Are you finding the answer to the common question, which is better, spravato vs ketamine infusion?
Depression is complex, yet hopeful solutions like Spravato and ketamine infusions provide relief. They’re beneficial for people who see no relief from standard therapies.
These rapid treatments are for people who don’t find relief with the usual medications. Each has its pros and cons. How each person responds to these treatments varies. Both combat severe depression, but they also have risks and advantages.
Esteem Behavioral Healthcare supports your mental health journey. Contact our expert team to learn about treatments like Spravato.

What Is Spravato?

Spravato, a nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, got FDA approval in 2019. It contains esketamine, derived from ketamine.
Doctors have long used ketamine off-label for depression. Researchers highlight Spravato’s ingredient for its potent antidepressant effects. This marks a significant step forward in mental health treatment.

How Spravato Works

Spravato targets the NMDA receptor to adjust glutamate. This new antidepressant quickly acts on brain cells, possibly boosting mood within hours. Its unique approach offers hope for fast relief from depression.
Spravato, a groundbreaking antidepressant, targets the brain’s glutamate system. It quickly improves mood and cognition. This new method is very different from conventional medications. Those boost serotonin or dopamine levels and take weeks to work.

What Is Ketamine Infusion?

Ketamine infusion therapy is now a promising treatment for depression. It uses an anesthetic, ketamine, given through IV. Beyond its usual purpose, ketamine also helps with PTSD and anxiety.
It works by targeting NMDA receptors, which modify glutamate levels. This boosts brain connections and reduces depression. This off-label use gives hope when standard treatments fail.

How Ketamine Infusions Work?

Like Spravato, ketamine infusions act quickly to reduce depression. They do this by affecting the brain’s glutamate system. Patients receive ketamine through an IV under medical supervision. Many report mood improvements within hours or days. This is much faster than traditional antidepressants.

Key Difference between Ketamine and Esketamine

Spravato and ketamine infusions both treat depression. However, they differ in how they are given, their availability, and their cost.
Here’s a breakdown of the primary differences:

Aspect	Spravato (Esketamine)	Ketamine Infusion
Administration	Nasal spray	Intravenous (IV)
FDA Approval	Approved for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and suicidal ideation	Off-label use for depression
Cost & Insurance	Typically covered by insurance; high cost without coverage	May not be covered; often out-of-pocket
Frequency of Treatment	2 times per week initially, then weekly	Typically, 6 infusions over 2-3 weeks, then maintenance
Duration of Effects	It lasts a few days and requires regular administration	It lasts a few days to weeks and requires boosters
Onset of Effects	Hours to days	Hours to days
Side Effects	Dizziness, dissociation, nausea	Dissociation, elevated heart rate, nausea
Supervision Required	Must be administered under medical supervision	Administered in clinical settings only

 

Which is Better Ketamine or Esketamine?

1. Treatment Goals

• Spravato brings hope to patients with severe depression. It’s for those who’ve tried several antidepressants without success. Also, it helps people with significant depression and suicidal thoughts. Spravato works when other treatments fail. It eases the worst cases. Plus, it tackles urgent safety concerns, offering a vital option for those in need.
• Ketamine infusions treat more than depression, like PTSD and anxiety. They also address bipolar depression. This off-label treatment offers hope. It opens new paths in psychiatric care for those seeking alternatives.

2. Cost of Spravato, Ketamine Infusions and Insurance

Spravato is FDA-approved, which often makes it easier to obtain insurance coverage. However, without insurance, Spravato can be costly. It requires multiple treatments and must be given in a medical facility.
Is ketamine expensive?
Ketamine infusions is expensive, they are usually not covered by insurance. They are off-label treatments. Ketamine can be costly, $400 to $800 per infusion. Patients typically need multiple sessions.

3. Administration and Convenience

How often is Spravato administered?

• Spravato is a nasal spray. A certified healthcare setting administers it under medical supervision. The treatment is easy. But you must stay in the clinic for two hours for monitoring. This may make it less convenient for some individuals.
• Ketamine infusions require IV administration in a clinic. This may take longer: 45 minutes for the injection and 1-2 hours to recover. Though it’s more invasive than a nasal spray, many patients tolerate it. They find the effects to be fast-acting.

4. Safety and Side Effects

• Both treatments can cause dissociative side effects. These include out-of-body sensations and a feeling of detachment from reality. Spravato may cause dizziness, nausea, and high blood pressure. Ketamine infusions can cause similar side effects, plus a fast heart rate.
• Spravato must be taken in a certified clinic due to side effects. Patients are monitored for at least two hours after treatment.
• Ketamine infusions require clinical supervision. They need careful monitoring during and after the procedure.

Effectiveness: Which Works Better, Spravato vs Infusion?

Both Spravato and ketamine infusions are very effective for depression. Studies show that both can work quickly, often within hours. They can relieve symptoms in those who haven’t responded to traditional treatments. However, individual responses can vary:

• Some patients report better results with ketamine infusions. This is especially true for PTSD and severe anxiety.
• Spravato is widely used for depression and suicidal thoughts. It’s effective for many, thanks to its FDA approval.

There is no clear answer as to which is better. It depends on preferences, diagnoses, treatment history, and finances.

Conclusion

Which is better spravato vs ketamine infusion?
Patients compare Spravato’s FDA approval and insurance coverage with ketamine infusions’ flexibility. The nasal spray’s simple use appeals to those seeking relief from treatment-resistant depression.
Meanwhile, infusions cater to a wider range of mental health issues off-label. Choices between these treatments depend on personal goals and therapy response. Each method has unique benefits, effectively meeting different patient needs.

FAQs

1. How are Spravato and ketamine infusions administered?

In certified clinics, patients can quickly get Spravato nasal spray. Alternatively, they might choose longer ketamine infusions. Both treatments need professional oversight. Recovery times differ. IV ketamine requires more monitoring. Patients decide based on their needs and doctor’s advice.

2. Does insurance cover Spravato or ketamine infusions?

Insurance often covers Spravato, a treatment for stubborn depression. However, it does not cover ketamine infusions. Patients must pay for these off-label treatments. Although Spravato is gaining acceptance, coverage for ketamine remains uncertain. Its accessibility depends on approval status. This leaves some to weigh costs against benefits.

3. Which works faster, Spravato or ketamine infusion?

Spravato and ketamine infusions provide quick relief. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which take time, these treatments work in hours or days. Though response times vary, both act swiftly against depression.