How Does Spravato Compare to Ketamine Therapy?
Spravato (esketamine) is a derivative of ketamine, and while both are used for treatment-resistant depression, there are key differences between the two treatments. Ketamine therapy, traditionally administered intravenously, was the first to show rapid antidepressant effects, and it has been used off-label to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Spravato, however, is a nasal spray form of esketamine, a more refined version of ketamine, specifically developed to treat treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
The delivery method and formulation are key differences between the two treatments. Spravato offers a more convenient option, as it can be self-administered in a healthcare setting via nasal spray, while traditional ketamine therapy requires intravenous administration in a clinic. Additionally, Spravato has undergone rigorous clinical trials, leading to its FDA approval for TRD, while ketamine therapy remains off-label and not FDA-approved for the same indications. Both treatments work by modulating glutamate signaling in the brain, but Spravato is designed to provide a safer, more controlled method with fewer risks compared to intravenous ketamine.
