Ketamine Infusion drip
Hello community. Ah so sad. But I am reaching out as you are all so wonderfully supportive. I have a friend that gets a Ketamine drip every 8 weeks for depression and her doctor told me that it is very effective for persistent TN pain. I see that it is utilized in the UK. Any thoughts on this efficacy in the States? Gosh, will try anything.
Its a ways away. Janssen Pharmaceutical’s drug esketamine was put on fast track for approval last fall. The studies aren’t good so far. Understand that it is available at 2000.00 a pop (and multiple infusions necessary) and no insurance coverage for “pain” Its reputation as the street drung “Special K” isn’t helping. FWIW it was used by the US Army back in the 70’s but the hallucinogenic effects were too great so its use was pretty much discontinued except as an anesthetic in Veterinary hospitals and maintaining comas.
I had a ketamine infusion done this year.
I have shared my experience on the forum before.
It was an extremely positive experience for my depression, it helped me a bit with anxiety but it did nothing for pain. Of course, for positive results you need multiple infusions whereas i only had one.
There has been serious research done on this compound and it has helped people come back from suicidal depression. What I am concerned about is the lack of data backing its use for TN pain.
If I could afford it i would definitely go for it! I would have nothing to lose except a bit of my depression.
Good luck!
Thank for replying. I have heard similar results for depression, but not for pain. All options are worth exploring and imploring. May your pain be manageable haach.
Christine
Hi J,S and TJ. Yes, ketamine a bad rap. Bummer as it prevents smart drug studies when it is indeed an excellent well-tolerated anesthetic. Oh well, worth an ask. Thanks for responding. Be well.
Christine
Its been used for close to 50 years as an anesthetic. Its just not faring well for pain management. It actually is doing worse than placebo. Jannsen has poured big bucks into the studies.
I strongly urge you to contact Dr. Mitchell Cohen at Jefferson hospital to learn more about ketamine for TN therapy. He just spoke to the Philadelphia TN support group on this and other, related TN topics.
Hi guys I currently take 36 pills a day for severe atypical TN. My newest is oral ketamine. This has worked amazingly.
Clare, can you elaborate more about your situation? What kind of ATN do you have? What medicines are you currently taking and how much? Glad to hear this is working for you.
Hi, I have trigeminal both sides of my face and also have tmj. I currently take pregablin, baclofen, tramadol, tegretol, paracetamol, narproxen and sertraline. Hate taking them all. Also have crossover symptoms of Ms, ME and fibromyalgia. Need to wait to see neurologist and pain specialist again.