IV Ketamine vs. SPRAVATO®: Which Treatment Option Is Best for You?

SPRAVATO® and IV ketamine treatment both activate similar receptors in the brain and provide rapid relief from depression and anxiety. However, each treatment pathway has distinct characteristics that might make one a better choice, depending on your treatment goals.

Whether you’re completely new to these breakthrough therapies or weighing the benefits of each, we’ll help you make an informed decision about which is best for you.

SPRAVATO® Medication: What It Is & How It Works

SPRAVATO® is an FDA-approved ketamine derivative that, like IV ketamine therapy, is used to address treatment-resistant depression.

SPRAVATO®’s most distinguishing feature is that it targets a brain chemical called glutamate, whereas traditional medications typically target serotonin. This unique approach often allows patients to achieve success, even when traditional medications have not worked.

Another distinguishing feature of SPRAVATO® is that it is taken in nasal spray form. Treatment can either be administered on its own or together with traditional antidepressants for a combined approach.

Treatment Schedule & Timeline

Typically, SPRAVATO® sessions occur twice per week for the first month. Each session involves:

• Two nasal spray administrations, with each taking five minutes or less
• Two hours of monitoring

Total time per visit: 2-2.5 hours

After the first month, sessions are generally reduced to once per week. Thereafter, treatment will likely be reduced to one session every two weeks, depending on the patient’s response.

Benefits of SPRAVATO® For Anxiety

The standout benefit of SPRAVATO® is that it is a less invasive treatment than IV ketamine therapy. Yet, it still proves effective in patients with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. Additional benefits include:

• Quick relief, in as little as 24 hours
• Convenience—SPRAVATO® is administered in nasal spray form
• Can be taken as a standalone medication or paired with traditional medications
• More likely to be covered by insurance

Ideal Candidates

SPRAVATO® may be right for you if you:

• Are 18 years of age or older
• Suffer from a major depressive disorder
• Have tried more than two antidepressants without finding relief
• Prefer a less intensive treatment setting than IV infusions
• Are committed to regular clinic visits but prefer shorter sessions

IV Ketamine Therapy: What It Is & How It Works

Like SPRAVATO®, IV ketamine therapy is used to treat anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders that have not responded to traditional medications. While both treatments target the same brain chemistry, IV ketamine treatment is administered directly into the bloodstream instead of through a nasal spray.

Treatment Schedule & Timeline

IV ketamine therapy generally takes:

• 20-30 minutes to prepare
• 40-60 minutes for the infusion
• 30-60 minutes for post-treatment monitoring

Total time per visit: 2-3 hours

The initial infusions are scheduled over 2-3 weeks. Thereafter, maintenance sessions may be adjusted based on the patient’s response. Patients cannot drive after sessions and must arrange transportation.

Benefits of IV Ketamine For Depression

Many patients opt for IV ketamine treatment because:

• It offers more direct delivery into the bloodstream, which means stronger and more immediate effects
• Dosage can be customized based on the patient’s response
• It offers longer-lasting relief between treatment sessions

Ideal Candidates

IV ketamine for depression may be right for you if you:

• Are 18 years of age or older
• Suffer from a major depressive disorder
• Have tried more than two antidepressants without finding relief
• Can arrange transportation to and from sessions
• Are comfortable with IV administration
• Want a longer-lasting treatment that can be perfectly tailored to your response
• Have a flexible schedule that allows for longer treatment sessions

Your Path to Healing Begins Here

Unsure whether SPRAVATO® or IV ketamine treatment is right for you? Our friendly and compassionate team is here to answer all of your questions. Learn more about both treatment options by scheduling a consultation today!

Note: Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine if ketamine therapy is suitable for your unique situation.