I’m Ready to Snort

[I_LOVE_TACOS]

Has anyone tried Spravato? I want to hear about your experiences.

I have had depression all my life and it seems to get worse as I age. I just had the worst depressive episode ever. I quit my job and laid on the couch for a month. I think I took 3 baths and couldn’t find the energy to wash my hair. My hair became so matted that it took 3 days (with my mother’s help) to get it combed out. My husband demanded a divorce so I’m with my parents now- and I just turned 50!

Needless to say, I have treatment resistant MDD and crazy social anxiety. I have found a psychiatrist about an hour and 45 minutes from me that is certified to administer Spravato. I go for my consultation Friday. I pray that this is the answer.

What about you?

[gajh]

Hello and Welcome. I did try Spravato. I am sorry to say that it did not help me, but I definitely think it is worth trying. Because it did not help, they did TMS Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. That only helped a little bit. I had the best results from LENS Low Electrical Neurofeedback System. It did not take away the depression completely, but it allowed me to make progress. I still suffer from depression, but I am doing much better and feel pretty stable. I still have fatigue and no motivation, but I don't struggle to get out of bed anymore. I wish you the best of luck with Spravato.

[I_LOVE_TACOS in reply to gajh]

Thank you so much for your reply and being honest with your opinion. I truly appreciate it. Did you not get any relief whatsoever from the Spravato? What is the time of dissociation like?

Getting out of bed is a HUGE accomplishment! Be proud of yourself each morning for fighting that vile monster we all know as depression! 👹

[gajh in reply to I_LOVE_TACOS]

No I did not get any relief whatsoever from the Spravato. The experience was wild. It was like I wasn't attached to my body at all. The first time, the doctor stayed with me and talked to me the whole time. After that I was just by myself. They would come to check on me and take my blood pressure. I just closed my eyes and "went away."

[I_LOVE_TACOS]

Oh wow! Did your insurance pay for the Spravato or did you sign up on the website for a reduced cost? I’m pretty sure my insurance company is gonna have a seizure if they get a charge for it!

[gajh in reply to I_LOVE_TACOS]

My insurance did pay fortunately. Definitely check with yours, they just might.

[I_LOVE_TACOS]

Well, my insurance won’t pay for it; however, I went to see a renowned psychiatrist that’s about 100 miles from me. He is doing a clinical trial with ketamine taken orally. He said I’m definitely a candidate. The trial lasts 8 weeks. I won’t know if I get a sugar pill or the real med. After the trial is completed, I will be given 8 weeks of oral ketamine and it’s all free! Actually, I will get paid for participating in the clinical trial! That was encouraging for me. I hate to put all my eggs in one basket but, I really hope this med will help me. I’m in a fog that’s been hanging around since March. I’m ready for it to GO!

[gajh in reply to I_LOVE_TACOS]

That is awesome that you can be in the trial. When does it start?

[I_LOVE_TACOS in reply to gajh]

I have to go see a practitioner tomorrow to make an adjustment on my blood pressure med because it was 160/104 when I went for my consultation. I was very anxious and I’m sure that had something do with it. The psychiatrist told me ketamine raises blood pressure and a requirement of the trial is to have BP no greater than 140/90.

Once I see my practitioner, I’ll be cleared to start the trial. He said a nurse from his office will call me this week to go over things and set a date to start.

I’m so glad I’ll get to try ketamine. I’ve been on so many meds throughout the years and I’ve been holding out hope that this will work.