music. You have to find what works best for you. There is also esketamine which is a nasal spray. The doctor bases the dosage on your weight. The only downside i found is unless you can get it covered, it’s usually expensive.
KHughes1969
18 May 2020
Hello
After decades of depression and many antidepressants I came across ketamine. It’s my last ditch effort. I started my first infusion Saturday. I expected to wake up today feeling euphoric and happy but I did not. I’m hoping that my second and third treatment this week will give me some hope. I’m afraid I’m one of those people that it’s just not gonna work on. I’m trying to stay positive it was just one treatment. Did anyone else have this experience with the first treatment and not feel anything until several treatments later
SteveSSK
6 Feb 2020
My medical chart says I have major depression, generalized anxiety, chronic pain, and PTSD but I'd sum it up with the word 'pressure'. I've tried an array of things including 12+ medications, 25 sessions of TMS, 8 ECT and 6 IV ketamine infusions. None worked for long term but whereas ECT landed hard on my nervous system, ketamine was a wonderful experience. I highly recommend it as it does work for some long term. It helped me enough to return to work although each successive treatment worked less and less. Bringing in soothing supportive music for the infusion is good.
giaheather
6 Feb 2020
I know this answer is late, but I just had to add my experience in the hopes that it may help someone who lands here to read it. I have been having Ketamine infusion therapy for 3 years now. I am the happiest and healthiest I have ever been in my life. I had TRD that I have battled for as long as I can remember. The first symptoms of depression started for me when I was 5 years old, and got so bad that I attempted suicide as a teen. There were other attempts over the years, and the last one at age 48 put me in the hospital in ICU, then a treatment facility that I was discharged from because my insurance ran out, even though I told the staff that I was still suicidal. I found a ketamine clinic near my home and got my psychiatrist to refer me. It was the BEST decision I ever made. After the initial treatment, I now just go about every 2-3 months and get an infusion. Then I'm good to go for another 3 or so.
Recently my doctor added the nasal spray as well (not the new esketamine, but a compounded ketamine nasal spray that is only $45) It seems to help during the last month particularly before I go back for an infusion. My insurance does not pay for any of this, but I'd rather pay out of my pocket than keep taking medicines with too many side effects and that just plain don't work. As a side note, I no longer take any other medications. Good luck.
BrandonTellez
6 Dec 2019
My wife tried ketamine infusion treatment for her depression and anxiety. The first treatment left her feeling very foggy. The second treatment brought suicidal ideations. The clinic we went to was very dismissive of this, and told us to continue. The 3rd - 5th treatments they combined with Versed, a benzodiazepine, and after those treatments she was like a zombie. The day of the 6th treatment she was at her worst, she tried reaching out to the clinic, stating she felt extremely suicidal but they brushed it off and told her to stop treatment. Within 10 minutes of the conversation she attempted suicide. There is not enough information out there, and studies have shown that Ketamine can increase depression and cause dissociation. The risk are too high and if we would have known that going in, we would not have tried this treatment.
dianemob
14 Dec 2018
I've had TRD for 25 years. For 2 years prior to trying Ketamine I had been taking Nuvigil and it not only saved my life but gave it back to me. It allowed me to feel peace of mind, contentment, pleasure and also helped me regain the passion for my husband that had been missing for a long time. There weren't enough hours in the day for all I wanted to do. My doctor slowly increased the dose over time and it always worked again with no side effects.Since I am over the limit recommended for people with Narcolepsy, no one will prescribed an inceased dosage. Been going downhill for 6 months. My doctor mentioned Ketamine. I was skeptical to say the least since meds, ECT and TMS have not worked. So I had my 4th Ketamine infusion yesterday. Seems that each treatment is more unpleasant than the previous. The progress does not compare to what Nuvigil has done for me. I only have 2 treatments left and feel that I am worse than when I started. What would you do? And why can't I continue using the one thing that works? I'm ready to give up.
Mollyshay
16 Aug 2018
Hey Everyone!
I have been dealing with anxiety, depression, panic disorder, bipolar II, and finally Borderline Personality Disorder... a nice little combo that makes me super fun to be around. It’s been about 12 years and I am now 28. I have been on so many combinations of psych meds that I can’t even list them... anti depressants, anti anxiety, anti psychotics, mood stabilizers, anti psychotics... nothing works for more then a few months at best. I have been searching for a ketamine center since it was in trials and finally there is one by me! I started infusions last week and I have felt a lot of relief. I still feel what I am going to feel only it’s less and does not seem like such a horrible thing just like a normal thing that will pass shortly. I am so happy I started this but I also feel a bit lonely because I am the only person I know who is doing this. No one understands what the experience is like.
I have been having feelings while I am getting the infusion that are so hard to talk about because no one gets it. If anyone wants to talk via fb messenger I would love to get some insight and support and be a supporter.
Thanks everyone!
I’m Molly
Mollyshay
6 Feb 2020
Hello! So I am now 30 and still getting Ketamine infusions every 2-3 weeks and I still feel like these treatments have saved my life. They are amazing and even when I have a terrible week I just go get a treatment and then I may be fine for 3 weeks again!
If anyone is considering going through the treatments I highly suggest they do!
Kat Lyon
7 Aug 2018
I am 61 years old, have been very depressed and anxious most of my life, but it has worsened greatly as I have gotten older. I have bipolar disorder. I have tried so many different types of drugs, with no long-term effect, that I had just about given up hope that I would ever be able to be "normal", i.e., going to grocery store, doing household chores or on worst days, getting out of bed. I am retired and feel so saddened that I can only listen to friends tell about their vacations and never go myself. I started getting ketamine infusions in March. The first 3 weeks of April were the first time in ages I hadn't woken up feeling depressed. After that, even though I continued to get infusions, I was still mildly depressed for another month, but that was so much better than before. Now, since the middle of June, my depression has not returned. I go once a week for the ketamine and Dr. Is trying to stretch to 2 wks., 3 wks. etc.
As soon as I start getting the early feelings of depression coming on, I go in right away for another treatment. I almost gave up along the way, and now I'm so glad I didn't. Be forewarned though, the treatment is like a controlled drug trip! Not some mild dissociated state with colors! Takes about an hour, recovery about 15-30 minutes. Nurse there entire time. In comfortable recliner, sleep mask, dim room, headphones with very relaxing instrumental music. Any questions, just ask! I've had quite a few now. More difficult results because of age and years of bipolar/meds. Good Luck to all who have suffered like I do!
Unhappilymisfit
16 Nov 2017
Aloha, I have the treatment resistant depression and chronic pain. I am in the same situation, everybody talks about it, they may have heard how well it works, yet i have not been able to find any info from a real person. I have been strung along from my Psych, since August, for a referral, and went searching on my own, we have limited providers in HI. ECT a no go for me and TMS is contraindicated because I have ( had) manic episodes in the history. I finally found a Pain specialist who does the Ketamine infusion / and nasal spray compound ( if indictated). I go Monday Nov. 20th, 2017 for my 1st time. I am hoping for the best... ... I will post my experience when I feel I can adequately explain it. I have read its not an instant fix, but it helps you move along with things you weren't doing when in the black hole, so you feel better and can build on that.
I see you posted this in Feb. and there are comments, have you been able to try it?
I hope you are well and if you were able to try it that you would share your thoughts. (((Huggs))) and sharing is caring.
OklahomaRed
2 Sep 2017
I am a bipolar 74 year old male on a 10 year bout of chronic drug resistant depression that responds to sleep deprivation. I do pretty well when I am working and sleeping no more than 4.5 hours a night. I am getting to old to do that my heart starts skipping too many beats.
I took 6 infusions on was was supposed to be on Tuesday and Friday that had a skip in in due the doctor having other plans one day. It was very successful. The Ketamine had a real added benefit in totally stopping the muscle spasms from Multiple Sclerosis. I am not sure how long it would have lasted the pain from the muscle spasms was so bad in 3 weeks that I started 100 mg dose of Ketamine as a Nasal spray for the muscle spasms and hopefully to maintain the remission of depression.
After 4 or 5 moths the nasal spray is great for muscle spasms and OK for maintenance of remission of depression. I should go back for booster infusion for depression. I think one should view the Ketamine treatment as an intervention to quickly alleviate depression that still needs treatment and realize you may have to go back for and additional infusion 2 to 4 times a year as well as continue drug treatment and other therapy.
Good luck with your depression,
Red
Unhappilymisfit
16 Nov 2017
So glad this helped your depression and pain... thank you for sharing. I am seeing this after my story/ response to original post. I hope you are still doing well on your regimen...
Hoping4
11 March 2017
Hi all,
I am going to begin the Ketamine journey on March 20 with my first infusion. I am sorry that the nasal sprays did not work yet. The research i have done online said that the only really effective way to get the full effect was intravenously. I have had treatment resistant major depression for 15 years. Been on almost every drug out there. I was doing "ok" for me for a while when the black hole came back in January. I just can't fight it the old way anymore. I am not overly optimistic. They say the longer you have had depression and the more meds you have been on and the older you are the less likely you will respond positively to it. I am 56, and it's been since 2002.
But I am thinking that after two visits we will know if it "took" or not - as opposed to the BS we all deal with in changing these damn meds right?
Btw, check into a company called GENESIGHT! They do genetic testing from a cheek swab, and give you a detailed report on which antidepressants you are genetically not compatible with and those you might be! I just learned that I have a gene that slows down the mechanism of all SSRIs. I should not be using them to treat my depression WHICH I HAVE BEEN.
A wonderful tool for us to have finally!!
Best of luck to everybody :)
Blessed716
12 March 2017
Hello Hoping4,
Good luck! I 'am interested in the infusions as well. I live in area where they want to see four failures on antidepressants before you try Ketamine. Well, I tried to and the side-effects made me feel worse. So, I'm in limbo right now as I'm unwilling to try another. I had the genetics testing completed and I can metabolize most antidepressants. That however, is not indicative of side effects. They just do not work for me. Please update us with your results! I'm hoping you have an amazing response and this journey I like to call the psychotropic hamster wheel, lets you off the ride.
Hoping4
13 March 2017
Hi Blessed716,
Thanks for the good wishes! I am going on Wednesday for my pre-infusion consultation. I will definitely post about my experience after my first infusion on March 20th. I am hoping that at least I have a pleasant experience while under the drug. I jokingly said to my friends, "My luck I will have a bad trip or something like that lol."
I am surprised about you hearing that you need to have four infusions - not two. I would be careful that the place you are looking into having the treatment at is not doing that just to make more money off of you. Because everything I have read on ketamine and every single place I looked up and into all said that people know if it has worked after two sessions. I tend to be skeptical- but better to check right?
Good luck
njenkinson
15 March 2017
I wanted to wish you good luck on the 20th! You deserve some relief after such a long bout of depression. I'm also 56.
I had no results with Ketamine nasal spray and my Dr. doesn't have experience with the IV infusions. Is it just one infusion, or more over a period of a day or so? If more than one, will you be admitted to a hospital?
I plan to look into SENESIGHT even though I haven't had a positive response from any antidepressants. If I know which to focus on, perhaps a longer trial would be worthwhile.
Nancy
Hoping4
15 March 2017
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for the good wishes and sorry you too are going through all this. I had my consultation today with the psychiatrist at the clinic. I will not be hospitalized for the infusions. They only do one infusion per day - every other day. So my second one will be on Wednesday the 22nd. This doctor did not want to confirm the info I have seen that after two infusions you know whether or not this is working or not. I am wondering if this is because they want to keep having you pay out for more infusions or not. I can assure you that if I don't feel a significant difference SOMEWHERE I will not do another infusion. Just too expensive frankly.
I am a bit scared of the effects during the procedure. I am trying not to place too much hope on this. I have been disappointed every time I have tried a new drug. Why should this be different? But perhaps this will be the answer. I will keep you all posted.
Hoping4
Hoping4
23 March 2017
Hi Everyone,
I wanted to give you all an update on my Ketamine experience so far. I have had two treatments. And let me just say that it has been a miracle in the short term! After the first treatment - which btw was not scary to go through, was painless and totally safe, within 2 hours I was no longer thinking at all about ending my life. That in and of itself IS IN MY OPINION A MIRACLE. By the next morning I awoke early, showered got dressed and took a walk - all before 9:30 AM! I felt composed, clear headed and my brain felt energized. I went to my volunteer job for a few hours and wasn't tired as I used to be.
All great!
By the next day I felt a tad less of all these things but still woke up and got to my second treatment all good. I made the mistake of insisting they "up my dosage a bit." Not that I got sick but I didnt feel as good yesterday afterwards or today: headache not as together, BUT NOT DEPRESSED LIKE BEFORE. NOT EVEN CLOSE.
So I am going to take all six treatments - I like the psychiatrist running the Center. He spent a great deal of time talking with me before my treatment yesterday, and I think he will be a good guy.
I have to say I am cautiously optimistic - that this will be very helpful for me. NOT A CURE. I THINK I WILL ALWAYS HAVE DEPRESSION. BUT MAYBE NOT TREATMENT RESISTANT
calicalica
23 May 2017
I also have TRD and have tried countless medications and ECT (over 70 sessions). The ECT helped me get out of the house but I was felt flat. I was on a list to try the magnetic version because I have such memory deficits from ECT. The wait was too long and I was on the verge of letting go when I took out a loan to try Ketamine. Unfortunately, the price is outrageous and it's recommended to have 6. I had no resul the except for feeling great during and high for the first time in my life with the first infusion, the second-my judgement was better, the forth I felt better and the 6th, I was feeling much better. I haven't felt so free or good in about 30 years. However, after a week, I crashed for whatever reason and was so depressed. They want you to continue the ketamine infusions as often as you need and the cost is $450 for each infusion. Be careful! I stopped due to price and am trying Cymbalta once again. There are several ketamine trials going on but there is no guarantee you will receive the drug. Good Luck!
calicalica
23 May 2017
Hello again,
For some reason words were deleted or incorrect in my previous comment. What I meant to say was that I had no result with the first infusion, except for feeling high for the first time in my life and like I was looking down at myself. They do not tell you whether you should read or relax while getting the infusion but my experience was best when I just closed my eyes, let go and relaxed. I made the mistake of answering my phone once and ended up crying hysterically. Do what you feel is best. During the second-my judgement was better and with the fourth, I felt better. The 6th one was the best. I haven't felt so free or good in about 30 years. However, it did not last. After a week of no infusions, I was crying and depressed again. I was told to get another infusion and you have to maintain it. Meaning the possibility of treatments every 3 weeks or more.
Right now, it is not FDA approved for this treatment and was told there are still things to work out before it will be, with that in mind and the cost $450, I decided not to continue.
Hope that helps!
njenkinson
15 Feb 2017
I've had treatment resistant depression for about 5 years, since losing my 16-year job and then my father's death (I had also been caring for him). I've tried 2-3 meds in each class of anti-depressants. I also tried TMS treatment (transcranial magnetic stimulation) daily for 36 weekdays in-a-row at a local psychiatric hospital, which claims 75% improvement in depression symptoms. It helped me to get out of the house every day, but other than that, no lasting relief.
Just today, my psychiatrist mentioned Ketamine. After some discussion, he faxed an order to a compounding pharmacy which puts it in nasal spray form. He has 2 patients who are having some positive response from it, and it's one thing I haven't tried yet. He thought the cost was about $50 for 20 ml which should last months based on my dosage.
Once received, I will take one 10mg/ml spray in one nostril 3-4 times in a 36 hour period (every 8 hours or so). Then repeat that after 1 week, then repeat again after 2 more weeks, and again after 3 more weeks, then after 4 weeks... increasing the length in between dosages by a week each time. I will stop if I have any worrisome or very unpleasant side effects (which vary greatly - I'm particularly hoping for some mind-bending hallucinations).
I should receive it in the mail by the end of this week/early next week and will come back here and detail how things are going along the way. Fingers crossed!!
Nancy
Blessed716
15 Feb 2017
Hello Nancy, I'm sorry to hear of your losses and lack of treatment response. Sending positive energy and good vibes your way. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I was unaware of the nasal spray option, I'm evaluating IV therapy. I hope this medication provides you with some relief, especially those mind-bending hallucinations :). I will check the post regularly to read your updates. Finger, toes, and eyes-crossed for your success!
Michelle
njenkinson
4 March 2017
Update:
My first Ketamine nasal spray dosing round was 4 sprays within 36 hours from 2/18-2/19 and I didn't have any reaction. After reading up on some studies and others' experience, it seems that any positive effect is felt about a half-hour after the first dose. I spoke to my psychiatrist, who suggested that for 2/25-2/26 I increase to 6 sprays within 36 hours. I didn't find any benefit after that round either. My next dosing would be 2 weeks after that, 3/11-3/12. I see the Dr. this coming Tuesday and we'll discuss whether or not I'll continue.
Blessed716
5 March 2017
HI Njenkinson,
I'm sorry to read your response is sub-optimal. I kept finger and toes crossed and checked daily for your response. I hope this is just a delayed onset and you will find some relief with this therapy. Is IV Ketamine an option? The limited research seems to favor this method of delivery versus nasal or oral. If possible, and your comfortable this may be an option. The psychotropic hamster wheel can be discouraging. I'm currently off Lexapro, it made me feel worse. I see my doctor tomorrow and I have no idea what is left in the arsenal. SSRIs and SNRIs are off the table. She discussed Sam-e last visit but, not enthusiastically. She did prescribe Ashwangandha 500mg twice daily for my anxiety. So far, I'm doing okay without the need for Xanax (horrible rebound anxiety). Thanks again for the update! I'm looking forward to your next post. Take care..
njenkinson
15 March 2017
Hi Michelle,
My psychiatrist isn't sure Ketamine is going to work for me based on my lack of response. We did briefly discuss IV administration. He doesn't have any experience with it, so there were some unanswered questions.
In the past, I'd also tried orthomolecular medicine (5-HTP, GABA, L-Phenylalanine, though not SAM-e yet). My problem with the antidepressants hasn't been side-effects as much as a lack of response, although I did gain a bunch of weight while taking Effexor. It's incredibly frustrating. I do take Klonapin for anxiety, usually not more than once/day (I took myself off of Xanax years ago - same problem as you described).
I will continue to check here for updates and look forward to hearing how you're doing.
Nancy
Stephen Treloar
13 Feb 2017
I'm not sure if this qualifies but I do suffer from quite unpleasant depression most of the time. A few years ago I had some surgery where they used a Fentanyl/Ketamine combo for analgesia. It had no impact on my state of mind but it was good for what it was being used for.
Blessed716
14 Feb 2017
Hello Stephen, and thank you for your response. Ketamine has been touted as the newest "wonder" agent against Treatment Resistant Depression. Because of its dissociative properties, I wondered if anyone got any lasting relief. Or worse, when the series of infusions were complete was the rebound depression worse than prior? This is my first bout of both depression and anxiety and both are pretty severe. I'm probably expecting too much but, I want to feel better overnight.
Thanks again for your feedback.
SteveSSK
20 Feb 2020
In response to : BL Blessed716 14 Feb 2017
When the series of infusions were complete was the rebound depression worse than prior?
There was nothing negative about the ketamine, in contrast to ECT which left my body more agitated. Ketamine was a gentle experience and going forward I applied this principle toward healing- focusing on the energies of kindness/tenderness and disengaging from harshness, wherever I found it. Everyone's struggle is their own so be open to others but listen most to your responses and inner knowing. A journal was good for me, as it showed patterns I wouldn't have noticed otherwise. Having simple practices and play helped me, getting away from the doing ('just do it') that marked my younger days. Paying attention to breath, mantras/prayers that resonate, music, and marijuana.
"I want to feel better overnight". I can relate so easily to this, silently screaming out for relief. The 'good' thing about suffering is how it deepens compassion but for awhile I was entangled in a combination of anger/depression. I was focused on not unduly engaging in harm (to myself or others) and that helped as well. Be patient and kind to yourself, this is the heaven you can provide amidst the hell of suffering.
KHughes1969
18 May 2020
Steven- I had my first infusion Saturday and have not noticed a change. Hoping that the second or third infusion I will be able to tell more.
Related topics
depression, ketamine, infusion
Further information
- Ketamine uses and safety info
- Ketamine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Ketamine (detailed)
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