Considering Ketamine Infusions for Depression

There's another thread started recently regarding dissociation under Anxiety, I left an extensive comment regarding definitions of "dissociation" but feel free to DM to save yourself the legwork, bc i back up my copy.

Yes, my insurance did pay for it! The clinic I used is one of the only ones I’ve found that takes insurance, and they have locations in a few states in the IS. Dissociation is hard to describe… for me it was like I wasn’t fully experiencing life, like I was floating above my body just watching things happen. I didn’t have access to my full range of emotions (and generally I’ve been a person with a lot/large emotions). I’ve heard that it’s usually a coping mechanism the brain uses to deal with trauma. A lot of people dissociate every once in a while for short periods, which is normal, but I was in the void (as I liked to call it) for years. Message me if you have more questions about Ketamine, happy to chat :)

That's sounds amazing, and I am a recovering opiate addict so I have a high tolerance to meds. too. One thing I'm worried about is I go to Oklahoma every 4 to 5 months for 2 about 6 or 7 weeks. So what would I do then? Will they give you doses to take home for situations like that? And read an ad on Facebook about the hallucinations, it was an ad for the ketamine treatment some new clinic I think. Anyway thank you so much, you have given me hope. I will definitely check it out.

It's not a hallucinogenic, so whatever you "heard" is blatantly incorrect. It's a dissociative, so you will feel similar to how you've ever felt when on "too much cough medicine" is the easiest way to describe to anyone who hasnt experimented with drugs. Ketamine is absolutely amazing for me. A god-send. Just a pepper shake worth will take me to a place that I can only describe as "what I imagine other people feel like when they're asked how they're doing and they reply: 'good!'" It makes me as close to anything I'd ever describe as "happy," or "complacent," as I've ever felt. It just meltx away worries, slows the adhd dynamo, and makes me feel generally connected to other living things and social with human people in a positive way. But, I'm not using it clinically. So I can't relay actual dosage, but I can say that about 1/32nd—1/16th of 1g will be enough for one "treatment" of a couple extremely-small "doses" and the effects last for weeks. Like, 4-8 weeks of a much, much higher baseline, and much higher tolerance for frustration. From an autist's perspective.

What is dissociating I meant lol

That's awesome I'm glad your feeling better. Dissociating? Does your insurance pay for your treatment?

In my experience ketamine is very impactful. I did 7 infusions over 3 weeks and now do booster sessions occasionally. I went for depression, anxiety, pain but had also been dissociating for 6ish years 24/7. After the 3rd or 4th session I started to come out of the dissociation. I still struggle with depression, but now I actually feel other feelings outside of anxious or depressed. I’m also grieving the years that I was dissociated, not an easy journey but I’m grateful that I tried ketamine and am actually experiencing life now. Even when it’s hard :) 💛

Omg that is so helpful, what if you have to go out of town and you won't be back when it's time for your dose, what do you do?

Here is a link to the group - join it and read as much as you can. It’s filled with amazing people that are all so supportive. https://www.facebook.com/groups/781893918621316/?ref=share

I’ve been doing ketamine infusions for 2 years. They have saved my life. I’ve never found an antidepressant that has ever helped me. I started by doing the recommended 6 infusions over two weeks and then I do booster infusions every 6-8 weeks. It’s a tough journey to find the right doctor and can be expensive as most insurances do not cover it for mental health. Once suggestion I have is to seek out a medication called Spravato. It’s a medication taken nasally that is ketamine like (esketamine). I say ketamine “like” as it contains half of the molecules that make up ketamine (can go into more detail, but that’s a summary). It is covered by insurance and you take it at your doctors office and have to stay for 2 hours. I’m happy to discuss further with what I have learned in this journey - but there is an amazing Facebook community that is filled with people that have a wealth of knowledge and experience with ketamine infusions. There is also a Facebook community for Spravato as well.

Best treatment for depression. I have done multiple IV infusions and I have them use a very slow infusion rate, I usually take someone with me so I have someone to talk to or listen to a podcast or watch a show. The crazy side effects only happen when the infusion rate is to fast.

That's honestly what I am worried about.^ Adverse reactions/ bad experiences

My sister used ketamine I think it was for pain management but she said it was the worst experience of her life. She was hallucinating and hearing terrifying sounds

I really want to try it but I'm scared and I have a lot of questions

Are you still on it? I read you will have hallucinations when they give it to you.

i didnt do infusions but rather the nasal spray, it’s worked wonders for me! reach out if you have questions!

I’ve considered but haven’t tried yet!