If you struggle with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, or PTSD, you’ve likely been searching for relief for months or even years. If traditional prescription medications haven’t been providing the results you need, you may be interested in exploring FDA-approved treatments such as Spravato (esketamine) or ketamine infusion. Interested in learning the key differences between these two therapies? Here, we share more about these options to help you determine the best path forward:
What is Spravato?
Spravato (esketamine) is a prescription nasal spray that’s used in conjunction with antidepressants taken orally to treat depression. It’s the first medication of its kind, and is the newest method of depression treatment on the market. Although it was approved for adult use by the Food and Drug Administration in 2019, it’s still unclear if this type of treatment is effective for individuals who experience suicidal thoughts. At this point, it hasn’t been studied in children and is only recommended for adults with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder. Since it’s a new drug, there’s still much to learn about its effectiveness.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is an anesthetic that has been in use since the 1960s. It was originally used as a sedative painkiller for soldiers, and is still widely used in medical environments such as emergency departments and operating rooms. Ketamine has an extensive history of use in the United States, and has been shown to have applications beyond the OR and emergency room. Ketamine administered through intravenous infusions has the potential to be highly effective in alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, and more. Since ketamine has been studied for more than 50 years, it’s widely considered to be safe when used appropriately in a medical setting.
Struggling with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD undoubtedly has a negative effect on your well-being. If you’re ready to find a safe and effective alternative to traditional prescription medications, ketamine infusion administered via IV may be the solution you’ve been searching for. Although there are dozens of medications to treat depression, including new options like Spravato, ketamine is a fast-acting, non-invasive, and FDA-approved option to consider. If you’re interested in trying ketamine infusion therapy, you’ll need to work with an expert in the field. Our practice was established by two doctors who specialize in mood disorders, so you can feel confident that you’re receiving the best care. When you’re ready to learn more about the process, please contact our team.
