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Spravato Vs Ketamine

What's The Difference Between Spravato And Ketamine?

October 06, 2023

You may have read about SPRAVATO, the first breakthrough depression drug in over two decades. Made solely for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), Spravato targets particular neural pathways to boost mood regulation. Spravato is the name brand for esketamine, commonly mixed up with the anesthetic ketamine. The two medications are comparable, yet there are various important differences between Spravato and ketamine.

What is Spravato (esketamine)?

Spravato is a revolutionary new medication that works in a different manner than traditional antidepressants. The medication comes in the form of a self-administered nasal spray and helps the brain deliver messages more effectively. By engaging specific receptors, you can better govern mood and reduce harmful symptoms of depression. The influence on mood may be immediate, especially for those suffering from Treatment-Resistant Depression.

The active pharmaceutical ingredient in Spravato is esketamine, a derivative of ketamine. Although ketamine and Spravato are similar chemically, they affect the body in different ways. Ketamine is an anesthetic, while esketamine targets certain neural receptors to boost the brain’s plasticity. Considering there is a chance of side effects like sedation, Spravato has to be administered under the guidance of an approved healthcare provider, like The Counseling Center in Robbinsville .

Esketamine is recognized for its rapid onset, with results commonly noticed as soon as one to two days following the opening dose. Clinical studies show that the benefits of treatment are experienced at the conclusion of the 4-week induction period. Individuals using Spravato have reported:

• Mood improvement

• Improved productivity

• More interest in social activities

Spravato will not take the place of your current antidepressant medication but is prescribed along with your oral antidepressant.

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a substance often utilized as a short-duration anesthetic and taken intravenously. The FDA has not approved ketamine as a depression medication. Ketamine also has gained notoriety as a "club drug" that has become popular among young adults and teenagers. Consumed in liquid or powder form, ketamine can give individuals feelings of euphoria and dissociation. To lean more about ketamine addiction, please call us at 609-806-5083.

What Is The Difference Between Spravato and Ketamine?

Frequently Asked Questions About Spravato vs. Ketamine

Will Spravato nasal spray alleviate pain like ketamine does?

Spravato is not intended to treat pain, and pain reduction hasn’t been observed as a side effect. Ketamine is utilized as a surgical and veterinary anesthetic.


Can I take Spravato on my own?

Presently, Spravato is only obtainable through approved healthcare specialists in light of dissociation and sedation side effects and the risk of abuse and misuse.

What is Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)?

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

  • You've been diagnosed with a severe depressive disorder
  • You’ve taken no less than two antidepressant treatments
  • You have not been receptive to treatment

Millions of people around the world are diagnosed with a major depressive disorder, and around 30% of those encounter TRD.

What is Spravato treatment like?

First, if you are interested in Spravato, you must have a clinical assessment to determine if the medication is a good fit. In each setting, you'll have your vitals taken and self-administer the nasal spray treatment. Every Spravato session may take as long as two hours so healthcare providers can watch for side effects. A quick assessment is done at the finish of every appointment to log your progress. In light of safety concerns, the drug will only be available via a REMS-certified Spravato Treatment Center like The Counseling Center in Robbinsville . It is also advised that you attend therapy consistently when using Spravato.

Want More Information About Spravato?

Contact the Counseling Center to see if Spravato is suitable for you. Chat with a trained professional by dialing 609-806-5083 or submitting the form below. We're here for you 24/7, seven days a week.