While Ketamine is a successful option for 70% of treatment-resistant patients, lack of accessibility, trypanophobia (the fear of needles in a medical setting) and other speedbumps have kept many patients from venturing down the road to Ketamine IV Therapy. Ketamine Infusions have seen great success over the past few years, making it inevitable that a more easily deliverable alternative would be the next step in treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD.)
Enter Spravato Nasal Spray.
In 2019, the FDA approved Esketamine Spravato™ Nasal Spray as another variation of the Ketamine molecule that could also be effective for treating depression. Spravato is a prescription nasal spray of Esketamine, used for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts. Spravato contains S-ketamine, a different variation from the Ketamine molecule used in Ketamine IV Therapy.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Esketamine works in a similar fashion, [as conventional antidepressants] but unlike other antidepressants, it increases levels of glutamate, the most abundant chemical messenger in the brain.”
While conventional antidepressants are more gradual and slow-acting, Esketamine works rapidly and reduces depressive symptoms within a few hours. 33% of people with depression don’t respond to conventional antidepressants, but Esketamine has been known to reduce symptoms in the majority of these clinical trials.
Esketamine vs Ketamine
The Ketamine molecule used in Ketamine IV Therapy is racemic, a combination of the R-Ketamine and S-Ketamine molecule, whereas Esketamine is solely comprised of S-Ketamine, making it unique. There are also a number of other factors that differentiate Ketamine and the Esketamine in Spravato, including the method of delivery, bioavailability and dosage amounts.
Unlike traditional Ketamine Treatments, which are administered via IV, Spravato is self-administered in two to three intranasal doses administered in five-minute increments. Spravato is a professional, medical alternative for patients who would prefer to avoid an IV injection. Critically, Spravato is covered by most major insurances, in contrast to IV ketamine treatments.
For more information on Spravato treatments from Spravato Treatment Centers of NJ, visit our Spravato Frequently Asked Questions page.
Author's Message
David Boguslavsky, MD is an experienced and dedicated family physician with an interest in mental health who has been practicing medicine for almost 2 decades.
If you are suffering from Major Depression, and have failed to see your depression lift despite 2 antidepressants tried, Spravato therapy maybe right for you. This, insurance-covered, ketamine therapy for depression has helped thousands of patients just like you. To learn more about the costs of Spravato, esketamine’s effectiveness, potential side effects, or to simply take the next step towards feeling better, please reach out to us, we would love to help!
Author’s Bio
Dr. David Boguslavsky, MD, is a highly experienced family physician and medical acupuncturist with over two decades of clinical practice, who has emerged as a leader in mental health treatment, particularly in the field of depression. A graduate of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Dr. Boguslavsky is board-certified in both Family Medicine and Medical Acupuncture, showcasing his diverse medical expertise. His extensive experience spans a wide range of medical care, from acute illnesses to chronic condition management, with a particular focus on preventative care and pain treatment.Notably, Dr. Boguslavsky has pioneered innovative approaches to depression treatment, having administered over 10,000 Spravato treatments, establishing himself as one of the foremost experts in this cutting-edge therapy. His unique blend of traditional Western medicine, Eastern acupuncture techniques, and advanced psychiatric treatments allows him to offer comprehensive, personalized care to his patients at PremierMD and Spravato Treatment Centers of NJ. Fluent in English and Russian, Dr. Boguslavsky brings a multifaceted approach to healthcare, combining the latest medical technologies with time-honored principles of doctor-patient relationships to address both physical and mental health needs.