What's The Difference Between Spravato And Ketamine?

You might have read about SPRAVATO, the first breakthrough depression drug in over two decades. Made solely for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), Spravato acts on particular neural pathways to enhance mood regulation. Spravato is the brand name for esketamine, frequently mixed up with ketamine, an anesthetic. The two are comparable, though there are some major differences between Spravato and ketamine.

What is Spravato (esketamine)?

Spravato is a revolutionary new medication that works in a different fashion than conventional antidepressants. The medication is taken through a self-administered nasal spray and helps the brain transmit messages more effectively. By triggering particular receptors, you can better govern mood and reduce negative depression symptoms. The effect on mood can be quick, particularly for people who suffer from Treatment-Resistant Depression.

The active ingredient in Spravato is esketamine, a derivative of ketamine. Although Spravato and ketamine are similar chemically, they impact the body differently. Ketamine is an anesthetic, while esketamine acts on certain neural receptors to improve the brain’s plasticity. Considering there is a chance of experiencing side effects like sedation, Spravato is always given under the supervision of an approved healthcare provider, like The Counseling Center in .

Esketamine is recognized for its rapid impact, with results often noticed in as little as one to two days following the initial dose. Clinical studies indicate that treatment benefits are experienced at the end of the 4-week induction period. People taking Spravato have noticed:

• Mood improvement

• Enhanced productivity

• More interest in social activities

Spravato will not take the place of your current antidepressant but is used with your oral antidepressant.

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a drug often used as a limited-duration anesthetic and given intravenously. The FDA has never endorsed ketamine as a depression treatment. Ketamine also has gained notoriety as a "club drug" that has increased in popularity among teens and young adults. Taken as a powder or liquid, ketamine can produce feelings of euphoria and dissociation from reality. To lean more about ketamine addiction, please call us at 866-850-5001.

What Is The Difference Between Spravato and Ketamine?

Common Questions Regarding Spravato vs. Ketamine

Will Spravato nasal spray alleviate pain like ketamine does?

Spravato is not authorized to address pain, and pain alleviation hasn’t been seen as a side effect. Ketamine is administered as a veterinary and surgical anesthetic.

Can I take Spravato without supervision?

Currently, Spravato is only obtainable through authorized healthcare specialists due to dissociation and sedation side effects and the risk of abuse and misuse.

What is Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)?

Spravato is only approved for people with Treatment-Resistant Depression. You might have TRD if:

• You've been diagnosed with a severe depressive disorder
• You’ve taken at least two antidepressant treatments
• You haven’t been receptive to treatment

Millions of individuals globally are diagnosed with a major depressive disorder, and roughly 30% of those are challenged with TRD.

What is Spravato treatment like?

First of all, if you have interest in Spravato, you need a clinical assessment to see if the medicine is suitable. During every session, you'll get your vitals checked and self-administer the nasal spray. Every Spravato session can take up to two hours so healthcare providers can monitor for side effects. A short appraisal is performed at the end of every session to log your progress. For safety reasons, the drug can only be administered at a REMS-certified Spravato Treatment Center like The Counseling Center in . It is also advised that you participate in therapy regularly when on Spravato.

Want More Information About Spravato?

Contact the Counseling Center to see if Spravato is appropriate for you. Chat with a trained professional by calling 866-850-5001 or filling out the form below. We're here for you at all hours, every day of the week.