What's The Difference Between Spravato And Ketamine?

You may have heard of SPRAVATO, the first breakthrough depression medicine in over 20 years. Formulated specifically for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), Spravato acts on certain neural pathways to boost mood regulation. Spravato is the trade name for esketamine, frequently confused with ketamine, an anesthetic. The two medicines are comparable, though there are various major differences between Spravato and ketamine.

What is Spravato (esketamine)?

Spravato is a trailblazing new medication that works in a different manner than established antidepressants. The medication is dispensed through a self-administered nasal spray and helps the brain deliver messages more effectively. By triggering certain receptors, you can govern mood better and lessen negative symptoms of depression. The change in mood may be immediate, especially for those suffering from Treatment-Resistant Depression.

The active ingredient in Spravato is esketamine, a derivative of ketamine. Even though ketamine and Spravato are chemically similar, they influence the body differently. Ketamine is used as an anesthetic, while esketamine acts on certain neural receptors to boost neuroplasticity. Due to possible side effects like sedation, Spravato is always administered under the direction of qualified healthcare professionals, like the ones at The Counseling Center in Roxbury.

Esketamine is known for its swift therapeutic effect, with results often noticed in as little as 1-2 days after the first dose. Clinical studies demonstrate that the benefits of treatment are realized at the end of the 4-week induction period. Patients taking Spravato have enjoyed:

• Mood enhancement

• Improved productivity

• Heightened interest in socialization

Spravato is not intended to take the place of your regular antidepressant medicine but is taken in conjunction with your antidepressant.

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a substance typically employed as a limited-duration anesthetic and taken intravenously. The FDA has not endorsed ketamine as a depression treatment. Ketamine also has gained notoriety as a "club drug" that has become popular among teenagers and young adults. Consumed as a liquid or powder, ketamine can give users a sense of euphoria and dissociation. To lean more about ketamine addiction, please contact us at 862-707-2469.

What Is The Difference Between Spravato and Ketamine?

Frequently Asked Questions About Spravato vs. Ketamine

Will Spravato alleviate pain like ketamine?

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

Can I use Spravato on my own?

Presently, Spravato is only available through licensed healthcare providers in light of dissociation and sedation side effects and the danger of improper use and abuse.

What is Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)?

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

• You've been diagnosed with a severe depressive disorder
• You’ve taken a minimum of two antidepressant medicines
• You haven’t been receptive to treatment

Millions of individuals worldwide are treated for a major depressive disorder, and roughly 30% of those struggle daily with TRD.

What is Spravato treatment like?

First of all, if you think Spravato might help you, you need a clinical assessment to figure out if the medication is . During each session, you'll get your vitals taken and administer the nasal spray yourself. Every Spravato session might take as long as two hours so professionals can monitor for side effects. A quick assessment is done at the end of every session to see how you’re progressing. For safety reasons, the drug can only be taken at a REMS-certified Spravato Treatment Center like The Counseling Center in Roxbury. It is also advised that you go to frequent therapy sessions when on Spravato.

Would You Like More Information About Spravato?

Reach out to the Counseling Center to see if Spravato is appropriate for you. Talk with a specialist by dialing 862-707-2469 or filling out the form below. We're here for you 24/7, every day of the week.