Posted by jrbecker76 on February 5, 2013, at 23:24:16
In reply to Ketamine: it's working, posted by brynb on February 5, 2013, at 18:08:31
> I just returned from my third Ketamine treatment. I received 3 IM injections today. During the treatment, I feel great, euphoric and, dare I say, happy.
>
> I'm exhausted right now. It wipes me out. I'll be going in for another round this Friday. So far I've had a total of 7 injections. After Friday, we'll see where I'm at, and then determine how many more treatments are necessary to treat this current depressive episode (which has been plaguing me for a good 2 months) and what will be necessary for maintenance if it's determined that it is indeed the course to stay on.
>
> I'll say this: the fog has lifted. I'm getting out of bed. I'm showering. I'm leaving my apartment for short walks. I still have a very short attention span, little patience and irritability, but for now, that's acceptable considering how bad off I've been.
>
> Here's my current regimen, pdoc approved, which is working:
>
> -2 Ketamine treatments a week (usually 2 injections), going forward tbd
> -50-100mg of Tramadol in the morning (for pain and antidepressant effects; it works similarly to and perhaps synergystically with Ketamine)
> -15mg of Deplin with breakfast
> -20mg of Lexapro before bed
> -20mg of Valium for sleep, 10 mg during the day if need be for anxiety
>
> It's not as streamlined as I'd like, but it's working. And it's taking a lot of energy and effort on my part, but it's making a HUGE difference to work with an optimistic pdoc who thinks out of the box and isn't afraid to try and stick with what's working.
>
> Hope my fellow babblers are faring well.
>
> -bGlad to hear it's working. We're all cheering for you.
What meds did this new doc add in, if anything, besides the ketamine? I know you mentioned the Deplin but wondering if he prescribed the Ultram.
Are you finding that the irritability and attention span is worse since the treatment began or just the same as before? I recall reading in a report on bipolar depression case studies using ketamine treatment that irritability and cognitive dysfunction were reported side effects.
How long would you say the side effects that you might be feeling (including the sleepiness/exhaustion) are lasting after each injection?
Keep us updated!
JB
poster:jrbecker76
thread:1036949
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20130205/msgs/1037473.html