Ketamine and Spravato are promising treatments for mental health conditions, often providing relief when traditional therapies have not worked. Although they are chemically related, there are key differences between the two. In this article, we’ll explain these differences and compare effectiveness, safety, and cost, so you can decide whether either treatment might be right for you.
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine was originally developed as an anesthetic but has since become a widely used treatment for various mental health conditions. It is a racemic mixture, meaning it’s made up of two mirror-image molecules called R-ketamine and S-ketamine.
In clinical practice, ketamine is most commonly given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, where the medication is delivered directly into a patient’s vein through a catheter. This method allows it to rapidly enter the bloodstream and produce effects. Ketamine can also be administered in other forms, such as intramuscular (IM) injections, nasal sprays, or oral tablets.
Ketamine-assisted therapy is a form of treatment that takes advantage of ketamine’s psychoactive effects. Ketamine induces an altered state of consciousness that can facilitate personal insight and emotional release. At Kadelx, our structured ketamine therapy sessions aim to harness these effects to facilitate healing.
What Is Spravato?
Spravato is the brand name for esketamine, a medication that contains only the S-ketamine molecule. It was developed specifically for mental health use and has been approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation (MDSI).
Unlike racemic ketamine, Spravato is only available as a nasal spray. This administration method also gives rise to rapid benefits, though it’s not as quick as IV and IM injections.
How Do Ketamine and Spravato Work?
Both ketamine and Spravato target proteins called NMDA receptors in the brain. By blocking these receptors, they trigger a cascade of neurochemical events, including:
- Increased production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein vital for repairing and growing neural connections.
- Increasing cognitive flexibility, helping people “break free” of negative thought cycles and gain new perspectives.
- Increasing activity in the prefrontal cortex, a brain area that helps regulate mood.
Ketamine and Spravato share the same core neurological mechanisms. However, Spravato interacts more strongly with NMDA receptors, so it has a more targeted effect.
Moreover, ketamine treatment is typically more psychoactive than Spravato, particularly when given through IV or IM administration. This means that ketamine offers additional psychotherapeutic benefits, influenced by the way it shapes thoughts and emotions during the drug experience.
Administration: What to Expect at Kadelyx
IV Ketamine Infusions
You’ll receive ketamine in a comfortable, medically supervised setting and receive therapeutic support throughout. The infusion itself lasts about 40 minutes, but the overall session is between two and three hours to allow time for preparation, monitoring, and aftercare.
We offer sessions for individuals, couples, and groups. You can choose a single session or pay for a bundle of three or six.
Spravato Nasal Spray
Spravato treatments involve self-administering the nasal spray while under the supervision of our clinical team. You’ll remain in the clinic for two hours after your last dose, to ensure the side effects have worn off and you’re safe to leave.
There is a structured schedule that starts with twice-weekly treatments for the first four weeks. Sessions become more spaced apart as the weeks progress.
Effectiveness: Which One Works Better?
Research shows both IV ketamine and Spravato offer significant relief for those struggling with depression, though differences exist.
- Ketamine infusions can be used to treat people with a whole host of mental health disorders, whereas Spravato is only available to people with TRD or MDSI.
- When delivered through IM or IV injection, ketamine has a more rapid onset of action than Spravato.
- Patients may need fewer ketamine sessions than Spravato sessions to achieve the same benefits.
- IV and IM ketamine typically produce more pronounced psychoactive experiences that can deepen therapeutic work.
- Spravato is FDA-approved, meaning the medication is deemed safe and effective for its intended use based on rigorous clinical data. It also has a strict protocol for administration based on maximizing patient outcomes.
Safety and Side Effects
Common side effects of both treatments include mild dizziness, nausea, increased heart rate, and temporary dissociation or altered perception. These effects usually subside shortly after treatment and are closely monitored by our experienced clinicians.
Ketamine’s dissociative effects can be more intense, but are managed carefully within our controlled environment. You may also experience side effects related to the injection, such as bruising or soreness.
While Spravato generally presents a milder side effect profile, it can cause nasal irritation and blockages.
Cost and Insurance Considerations
Spravato is an FDA-approved medication and is mostly covered by insurance, making it more affordable for eligible patients. We work directly with BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona to help patients get Spravato coverage.
Ketamine infusions usually cost less upfront than Spravato. However, because ketamine is an off-label treatment, insurance coverage is limited, making the overall cost higher.
At Kadeyx, we aim to keep our prices affordable and provide a 15% cost reduction to veterans, healthcare workers, and teachers. We will also provide you with a superbill to submit to your healthcare insurance provider for support.
Which Treatment Is Right for Me?
Choosing between ketamine and Spravato depends on your unique needs, health conditions, and treatment goals.
Ketamine therapy is effective for a broader range of conditions than Spravato. Since it isn’t FDA-approved for specific uses, it offers more flexibility in both how it’s administered and what it can treat.
Our ketamine-assisted therapy sessions take a holistic approach, focusing on personal growth rather than just symptom relief. These sessions are personalized to meet your unique needs. You can also choose to experience healing within a supportive community through our guided ketamine group sessions.
Spravato, on the other hand, is designed for individuals diagnosed with TRD or MDSI, and the treatment protocol is focused on specifically treating these conditions. There is a more structured and predictable treatment plan, in line with FDA guidelines.
If you’re curious about either of these treatments or unsure about which one is right for you, get in touch with our team, and we can give you further advice based on your needs.
