Ketamine depression treatment is 'worth every penny,' patients say - but we don't know how it works

Ketamine was launched decades ago as an anesthetic for animals and people, became a potent battlefield pain reliever in Vietnam and morphed into the trippy club drug Special K.

Now the drug is finding new life as an unapproved treatment for depression and suicidal behavior.

Clinics have opened around the United States promising instant relief with their 'unique' doses of ketamine in IVs, sprays or pills. And desperate patients are shelling out thousands of dollars for treatment often not covered by health insurance, with scant evidence on long-term benefits and risks.

Chicago preschool teacher Lauren Pestikas long struggled with depression and anxiety and made several suicide attempts before trying ketamine earlier this year.

The price tag so far the $3,000, experimental, off-label ketamine treatments are 'it's worth every dime and penny,' said the 36-year-old.

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