Esketamine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• OwlsG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2021

Spravato (esketamine) for Major Depressive Disorder "I did Spravato for six weeks and it had zero effect on my depression, but did have several negative side effects. I became very aggressive and hostile. The actual process of taking the drug was a miserable experience. The taste was horrible and made me horribly nauseated. The entire experience was not worth it. Add to that I'm now fighting with the pharmacy that supplied the drug. I qualified for Janssens assistance and my portion should have been $10, but Alliance RX/Walgreens is billing me $1000."

• STOP
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2019

Spravato (esketamine) for Depression "I am astonished that this made FDA approval. In Emergency Room I was unknowingly given Ketamine IV last Fall and as it was being dripped I screamed for the RN with "What is that!!!" When he said "Ketamine" I said:" Get it out of me! I was told it was to "reset my brain" and I was not at all interested in that."

• Jackie
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2022

Spravato (esketamine) for Major Depressive Disorder "I just finished treatment #12 of Spravato today. I am 37 years old and am diagnosed with treatment resistant depression and Complex PTSD. I have been on at least 10 different types of anti-depressants over the past 15 years. I have also done TMS and IV ketamine treatments in the past 5 years. I would say that I am cautiously optimistic that the Sravato is starting to work. I have gone from sleeping 6 to 7 hours of the day + 8 to 9 hours at night bc I did not want to face life. Now I still sleep a full night but only take a 1 to 2 hour nap during the day. So I have increased energy and overall improved mood. I would say the biggest change has been in my suicidal ideation. I still have hard nights, but the intrusive thoughts are way less! As anyone who has been dealing with depression for years and years knows there is no one miracle cure. I would say overall though spravato is helping and thankfully, unlike IV ketamine treatments is covered by my insurance which is a huge blessing."

• Sadgurl
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2021

Spravato (esketamine) for Major Depressive Disorder "First dose was like a light switch flipped on and everything was in color again. Immediate end to all suicidal thoughts and ideations. Drastically improved sleep and I was able to reduce other medications as a result. The rest of the treatments were beneficial, as the dissociation helped me process trauma that I just couldn't do with therapy alone. No side effects except drowsiness the day of treatment"

• DanDan
• April 4, 2023

Spravato (esketamine) for Major Depressive Disorder "I’ve just had my 9th Spravato at 84mg. I have only today felt the effects on me. It was not a scary ‘trip’ but it wasn’t nice. I felt distressed and a bit ‘out of it’. For example, I have chronic lower back pain, I felt the pain but couldn’t feel my legs. I am trying to find the positive side of this in the fact that at least I did feel it. I was really worried that it wasn’t working at all. I now hope number 10 has an effect as well. They are talking about possibly moving me from the Spravato spray to Ketamine infusions. So I will update you as soon as I can. At the moment my mood is still desperately low and suicidal thoughts are paramount. I hope my next ‘review’ is a more positive one."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2023

Spravato (esketamine) for Depression "Hi, I have had MDD for years. I started to suffer from depression as an adolescent probably due to my environment and situations I had been exposed to. Anyway, I have been on just about every SSRI, SNRI and also antipsychotics and benzos for and most of my life. Currently on Trintellix. I have had four Spravato treatments so far. The first treatment was horrible. I relived traumatic experiences in my mind, and the physical effects were almost unbearable. I had such a frightening experience that the Dr was hesitant to have me come back. I am desperate, so we decided to have my spouse sit with me to help keep me in a positive state. This helped. However, I felt hungover the next day and couldn't think clearly. Next treatments only improved slightly, still very uncomfortable, I couldn't wait for the treatments to be done. On the eves of treatments I had very restless legs and had a panicky feeling. It's been two weeks and I don't feel any better, In fact, I feel a little worse."

• Emmer...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2022

Spravato (esketamine) for Major Depressive Disorder "Ok so I have only done it twice- the first time was 56mg, the second was 84mgs or whatever. I want to start off by saying I have a very long history of substance abuse, so something like “tripping” or “dosing” was not something I hadn’t experienced. Being on Spravato - I’ve never been so messed up in my life. Seriously, what in the world… At one point I thought I melted into a pool of something on the floor, and I could hear the air twitching. For me, the initial “high” lasts about 2 hours where you trip the hell out, hallucinate and completely dissociate- but the extreme dizziness and nausea is enough to knock me on my ass for an entire 2 days afterwards. I’m trying to decide since I have not yet felt any relief- if I’m going to continue. My doc says to give her a month of trying it before I stop, but the entire day of and next day I’m sick as anything. Hope some of you find relief with this stuff"

• Aileen
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2019

Spravato (esketamine) for Depression "I am scheduled to begin Spravado next week. I’m very nervous, but am desperate to lift this depression of seven years. It would be so helpful if more people would comment about their experiences with Spravado. I could use the input!"

• elandem
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2021

Spravato (esketamine) for Depression "I did a full month of treatments - 8 total at the 84 mg dose. I enjoyed the experience, however it did absolutely nothing to help my depression. I am going to try IV Ketamine infusions at some point, as I understand they are more effective for many reasons. I started with Spravato because it only cost $520 total for all 8 visits ($55 copay and $10 for Spravato thru the J&J program)."

• Hazel
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2024

Spravato (esketamine) for Major Depressive Disorder "I had my first Spravato session today, and it was terrifying. I took 56 mg. The room started spinning, I felt like I was going to throw up, everything turned into this loud noise and distorted visuals swirling around me. I had trouble keeping breathing. Suddenly I became afraid that this state would be permanent, that they had tricked me into taking the med. I became overwhelmingly sad because Spravato felt like my last chance and now I was dying from it. I felt lost, like I had ruined my brain and now was stuck with an unbearable situation. Finally, after maybe an hour and fifteen minutes, I started to come out of it. Now I'm really scared to have another session. Too soon to know if it's helping."

• David...
• December 1, 2021

Spravato (esketamine) for Depression "Bioavailability is a big issue with ketamine. Infusions provide 100%, intramuscular maybe 70% and Spravato, nasally 30%+. Unless you don’t swallow for several minutes after pressurized into nostrils. As it drains down your throat and if you don’t swallow the membrane in your mouth allows much greater absorption, much greater. The experience in much more pronounced which I only assume means more meds into your system and thus better outcome. Sure Seems to be working that way for me."

• goali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2021

Spravato (esketamine) for Depression "I have had Spravato three times--once with the lower dose; twice with the higher. It's difficult to leave a review knowing *everyone responds differently* (but hopefully with enough enjoying remitted depressive symptoms). I didn't notice anything my first two sessions, during or after. But my partner did (more positive/less irritable). On the third dose I did feel like more color was returning into my life, but that lasted for a day. This is not unusual: the medication supposedly builds up. The post-nasal drip is foul, but I've found that some candies work the best. I don't feel actually sick (although some people do). I didn't disassociate or have any reactions at all. I had ketamine for the main anesthesia ingredient during a major hip operation, and I came out of that surgery feeling great for a week even with the pain, so I'm hopeful continued use of its sibling will really help me. There is a question about whether maintenance really does need to be ongoing to keep the benefits."

• Mercury
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2022

Spravato (esketamine) for Major Depressive Disorder "I was diagnosed with MDD before 23 years, since then, I have used several antidepressants. I started Spravato sessions before 6 months. My Dr. Recommended 8 sessions (two 28mg doses on each sessions). I stopped the medication after the 5th session as the medication didn't work at all (ZERO benefit) and my Dr. has agreed with this."

• pfxtc
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2022

Spravato (esketamine) for Major Depressive Disorder "31 y/o, I have been tried on 30 meds over the last 6 years, tried rTMS as well with no results. Only thing that's ever helped is tramadol (for MDD). I'm also on klonopin as needed. I had one Spravato treatment today. It was the exact opposite of IV ketamine, which really didn't like and quit after 4 infusions. IV was COLD, clinical, and felt mean. Spravato, on the other hand, felt good. It felt very pleasant and WARM. I took the 84mg. I did not "trip" at all. I didn't on max dose IV ketamine either. Both felt like a drop in the water compared to DXM or DMT, but I didn't want to "get high", I want to feel less depressed. I think the klonopin attenuates it a bit. The experience was like a total couch lock. It was very pleasing. It felt like I was doing personal therapy in my mind along with the music. I was feeling words like creativity, and peace, and acceptance, and seeing troubling issues in my mind, like grief and loss, and was able to breathe through them. I am excited to keep going with Spravato."

• Mick
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2020

For Depression "I started taking Spravato nearly two months ago. Started at the 56 mg loading dose. At four weeks it had done nothing positive. So the doc upped it to the 84. First off that first double dose treatment had me on one hell of a trip. I really felt that I wasn’t coming back! After that treatment I was hung over, then treatment 2. After that I was sick as dog. Severe headaches and terrible nausea. Took me 5 days to recoup and as of today still with the headaches and nausea. Called the doc and stopped treatment altogether. I just can spend day after day feeling sick, not able to work, etc. This was a last ditch effort and now I don’t know just what I am going to do."

• TLAS
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 5, 2023

Spravato (esketamine) for Major Depressive Disorder "I am currently in the phase of getting the medication every two weeks. I am also taking Venlafaxine and Doxepin for sleep. Overall, I feel like the medication is helping, but I developed some vertigo symptoms like random dizziness, brain zaps, and brain fog. I am also in EMDR therapy as well. I don't see a 'regular' therapist. So my experience with the sessions is great because I meditate, then I fall asleep. It's like the medication is giving my brain a much-needed break. I do have varied dips between treatment sessions, especially now that they are farther apart. I feel like I got more of a benefit in the beginning because the treatment was more frequent. I feel at odds about this because I don't want to come off as an addicted person, but it does help me. I am too ashamed to admit this to my medical team. I have emotional blunting rather than down (to me, a plus). I wish I could do the treatments at home because I am more comfortable there. I am concerned about relapses."

• Eddie
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 22, 2020

For Depression "Have been in a esketamine trial for nearly two years. Has been quite helpful. I have experienced only one real bad downtime(when getting out of bed is difficult, etc..) and it was much shorter, a few weeks compared to my normal of months. While the drug hasn't brought me up to where I want to be, it has really limited the bottoming out. I was in a very low state when I first started taking it and am much more functional."

• CAdep...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 11, 2022

Spravato (esketamine) for Major Depressive Disorder "I’ve been on Spravato for a few months, after the initial cycle I’ve stayed at once a week for a while. Here’s my tips: Tilt your head back. Have hard candy, the taste is bad. Some days I have more intense effects than others, sometimes it is as mild as a glass of wine or nothing at all. As far as being dissociative, I use eyeshades & earphones listening to vibration sounds on Spotify or Apple Music and completely absorb myself into this… no out of body feelings, no walking around, no messing with vision. This method has helped to enjoy the experience because it’s not scary & allows me to be with my thoughts. As far as how it’s worked, it helps the day of treatment but the efficacy wanes until the next treatment, even on the first day it’s not a fix. I was hoping for more. My provider suggested infusions but between the cost and knowing now how the drug works: it won’t last and would be infinitely more costly to maintain."

• Angie...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2023

Spravato (esketamine) "I want to thank everyone that gave a review of their experience with spravato. I read almost all of them. I go for my first treatment today at 1:00 pm. I have anxiety because I do not know how my body will react. I have never done a drug that is “trippy “. Ever since I was 8 years old my parents had me seeing a child psychologist, and I was on medication for ADHD. I have Bipolar and my depression can get really bad with my episodes ( I have laid in bed for days at a time ). I have also lost interest in so many activities that I loved. My mother had crippling bipolar with mania, severe depression, and disassociation episodes. I have tried so many medications for depression and bipolar. I have been interested in Ketamine treatment for two years now. Spravato spray was approved by my doctor and my insurance. I picked the KETA medical center because I have heard good things. I will write back after my first week."

• Carol
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2022

Spravato (esketamine) for Depression "I was having suicidal ideations when I got my first Spravado last Thursday. The thoughts went away until Saturday morning when I was a mess. I had my second Spravato Monday and have had no ideations back. I am still depressed but it is working for me. I have my third treatment tmrw."

• carto...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2022

Spravato (esketamine) for Major Depressive Disorder "After many months of coordinating clinicians, paid leave for hubby, and 2 insurances I had my first Spravato treatment yesterday and it was great. The first time I have been able to truly relax since a stalking in 2008 from which I developed PTSD. I go to a wonderful clinic with calm, serene decor, and my therapist specializes in psychedelic guidance (hubby's union insurance pays for this, my medicare advantage pays for the Spravato). Also, I have experience with psychedelics from when I was a kid and I use medical marijuana so I understand altered states. As of today I feel the same...low mood and anxiety, with a bit of stomach upset. Tomorrow is my second session. I'm hoping this is going to help as I am unable to tolerate most psychotropic drugs due to a gene mutation affecting my liver. Good luck to everyone out there."

• Better...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 7, 2022

Spravato (esketamine) for Depression "I’m happy with my results. It took my until the 4th week to feel substantially better. I’m a few months into a weekly maintenance schedule. I found the treatments somewhat unpleasant initially but soon grew used to them. My advice: It’s not a miracle cure, so try to temper your expectations—the limited studies have shown that Spravato + a new antidepressant is maybe 30% more effective than a new antidepressant alone. Although the manufacturer contends people might feel better within days, not everyone will. It’s not a psychedelic therapy; any dissociation is a side effect—talk to your doctor about how Spravato works. The intensity of the dissociation is not an indication of how strong a given treatment is. It’s not a treatment for bipolar, anxiety, or PTSD."

• sprav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2022

Spravato (esketamine) for Depression "Started at the Spravato clinic a month ago. The sessions are in a group, which leads to fascinating conversations while under the influence of this drug. Enjoying the comaderie with fellow patients and the inhibition/disassociative effects. Yes, you can get high on this stuff. I haven't experienced any healing yet from my depression...however I've had more stressors than usual this past month, so that benefit may take longer to manifest. Others in my group session have seen great improvement in their mental health. So I suggest to those considering the treatment to at least give it a go!"

• Spunk...
• February 4, 2020

For Depression "9 treatments. first three weeks, I felt some improvement. laughing, having motivation. Once a week and feel less depressed for 3 days .Then depressed. Treatment feels amazing! Had IV infusions very intense! I couldn't feel my body. Crazy hallucinations nothing scary. Enjoyable. Spravato I feel relaxed like the Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb! No visual disturbances. Listen to Simon and Garfunkel mellow but upbeat. No rock! I can feel my body, hearing is more sensitive. Music sounds great! Definitely a nasty taste in throat. Candy helps. I stop feeling the effects after 1 hour, drowsy hour 2. Then normal but rest at home. Headphones and playlist, bring a soft blanket, and eye mask. the experience is becoming less pleasurable. Antidepressant effect has been minimal. I wish I more IV was less $. Pure Ketamine is very helpful. For Spravato they've taken away one of the molecules. Research it please"

• tthyme
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 30, 2023

Spravato (esketamine) for Depression "After my second treatment I am feeling more depressed and very tearful and hopeless. I am not sure it’s worth continuing. I have had only very minor side effects so the treatment wasn’t awful. Just not working as quickly as I hoped and actually feeling worse."