What's the Difference Between Ketamine and Spravato®?

Ketamine infusions and Spravato® are two innovative treatments that can manage depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. While both therapies are effective, there are some crucial differences. 

The Horizons Wellness Family Health NP PLLC team offers both ketamine infusions and Spravato®, and provides guidance on which approach is right for you. Symptoms tend to improve most when you pair medication with therapy and lifestyle changes. 

Ketamine breakthrough for mental health

Ketamine has been a breakthrough in mental health treatment and is providing new hope for patients struggling with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. Multiple studies funded by the National Institutes of Mental Health have shown ketamine to be effective in alleviating symptoms in patients with mood disorders. 

Rapid-acting depression therapy

Depression is difficult to manage, and for patients needing relief, traditional antidepressant medications can fall short. These medications typically take several weeks to work effectively, and often require a trial phase of different medications to find a beneficial option.

While conventional antidepressants have their place, some patients have depression that fails to respond to them. It can feel hopeless when you’ve tried two or more antidepressants without much relief in your symptoms, or some relief that comes with side effects you find intolerable. 

Ketamine can be a game-changer for people with depression. Its rapid onset of hours, not weeks, means you start getting relief from your symptoms quickly. Many patients notice a rapid and often dramatic improvement in their symptoms within a few hours of their treatment. 

A novel treatment option

Ketamine was developed in the 1960s and used as an anesthetic in veterinary medicine. Its recently discovered mental health benefits make it a novel option for patients struggling with depression and anxiety. 

What makes ketamine novel is that it impacts the brain’s ability to form new connections, a process known as neuroplasticity. This process helps the brain recover from trauma, strengthening brain pathways and encouraging new nerve pathways. 

This step means that patients who respond well are better able to build healthier brain patterns that relieve stress, anxiety, and depression, so that they feel and function better.

Ketamine infusions vs Spravato®

Ketamine infusions and Spravato® are different from oral ketamine, which is broken down in the digestive system and is much less effective. 

Ketamine infusions

IV ketamine is a slow infusion delivered directly into the bloodstream over the course of about 40 to 60 minutes. Administered by our staff, this IV is monitored for a short period to ensure safety.

There are three primary types of ketamine, with racemic ketamine being the form used in intravenous infusions. It gets used off-label to manage mood disorders. 

Spravato®

Spravato is an FDA-approved derivative (esketamine) of ketamine that comes in a nasal spray. It’s approved for treatment-resistant depression. The spray is self-administered under clinical supervision, after we monitor you for at least two hours for safety reasons. 

Which is right for you?

Our team conducts a comprehensive evaluation to determine if ketamine is an appropriate treatment option for you. If it is, our team lets you know your options in detail and guides you in deciding which form is most suitable.

Relief from depression and anxiety

If you’ve tried traditional medications to manage your depression or anxiety without much success, there’s hope. To learn more about ketamine therapy, contact us at our Middletown, New York office to request a consultation today.