Dear Dr. Albright: After a 9 month battle with TRD, which included 9 ECT treatments that were not successful, I received 12 Spravato sessions in a highly professional clinic at Augusta University in Georgia. After the 5th treatment my depression finally lifted. I am now in the middle of transitioning from Effexor to Zoloft. I had been on Effexor for over 20+ years, and it was simply no longer effective. At the age of 84, I have had a lifelong battle with depression, anxiety and ADHD, and I am receiving treatment for the latter. For those people who are suffering from TRD, and are not getting any help from alternative therapies, I would recommend Ketamine or Spravato treatments in a professionally managed clinical setting, as I am finally out of the woods after months of SI and a miserable existence.
I just restacked this post with a note that I’d love to try ketamine therapy but the cost rules it out for me. I have had periodic bouts of treatment resistant depression and suicidal ideation since high school (I’m 55) and done TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation, which is supposedly effective for 80% of people with TRD but didn’t help me).
The only medication that has helped (after years of trying multiple anti-depressants that didn’t) is generic Adderall XR. That confirms my belief, based on reading books by medical and mental health professionals and my current provider’s recommendation that I try Adderall, that I have ADHD.
That is intriguing that Adderall alleviated your symptoms! I am so sorry that ketamine is cost-prohibitive, but I am glad to hear that you have found a medication that is working well for you. I know how miserable it is to struggle from one antidepressant to another without seeing any relief!
I'm glad ketamine worked for you! I did IV infusion therapy (6 sessions in clinic) and it did not work for me but I do believe it can be an incredible treatment for many. It was costly and I don't wish I could get my money back. I at least know this was not for me and I can move on to another therapy with an open mind.
Stephanie, thank you so much for sharing this! As your experience shows, not everyone responds to ketamine, and this is especially frustrating given the high cost. Your perspective of moving on to another therapy with an open mind shows so much wisdom.
Dear Dr. Albright: After a 9 month battle with TRD, which included 9 ECT treatments that were not successful, I received 12 Spravato sessions in a highly professional clinic at Augusta University in Georgia. After the 5th treatment my depression finally lifted. I am now in the middle of transitioning from Effexor to Zoloft. I had been on Effexor for over 20+ years, and it was simply no longer effective. At the age of 84, I have had a lifelong battle with depression, anxiety and ADHD, and I am receiving treatment for the latter. For those people who are suffering from TRD, and are not getting any help from alternative therapies, I would recommend Ketamine or Spravato treatments in a professionally managed clinical setting, as I am finally out of the woods after months of SI and a miserable existence.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I am so happy to hear that Spravato was an effective treatment for you.
This is so encouraging! Thank you for sharing your experience and so much info about ketamine.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It’s absolutely fascinating! I’ve been so curious.
great article!
Thank you! 😄
I just restacked this post with a note that I’d love to try ketamine therapy but the cost rules it out for me. I have had periodic bouts of treatment resistant depression and suicidal ideation since high school (I’m 55) and done TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation, which is supposedly effective for 80% of people with TRD but didn’t help me).
The only medication that has helped (after years of trying multiple anti-depressants that didn’t) is generic Adderall XR. That confirms my belief, based on reading books by medical and mental health professionals and my current provider’s recommendation that I try Adderall, that I have ADHD.
That is intriguing that Adderall alleviated your symptoms! I am so sorry that ketamine is cost-prohibitive, but I am glad to hear that you have found a medication that is working well for you. I know how miserable it is to struggle from one antidepressant to another without seeing any relief!
I'm glad ketamine worked for you! I did IV infusion therapy (6 sessions in clinic) and it did not work for me but I do believe it can be an incredible treatment for many. It was costly and I don't wish I could get my money back. I at least know this was not for me and I can move on to another therapy with an open mind.
Stephanie, thank you so much for sharing this! As your experience shows, not everyone responds to ketamine, and this is especially frustrating given the high cost. Your perspective of moving on to another therapy with an open mind shows so much wisdom.