Ketamine

[Suzyhayes]

Urgent advice sought on ketamine injections.

The pain clinic here in Avignon have proposed ketamine injections as the next step to relieve my neuropathic pain.

I have read about bad side effects to this drug so I am worried about having injections.

Has anyone here had them and what was the effect good or bad.

I need to make a decision very soon. Thanks

[RAYJAYC]

Hi Suzyhayes

I've only seen Ketamine being given in trauma cases but have heard some whispers about it being given for neuropathic pain.

In acute trauma it's marvellous; some of the most severe cases I've witnessed have immediately settled after being given it. I'd imagine the calculated lower doses that are given in chronic pain are pretty good too!

If you read the side effects of Paracetamol you'd probably not take it so whilst I understand your concern about them with Ketamine, I'm sure your doctor will go through them with you and help you make an informed decision.

I realise that this reply hasn't answered your request at all but I do understand the worries of what different medication can do/bring and how we look at the negatives too closely before the positives. I'm sure there'll be many more informative replies.......

Let us know what happens; it's a possible for a few on here and I expect there'll be a lot of interest!

RAYJAYC

[Suzyhayes in reply to RAYJAYC]

Thanks RAYJAYC. Are you in the medical profession?

Not quite sure what the connection is with paracetamol. Can you explain.

[RAYJAYC in reply to Suzyhayes]

I used to be a nurse but had to retire due to DDD, chronic pain etc, etc.......

I was stating that an everyday drug like Paracetamol has a long, long list of possible side effects yet thousands of people take it without thinking about them! Nothing sinister, just trying to explain that we wouldn't try or take anything if we read everything about a drug.

There has to be a compromise somewhere along the line; do the affects of a drug outweigh the side effects and vice versa. Hopefully you'll get some personal experiences posted so at least you'll get a tiny insight into Ketamine and chronic pain.

I'll be watching for replies as well as my neuropathic pain is horrendous too so always interested in others' anecdotal evidence!!

[earthwitch]

eek! I do know that ketamine has been used as an (illegal) recreational drug, but my only experience of it was a nightmare - not immediately I had it, but I think 12 hours (it might have been 24 hours) later when it was breaking down in my body, and the breakdown products of it almost caused me to become psychotic. I probably did get it at a higher dose than you would though, as it was used on me as a light general anaesthetic.

Can you ask them to explain in detail the possible side effects and reactions and what your risk of a negative reaction is. I believe ketamine is more likely to have an adverse reaction in children and the elderly (though I was in my 20's when I had it). I don't want to put you off totally, as it could be just what you need, but do ask a lot more questions and make sure you feel really comfortable about accepting it before you say yes. Make sure they have explained fully what the alternatives are, and why they are suggesting ketamine at this point.

[Suzyhayes]

Thanks for your advice Earthwich. I was already apprehensive about ketamine injections having read some negative comments on the Internet.

It is hard to know who to believe. Your experience sounds horrendous. what was the reason you were given ketamine. Were you having surgery? Was it only once and how long did the bad effects last. We're there any benefits.

Would like to know more if you have time to reply.

[Hidden]

I have been taking it orally for neuropathic pain for over 5 years now with no ill effects

[Suzyhayes]

Can you give me more details. How often and what form. Who prescribes it. How effective is it relieving your pain. Have you had ketamine injections which is what my pain clinic is suggesting.

If you have time would appreciate your advice. Thanks

[Suzyhayes]

What is LDN and CBD?

[Suzyhayes]

Some people say it is dangerous and has horendous side effects. Have you heard or read anything about ketamine injections for neuropathic pain.

[Suzyhayes]

Used for recovering alcoholics and opiad addiction but doesn't appear to relieve neuropathic pain does it?

[Boozybird]

Hi Suzy, I don't want to sound silly but kids do use it for recreational fun so there's that aspect and of course Dr House went into a ketamine induced coma for his chronic leg pain in the tv series... What have the French doctors told you to expect? Best wishes

[Kimm4]

I was on oral Ketamine for about 6 months and it did help. The only effect I noticed was feeling a bit high the odd time. More recently I was on a 24hr Ketamine infusion which helped a lot.

[Edub38 in reply to Kimm4]

Hi kimm4

I have just been prescribed ketamine lozenges. I have had 3 infusions that gave me relief for about a day...which i greatly appreciated. Can you please tell me a bit about the 24 hour infusion ? how much medicine did you get and how was the experience ?

[Kimm4 in reply to Edub38]

I only got relief For about 48 hours - unfortunately I can't remember what the dose was.

[Edub38 in reply to Kimm4]

The infusions that i have had only helped for about a day...i am anxiously awaiting these lozenges !

[Suzyhayes]

Can you tel me what was your medical condition. for how long did you get pain relief