What is the difference between ketamine and Spravato®?

Synthesized in 1962 as a short-acting anesthetic, ketamine can be prescribed by a physician as an off-label drug for a variety of mental health conditions.¹ This substance, administered through IV infusions or lozenges, is known for its “dissociative” effects, which can produce a psychedelic-like response causing individuals to feel detached from their surroundings.^{2, 3}   When used as part of a ketamine-assisted psychotherapy plan – complete with preparation and integration – studies have shown that ketamine can be an effective treatment for depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations, and other mental health conditions.⁴  

Spravato®, on the other hand, is the brand name for esketamine, a fast-acting nasal spray.  Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for adults with treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation or actions, Spravato® is used in conjunction with traditional oral antidepressants.⁵ The drug requires a prescription from a physician and patients must be monitored by a healthcare provider for at least two hours following treatment. Like ketamine, Spravato® is a Schedule III controlled substance and can be accompanied by preparation and integration, which the TARA Mind team believes are critical to ensuring comprehensive wraparound care geared toward optimizing outcomes.