Ketamine

[tiredswedge]

I've been reading more and more on the research with Ketamine for the treatment of depression and especially treatment resistant depression. They are getting closer getting it on the market (though closer means years instead of decades). Its kind of exciting because its been so long since any really new treatments have come along. Any thoughts?

[Hidden]

Goodness! We used Ketamine to sedate children so the Docs could perform procedures on them! It can easily kill you by causing you not to breathe if too much is taken. You would probably have to get it at the Psychiatrists office. The risk of overdosing would make it risky to have and take at home. It’s used too as a street/club drug and for date-rape. I think they’re still testing and it’s about 3-5 years out for FDA approval. We’ll have to see!!

[tiredswedge in reply to Hidden]

That's right. They are talking very small doses and it would have to highly regulated. But if it can bring relief, I'm all for the inconvenience of going to the psychiatrist office to get a shot or pill.

[Hidden in reply to tiredswedge]

I think it would have to be given intravenously or nasally. Yes! I think I would take it if it helped. It wouldn’t take 2-6 months for results, either!!

[Hidden in reply to tiredswedge]

I meant weeks! Oops!

[tiredswedge in reply to Hidden]

The waiting for new meds or new dosages to work is always rough.

[Hidden]

I just heard about this from my therapist in DBT? I think a clinic does that near me and I was like shoot, I’ll try anything. I’m reading a book right now on microdosing LSD!

[Marshall64]

There is a guy from support group that had to travel 5 hours to get it on Chicago. He was getting it for depression. He found an office here and won't have to travel. He was paying $500 A month. He said it is helping. He tried everything else.

[Lm92]

There's a physician in Florida who does this in office. It's a 10 day process that is given intravenously in small but effective doses that are diluted with saline solution and given over a few hours time. It's like he says in the information video, you essentially have to expect to just forget those 10 days of your life because you'll be out of it, but it completely resets your central nervous system. I'll see if I can find the link to the physician I saw.

[Lm92 in reply to Lm92]

floridaspineinstitute.com/t...

[dore13]

I have treatment resistant Depression, PTSD, Anxiety, and panic attacks. I did a Ketamine study at a hospital. After the study was done, the head of the psychiatry approached me and said,"I have a full roister, but I want to treat you." I had given up pretty much and, thought, what the hell. I had a LONG history of depression, and I had to prove or be on every psychiatric drug to show that it was non responsive, they actually hooked me to machines to show how the meds did not work. I also had ECT, which had no effect, other than wrecking my short term memory. Finally, after 2 years, they started me slowly on the Ketamine. I do not do an IV though, I do an IM shot once a week. I have to pay out of pocket, and I give myself the shot once a week. It was like being born again. I actually asked the doctors if this is how normal people feel. I went from someone who couldn't get out of bed, to someone who is about to start a business. There are only 3 people in my state that do IM Ketamine. I do believe the patient selection has to be extremely strict because the potential to abuse this drug ( Or any drug) is high. It would take one weak person to abuse the privilege to ruin it for so many others who desperately need help. I consider myself very fortunate, because I had no other options and I was near the end of my rope. The fact I was chosen for this, and it worked makes me feel that I have a great responsibility to use this med as prescribed and never do anything my doctor advises me not to do. For instance, there are some sinus meds that can interact with the ketamine so I cannot take them. Little things like that, as well as taking the shot as directed, I only regret this came along now, I am almost 50, over half my life was consumed and ruined by depression. I guess I have just look it at like it is better late then never! Please keep in mind, this drug does not work for everyone. It is just like any other drug, in that there will be people who respond to it, and people who won't. I hope everyone can find something that works for them, no one should live life with depression by their side.