Understanding Your Ketamine Treatment Options
If you are exploring ketamine therapy for depression, you will likely come across two primary options:
- Spravato (intranasal esketamine)
- Intravenous (IV) racemic ketamine
Both are used to treat depression and related mood disorders, but they differ in how they are administered, how they are dosed, and how treatment is structured.
Understanding these differences can help you choose the right approach.
What Is Spravato?
FDA-Approved Esketamine Nasal Spray
Spravato is an FDA-approved form of ketamine therapy used for treatment-resistant depression. It contains only the S-enantiomer of ketamine and is delivered as a nasal spray in a certified clinic.
Treatment is provided under a federally regulated REMS program and is typically combined with an oral antidepressant.
What to Expect With Spravato Treatment
Spravato follows a fixed dosing protocol and relies on nasal absorption, which can vary between individuals.
Clinical trials showed benefit in some cases, while others did not demonstrate significant improvement over a placebo. As with any depression treatment, results vary from person to person.
What Is IV Ketamine Therapy?
Intravenous Ketamine for Depression Treatment
IV ketamine therapy uses racemic ketamine, which includes both the R- and S-enantiomers. It has been studied in psychiatric settings for more than two decades.
Treatment is delivered intravenously in a controlled, physician-present medical environment.
Why IV Ketamine Offers More Precision
IV administration allows for near-complete bioavailability and real-time dose adjustment during treatment.
This means your provider can tailor the experience based on your response, rather than following a fixed protocol.
A large body of research supports IV ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression, with many patients experiencing rapid symptom improvement.
Learn the Difference
Key Differences Between Spravato and IV Ketamine
| Differences | Spravato | IV Ketamine |
|---|---|---|
Treatment Method and Absorption |
Nasal spray with variable absorption | Intravenous delivery with consistent absorption |
Dose Control and Flexibility |
Fixed dosing schedule | Real-time dose titration |
Formulation |
S-enantiomer only | R + S enantiomers |
Clinical Experience |
Regulated clinic protocol | Physician-guided, individualized care |
Treatment Planning |
Standardized schedule | Customized induction and maintenance |
Why We Focus on IV Ketamine Therapy
A More Personalized Approach to Depression Treatment
WellCentric Health focuses exclusively on IV ketamine therapy delivered in a physician-present setting.
This allows us to provide:
We believe that control, consistency, and clinical oversight are critical when treating complex mood disorders.
Rather than offering multiple treatment formats, we focus on delivering one approach with a high level of precision and accountability.
