Spravato Ketamine Therapy

For patients struggling with treatment-resistant depression, Spravato (esketamine) has opened new doors to hope and healing. Clarus Health is excited to offer Spravato alongside IV ketamine therapy. Understanding the differences between these two approaches can help you make the best decision for your mental health journey.

What is Ketamine and How Does Spravato Differ?

Ketamine has been used as an anesthetic for decades, but researchers discovered its remarkable potential for treating depression in the 1990s. Traditional ketamine therapy uses what's called "racemic ketamine," which contains two different forms of the ketamine molecule.

The Science Behind the Difference Between Spravato and IV Ketamine

Spravato contains only esketamine, which is one form of the ketamine molecule that has powerful antidepressant effects. The key difference for patients is that Spravato ketamine therapy is specifically designed and tested for depression treatment, while IV ketamine is used "off-label" for multiple conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, PMS and PMDD, and chronic pain (including fibromyalgia).

How Spravato is Different than IV Ketamine

The biggest difference between Spravato ketamine therapy and IV ketamine therapy is how they're administered:

• Spravato is a nasal spray that you administer yourself under direct medical supervision. The esketamine is absorped through your nasal mucosa and reaches your bloodstream over several minutes. After the spray, there is a 2-hour observation period in your private room at Clarus Health.
• IV ketamine is administered through an IV under direct doctor supervision over 45-60 minutes, allowing for precise control of dosing with the ability to adjust the infusion rate, if needed. The IV route provides direct access to the bloodstream and consistent results.

Spravato vs IV Ketamine Effectiveness

Ketamine's Effectiveness for Depression

Both Spravato ketamine therapy and IV ketamine have shown significant promise for treatment-resistant depression, but IV ketamine typically provides a faster time-to-relief than Spravato. It also takes fewer IV sessions to reach better relief compared to Spravato. That being said, there is variability across the many studies comparing Spravato to IV ketamine.

An additional difference for patients is the insurance coverage for Spravato.

Spravato and Insurance Coverage

Spravato is covered by most major insurances for treatment-resistant depression, including major depression with suicidality. This represents a major breakthrough for patients who have previously faced financial barriers to ketamine treatment. Spravato reimbursement includes the price of the medication and the cost of the doctor's visit associated with each treatment. Insured patients typically pay only their copay when receiving Spravato.

IV Ketamine vs Spravato: Making the Right Choice for Your Treatment

Both Spravato and IV ketamine offer hope for patients with treatment-resistant depression, but they each have distinct advantages:

Spravato ketamine therapy may be right for you if:

• Insurance coverage is a primary concern
• You're comfortable with the twice-weekly schedule initially, with 2-hour observation times
• You meet your insurance's criteria for treatment-resistant depression

IV ketamine may be right for you if:

• You're seeking potentially faster results with fewer sessions
• You are seeking relief from PTSD, anxiety, or chronic pain
• You prefer the precise dosing control of IV administration
• You prefer multiple other infusions (wellness IVs, NAD+)

Learn if Ketamine Therapy is Right For You

The decision to pursue Spravato or IV Ketamine therapy depends on many factors, including the holistic benefits of treating your mental health. You deserve to learn your treatment options for safe and rapid results. You should always speak with your doctors to learn about the risks and benefits of Spravato and IV Ketamine therapy so you can make an informed decision. Learn more about the options for your depression by contacting Clarus Health today.