Ketamine

[gabrielleblue]

I am a Brit living the US and this has just been mentioned to be as a potential cure for my treatment resistant depression. I am very cautious as I don't like taking any kind of medication. I was wondering if anyone had any thought and opinions on whether it is safe and non-addictive and likely to work. It is not covered by insurnce, so I will have to pay around $500 per treatment. Thank you.

well that is odd, as far as I know Ketamine goes for about a tenner a go on the black market.
it's a horse anaesthetic. What more do you need to know?
Who on earth has been suggesting this?

It can have nasty effects on the bladder. Google "ketamine bladder" for more info

I believe there have been some successful trials for the use of Ketamine in depression. I should ask your health care provider for a full list of side effects and information on addictiveness. A good drugs information website might also list whether it has both physical and psychological dependence factors, although of course using it in a prescribed dose for short term treatment is different than street use. Good luck with your depression - have you tried traditional anti-depressants? I think any medicine has the best chance of helping when combined with talking, social contact, productive routine, healthy and sufficient eating and moderate exercise. But must be frustrating if nothing helps.

the bladder thing only happens with habitual users AFAIK.
You try to piss and only a blob of jelly appears...

Dull And Old - the counsellor I saw yesterday. She said it would be difficult to make any headway with talking therapires/cognitive behaviour work because my depression seems so severe. Its given intravenously in a clinic.

BrownTurkey - thank you for replying.I have tried the traditional medication but I have never received benefit, so I stopped taking it. Then I've been prescribed different ones and so on. Then a psychiatrist wondered if I hadnt been misdiagnosed and thought I mght have bipolar condition and therefore the medication would have been wrong all along and so of course wouldn't have worked. I'm just so exhausted and confused and scared. I have suffered desperate lows over the last 15 years or so and I don't think I can take any more.

I was just reading something about this the other day - I think it’s in a textbook I have at home. Posting here to remind me to look it up for you later.

There are a LOT of other treatments licenced though that I’d consider before ketamine. I know you said you’ve tried a lot of meds before - I know the feeling!

If you’re into proper clinical papers here’s a recent journal review article about use of ketamine for depression

There's a new treatment where they insert a sort of chip somewhere. I just can't remember where☹️

It's meant to be really good for refractory depression. Sorry l can't tell you any more than this.

I have had ketamine in hospital as a pain medication, only for a week, seemed ok

Thank you all for responding. I am just so desperate. I dont see a way out of this depression ever.

Sounds like a horrible time 😞. Do you agree it might be bipolar? In which case you could try those meds first. Though I understand you would be reluctant. My advice would be try to really reduce the pressure and expectation on yourself while you seek a worthwhile treatment plan - clear the decks as much as you can and try to be objective about whether it will work or not. Be kind to yourself too in the decisions you make.

A good friend was part of a clinical trial for this and it has worked in some ways, but it has been incredibly closely monitored and it's got very considerable risks. Do make sure it's all above board and you will be fully looked after.