Spravato (esketamine) and ketamine are both drugs that are chemically related and belong to the same class of anesthetics called “phencyclidine derivatives.” However, there are some differences between the two.
1. Chemical Structure: While ketamine is a racemic mixture of two enantiomers, Spravato is the S-enantiomer form of ketamine.
2. Route of Administration: Spravato is an intranasal formulation, meaning it is administered through the nose, while ketamine can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or orally.
3. Approval Status: Spravato is a prescription medication that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment-resistant depression, while ketamine is shown to be effective in non-FDA trials it is used off label for depression and other issues.
4. Dosage: The dose of Spravato used in treatment is lower compared to ketamine, which may result in fewer side effects some patients.
5. Monitoring: Spravato must be administered in a clinical setting and patients must be monitored for at least 2 hours after administration, due to the potential for side effects, while ketamine use for mental health conditions is well researched it is off label and is only available in specialized clinics with trained clinicians.
In conclusion, Spravato and ketamine have some similarities and differences, and it’s important to consider the potential risks and benefits of each before deciding on a course of treatment. It’s important to discuss all options with a qualified healthcare professional.
