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No, but I want to badly!!!  My pdoc won't let me because of all the meds I am on.  There is even a place here close by where I live that does it.  It isn't covered by insurance either, but I so want to try it!

 

Let us know how it works out!

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Hmmmm ok so there seems to be some interest about this so I'll give you guys the low-down on what happened today...

 

I went into the clinic at 12.30 and ten minutes later I was in a small room having my blood pressure taken and my oxygen saturation done which was all fine...

 

Then the nurse pulled out a needle and told me he would be injecting it under the skin on the back of my arm, it stung a little bit when he injected it in, but nothing too bad at all really...

 

Then he said he would be back to check on me in 15 minutes and closed the door of the cubicle... it was very private etc... a small room with a chair...

 

So I lay back and didn't really feel anything until about 10 minutes in and then I started to feel a little woozy and then I started to feel warm and I then I just started to smile... like I couldn't help smiling for some reason and then I was giggling..... and I remember thinking at the time, I should try to stop smiling and laughing, so I was still aware of what I was doing...

 

Ummm then I closed my eyes and to be honest I was feeling and seeing waves and basically it was all pretty trippy... but it wasn't too intense at all..... and I always knew where I was etc, it was pleasant actually.... I can see why people abuse this drug as a party drug (the dose they give you at the clinic is very low compared to people who abuse it).

 

Then the nurse came back in and took my blood pressure again.... and then left me for another 40 minutes and then I got up myself and sat in the chair and eventually another 10 minutes later stepped out into the waiting room... and I sat there for about 30 minutes longer.... this is when I felt nauseous and the nurse said this is normal, to feel nauseous but to not actually vomit... which I didn't and it was not overwhelming....

 

I kind of started to feel more and more normal and then the Dr came and talked to me and said I could go and so I did... and got picked up and driven home by my sister....

 

I did "talk a lot" like I was just talking about lots of things and said things about stuff.... nothing embarrassing but just talking.... also I did feel a little paranoid... I think it was because I knew I was talking and was like oh I really don't want to talk this much but it was fine overall... pretty mild.... I would suggest you have someone with you when you go to be there and support you when you are out of the small room...

 

I spoke to the ladies at the reception desk on the way out and they were surprised I was ready to leave already... they were like "wow you recovered quickly" so yeah I think it really depends on the person....

 

Took me probably another 3 hours to feel completely normal..... and now I feel a little tired and a bit "down" to be honest, actually I feel a little scratchy..... like I could be annoyed easily, BUT I know I will sleep well and tomorrow I am supposed to feel better... and then in two days I am supposed to notice a real difference in focus and mood.....

 

I have another injection next Tuesday and apparently everyone is different, like it is very individual how many injections you need to feel a real permanent change.....

 

The only thing I would say is that next time I would take my time and ask them to leave me in that cubicle by myself for longer and I think I would take in my iPod and play some nice music next time and try and enjoy the experience a bit more... also its supposed to be less intense after the first time.....

 

I will update again tomorrow if people are interested and let you know how I am tracking.... x


I have never tried this. But I hope it helps you my dear chickenlips! I am crossing my fingers and toes for you!!!!!! <3

 

Thanks Cheese!! xxxx

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It's experimental in the US, but if you can get it then great. I wish you luck.

 

I don't think it is experimental anymore here ... there are places all over that do this ...

 

http://www.ketamineadvocacynetwork.org/46-2/

 

 

Yeah it is not experimental as such anymore.... here is an article (recent) from Australia... (where I live of course)

 

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-21/ketamine-hailed-as-new-treatment-for-long-term-depression/6032306

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Thanks for the update!  I'm going to tell my pdoc about this.  He knows about it but doesn't know anyone who has had it before.

 

Good luck Melissa... just so you know the Dr. at the clinic said that you can keep taking anti-depressant/some anti psychotic treatments AND have the injections...... so go for it....  :) x

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Thanks for the update!  I'm going to tell my pdoc about this.  He knows about it but doesn't know anyone who has had it before.

 

Good luck Melissa... just so you know the Dr. at the clinic said that you can keep taking anti-depressant/some anti psychotic treatments AND have the injections...... so go for it....   :) x

 

 

I wish I could ... it isn't covered by insurance.  I'll have to talk to my pdoc about it more though.  Thanks for the information!

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Ok... update for today.....

 

I woke up after actually sleeping really well, actually heavily all night! 

 

But I did wake up with a mild headache.... I think this may be due to being a bit dehydrated due to sleeping so long.... so I have drunk lots of water....

 

Here is the thing though.... I actually DO feel "something".... I know that sounds vague.... but the best way to clarify this is to say that I feel a general slight level of positivity....

 

Is it the placebo affect????? This is what concerns me..... I did ask the Dr. in the pre-treatment interview about that and he said it is possible but that you can't "placebo" greater focus and improved concentration..... so....

 

To be honest I feel.... more.... hopeful.....? Like I have been lifted a little out of my mental fog.....!! Nice!

 

So that is this morning.... I'll let you know how the day goes and if I feel anything more tomorrow....

 

Also I have study and writing to do for uni today so will see if I can get through that ok.... xx


 

 

Thanks for the update!  I'm going to tell my pdoc about this.  He knows about it but doesn't know anyone who has had it before.

 

Good luck Melissa... just so you know the Dr. at the clinic said that you can keep taking anti-depressant/some anti psychotic treatments AND have the injections...... so go for it....   :) x

 

 

I wish I could ... it isn't covered by insurance.  I'll have to talk to my pdoc about it more though.  Thanks for the information!

 

 

FYI Melissa its an "off label" drug now.... its so old that ALL of the patents have run out.... therefore it is cheap in comparison to novel or more recent patented drugs.... its up to the clinic how much they charge... again.. good luck... x

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Glad you are feeling a bit better. Only time will tell whether it is the placebo effect or a real effect. In any case, it's good that you are feeling better.

 

Thanks jt..... agreed.... lets see what happens...  :) Hopeful.....   x

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I'm so happy to hear that it seems to be helping! I'm reading along and hope it continues to help. Also hope your studying goes well today.

Much love xx

 

Ahhhhh Melli..... how I love thee.... thanks for your kindness and thoughts... kisses to you.... mwah! xxx

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Chickenlips .... each infusion costs $500 here, with no insurance coverage (you could *try* for reimbursement).  I just went to the website to check it out.  And seeing that my DR wont let me do it (you need a licensed practitioner to refer you and fill out a form), I'm kind of stuck.  But I did email him to let him know how you did and what it was like.

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Ok - so its day three and I have to be honest and say that by yesterday arvo I was Mr. Cranky Pants..... slept for an hour, heavily, then woke up and was back in bed three hours later... slept like a LOG all night and am feeling good this morning...

 

I am supposed to have two treatments a week, for four weeks... but I am not sure I could DO 2 a week.... I still have my Tuesday appointment next week which I will keep.

 

This is a try it over a few times and then see how it goes thing... I do feel a bump in mood today, but I can't say that it will last or define it any better than that at the moment....

 

I will post again next Tuesday when I have my second injection... x

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Chickenlips .... each infusion costs $500 here, with no insurance coverage (you could *try* for reimbursement).  I just went to the website to check it out.  And seeing that my DR wont let me do it (you need a licensed practitioner to refer you and fill out a form), I'm kind of stuck.  But I did email him to let him know how you did and what it was like.

 

OMG.... I am just gonna say it... your American medical system sucks balls... (no offence)... seeing my Dr's and PDOCS and TDOCS is free for me here in Oz and the treatment is AU $120 per treatment on concession... there are a number of "test sites" and if it gets listed on Medicare PBS it will cost $5.00 per treatment.... I spent over a month in hospital two years ago and it cost me $20.00... no "insurance" like you guys have to have, all for free.... I feel bad that your system is so unbalanced and seems to be biased towards the working and wealthy! 

 

Move to Oz Melissa!!! ;)

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Hows it going, Chickenlips?  Do you still feel an effect from the first time?

 

(my pdoc got in touch with the ketamine place and they said no to helping me because they said it makes hallucinations worse; even though we already know that anesthesia helps me. It wasn't covered by insurance either, and the "financial aid" they offered was a 15% discount for veteran's).

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  • 1 month later...
  • 1 month later...

Hey chickenlips,

I did ketamine treatment & was fortunate that I was able to do a compounded form in a nasal spray (I actually did it under my tongue 'cause it took too long to absorb through my nose). Also with the nasal, you kinda break into a little slower instead of getting high right away - took it twice a day the first week & increased the dose each time. 

Unfortunately, it did for me what most antidepressants do - started to help and then my body acclimated to it within a month and it wasn't as effective anymore. I'm not the norm though (ECT stopped helping after a couple of months of 3x/wk treatments), so I'm hoping it is working for you still.  Are you still doing the treatments? If so, how is it working for you? 

By the way, I talked A LOT too. It was kinda funny 'cause I knew I was, but either didn't care or couldn't stop. Lol 

Another by the way for anyone wondering, the compounded med was cheaper than the injection (probably because you're not paying someone to administer it). I think I paid something like $120 for a bottle and the bottle has 600 doses. But keep in mind, you'll need more than one dose a day usually. The concentration can be changed for each bottle as well so you can use fewer doses per day. The compound was the only way I was able to try it because I don't live anywhere near the docs who prescribe it. 

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  • 7 months later...

My pdoc is looking in to starting ketamine infusions at their office with an anesthesiologist ; the closest clinic to me is over 700 miles away.

It will be interesting to see if the FDA approves ketamine for treatment resistant depression, and insurance companies will start to cover the treatments.

Ketamine is cheap; what costs so much is the infusion and 1-2 hours of monitoring that takes place after the infusion

If ketamine is approved by the FDA now, then in 1-2 years the second wave of glutamate/NMDA medications will hopefully appear on the market.

 

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  • 3 months later...

Here in Canada, Ketamine is prescribed frequently at the ER as a second line treatment for pain. However, when I was at Homewood (Rehab center) the main pdoc I saw said that Ketamine IS prescribed for pscyhiatric patients if the pdoc feels they need Ketamine. So, it is not unheard of at all to get a Ketamine prescription if that's what you need.

The stigma around it actually has died down in the psychiatric industry, even with its relatively high abuse potential. I have tried K before and I can tell you at high doses it feels like you're literally floating above the ground while you are just "Walking" apparently. Also, when you lie down in bed, you can feel as though you are "falling" down, down and down while lying in the bed, like you are being pulled down. All of that though is accompanied by a very calm, peaceful feeling. Almost hypnotic in a sense.

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Oh yeah ok I am a crazy on the internet but I know of many practioners who have tried very very hard to get this in US and never has been approved 

I have heard good things about it and some bad but if it's working that's awesome

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You can get Ketamine infusions in Los Angeles California - there are places set-up for people to go to.

Just google it.

It's like $3,000.00 a session and it only last a few days, maybe 3 days.

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You can also get ketamine treatments in a bunch of places in the Boston, MA area, as well as other places nearby (ie suburbs, north shore, etc) in MA also.  When I looked into this before, it was not covered by insurance.

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  • 3 weeks later...
1 minute ago, lifequake said:

Thread revival and any new chatter? 

I'm trying ketamine on Friday.

My only hope is that it will buy me a bit of time...

Hi Lifequake!  Are you okay?  When you say you hope it will buy you time do you mean that you are deeply depressed or am I missing something?  

I hope it goes well with the K.  Someday I'd like to try it- maybe I'll need it when I go through menopause about 10 years from now.  Who knows.  

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12 hours ago, lifequake said:

Thread revival and any new chatter? 

I'm trying ketamine on Friday.

My only hope is that it will buy me a bit of time...

I hope the ketamine goes well for you.  I'd be interested what the process is like and how you feel afterwards.

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I'm only 5 hours post-treatment, so I will wait to update about efficacy through the week. 

Short-term/immediate remarks: No suicidal ideation, feelings of comfort/calmness, slight interest in doing things, no mania or agitation.

Process was 1 injection of 10 cc every 10-15 min to total 3 injections.  Amount to be billed to insurance: $350.

Edited by lifequake
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On ‎7‎/‎7‎/‎2015 at 8:58 PM, Technomoron said:

Hey chickenlips,

I did ketamine treatment & was fortunate that I was able to do a compounded form in a nasal spray (I actually did it under my tongue 'cause it took too long to absorb through my nose). Also with the nasal, you kinda break into a little slower instead of getting high right away - took it twice a day the first week & increased the dose each time. 

Unfortunately, it did for me what most antidepressants do - started to help and then my body acclimated to it within a month and it wasn't as effective anymore. I'm not the norm though (ECT stopped helping after a couple of months of 3x/wk treatments), so I'm hoping it is working for you still.  Are you still doing the treatments? If so, how is it working for you? 

By the way, I talked A LOT too. It was kinda funny 'cause I knew I was, but either didn't care or couldn't stop. Lol 

Another by the way for anyone wondering, the compounded med was cheaper than the injection (probably because you're not paying someone to administer it). I think I paid something like $120 for a bottle and the bottle has 600 doses. But keep in mind, you'll need more than one dose a day usually. The concentration can be changed for each bottle as well so you can use fewer doses per day. The compound was the only way I was able to try it because I don't live anywhere near the docs who prescribe it. 

I was wondering how did you "get" the compound form, since there were no doctor's nearby? I looked into Ketamine clinics in the bigger cities, but right off the bat, I knew I wasn't going to be able to afford it. However this nasal spray thing, I've never heard of, and it sounds interesting.

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6 hours ago, lifequake said:

I'm only 5 hours post-treatment, so I will wait to update about efficacy through the week. 

Short-term/immediate remarks: No suicidal ideation, feelings of comfort/calmness, slight interest in doing things, no mania or agitation.

Process was 1 injection of 10 cc every 10-15 min to total 3 injections.  Amount to be billed to insurance: $350.

Sounds good so far.  Look forward to the updates, and hope it continues to help you feel no suicidal ideation, calmness, etc

Is this a one-time thing?  Or an every week or 2 weeks treatment?

Insurance covers it?!

 

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1 minute ago, melissaw72 said:

Sounds good so far.  Look forward to the updates, and hope it continues to help you feel no suicidal ideation, calmness, etc

Is this a one-time thing?  Or an every week or 2 weeks treatment?

Insurance covers it?!

 

Playing it by ear with pdoc.  If indicated, I assume the treatment will be repeated in the next couple weeks.  I will continue to work on maintenance cocktail for BP and use PRN's as needed.

Bill will be invoiced/coded as a regular med appt + psychotherapy, which is fabulous.

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1 hour ago, lifequake said:

Playing it by ear with pdoc.  If indicated, I assume the treatment will be repeated in the next couple weeks.  I will continue to work on maintenance cocktail for BP and use PRN's as needed.

Bill will be invoiced/coded as a regular med appt + psychotherapy, which is fabulous.

That is incredibly creative of how it can be billed to the insurance people!

I hope you continue to feel all the benefits!

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1 week post-treatment: 

-The gains have been subtleThe depressive component has been toned down. 

-I've been home alone the majority of the week and felt safe.  That was not the case before the treatment.

Conclusion: As a quick, crisis-intervention, I'd call it a success.  I consider it a player in the ECT and TMS line-up.

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  • 4 weeks later...

How permanent is the permanent anti depressiveness of this drug??? Like are we talking I get ketamine treatment twice a week for a month and then months or years later I feel less depressed? 

I'm so interested in this now if it can help to alleviate depression, I've always just thought ketamine was a party drug... 

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Ketamine's action is short lived,  2 weeks. Needs a repeat then. It does not have a lasting effect on depression so it is better for the short term. Recently there was a discovery that it is not ketamine that has the antidepressant effects but  metabolite of ketamine. Hopefully now that we know what in Ketamine causes the short lived lifting of depression a longer acting formulation can be found.

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Pdoc and I found out that if a person wants ketamine here they can not have a diagnosis of SZ, SZA, (and I think a couple other diagnoses).  If so they refuse to do it.  Pdoc filled out the form on-line, sent it in (was an email type thing) and that was how we found out about this.  They emailed back saying that with SZ, SZA, they would not treat me with ketamine.  I think my pdoc screwed me over writing that email (somehow), but the end result was that I couldn't get it because of my diagnoses. 

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  • 3 months later...

I have been surprised that there has not been more chatter on the boards about ketamine for depression, as it has been reported by NPR and other mainstream media.  I tried to get into a clinical trail a couple of years ago, but it didn't work out because I would have had to have gone off Adderall cold turkey and that wasn't going to work. :-(.  It's unfortunate that the "abuse potential" seems to be so talked about.  From what I've read in NIMH studies, etc., this drug has real potential to help those of us who don't get relief from other modalities.  I'm used to being treated like a drug addict because I take Adderall for ADHD, and it's very annoying.  I wish this country would stop worrying about people abusing pharmaceuticals and worry more about other stuff-like maybe booze and cigarettes?  Of course with Trump in office, I may be losing my health insurance, so then I can just worry about trying to pay for meds, or stop taking them. Sigh. Never ends, does it folks?  Whoever said the American health care "system" sucks nailed it. It sure does suck. I personally think it should all be run by the government, single payer, perhaps even all doctors should have to work for the government at least for a while. It's shameful that a country as rich as this one (for some folks, at least) makes health care difficult or impossible for others to afford.  Digital scream. :wall::cussing:

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@CeruleanBlue Have you thought about checking if there are any new studies in your area? I don't know where you are but I just took a quick look at clinicaltrials.gov and looked at the exclusion criteria of a few and stimulants weren't listed as an exclusion (it still might be even if it's not listed on clinicaltrials.gov). Substance abuse has to be confirmed using a clinician-rated assessment like the MINI or SCID so they can't rule out just because they think you might be an addict because you take a stimulant for another condition. I'm not too familiar with interactions between ketamine and amphetamines but I came across an article that said it may produce psychotic-like symptoms in healthy individuals. I didn't read the full article but my guess is they're not permanent. 

And since we're on the topic of novel antidepressants, have you looked at psilocybin (magic mushrooms) trials? It's also being studied for treatment resistant depression. I'm not sure how many there are around the country but I know it's being done at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD.

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