What's The Difference Between Spravato And Ketamine?
You might have read about SPRAVATO, the first breakthrough depression drug in over 20 years. Designed specifically for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), Spravato targets certain neural pathways to enhance mood regulation. Spravato is the name brand for esketamine, commonly mixed up with ketamine, an anesthetic. The two medications are similar, yet there are various major differences between Spravato and ketamine.
What is Spravato (esketamine)?
Spravato is a revolutionary new medicine that works differently than conventional antidepressants. The medication is dispensed through a self-administered nasal spray and aids the brain in transmitting messages more effectively. By triggering specific receptors, you can better govern mood and lessen harmful symptoms of depression. The change in mood can be quick, especially for people with Treatment-Resistant Depression.
The active pharmaceutical agent in Spravato is esketamine, a ketamine derivative. Even though ketamine and Spravato are similar chemically, they affect the body in different manners. Ketamine is an anesthetic, while esketamine stimulates particular neural receptors to improve brain plasticity. Due to potential side effects like sedation, Spravato has to be administered under the guidance of a registered healthcare provider, like The Counseling Center in Monmouth Junction.
Esketamine is noted for its rapid onset, with results frequently seen in as little as 1-2 days after the initial dose. Clinical studies show that the benefits of treatment are experienced at the end of the induction period (4 weeks). Individuals using Spravato have reported:
• Mood improvement
• Elevated productivity
• More interest in social activities
Spravato is not intended to take the place of your current antidepressant medicine but is taken along with your usual antidepressant.
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a substance often utilized as a limited-duration anesthetic and given intravenously. The FDA has never authorized ketamine to treat depression. Ketamine also has gained notoriety as a "club drug" that has increased in popularity among young adults and teens. Consumed in liquid or powder form, ketamine can bring about feelings of euphoria and dissociation from reality. To inquire about ketamine addiction, please call us at 732-605-6353.
What Is The Difference Between Spravato and Ketamine?
Frequently Asked Questions About Spravato vs. Ketamine
Will Spravato ease pain like ketamine does?
Spravato is not intended to manage pain, and pain alleviation hasn’t been seen as a side effect. Ketamine is used as a veterinary and surgical anesthetic.
Can I take Spravato independently?
Currently, Spravato is only available through approved healthcare practitioners because of sedation and dissociation side effects and the danger of abuse and misuse.
What is Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)?
Spravato is only authorized for people with Treatment-Resistant Depression. You might have TRD if:
- You've been diagnosed with a severe depressive disorder
- You’ve tried at least two antidepressant treatments
- You haven’t been receptive to treatment
Millions of individuals around the world are diagnosed with a major depressive disorder, and around 30% of those struggle daily with TRD.
What is Spravato treatment like?
First of all, if you are interested in Spravato, you must have a clinical assessment to see if the medicine is a good fit. In each appointment, you'll have your core vital signs examined and self-administer the nasal spray treatment. Each Spravato session can take up to two hours so healthcare providers can observe you for side effects. A quick evaluation is done at the finish of each session to log your progress. Due to safety matters, the drug can only be taken through a REMS-certified Spravato Treatment Center like The Counseling Center in Monmouth Junction. It is also recommended that you go to regular therapy sessions when using Spravato.
Want More Information About Spravato?
Reach out to the Counseling Center to find out if Spravato is suitable for you. Speak with an expert by dialing 732-605-6353 or submitting the form on this page. We're ready for you 24/7, every day of the week.