Spravato vs. Ketamine for Depression and Anesthesia: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Spravato

(esketamine)

Ketamine

(Ketalar)

Summary for Spravato

Prescription only

Spravato (esketamine) is used for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). It also treats adults who have depression with suicidal thoughts or behavior. As an NMDA antagonist, it works in the brain to regulate mood. Spravato (esketamine) is a nasal spray that you must use at a treatment center. At first, you take it twice a week for 4 weeks. After that, people with treatment-resistant depression can take it once a week. Side effects include feeling sleepy and dissociated (disconnected from your thoughts or feelings). Side effects can be serious, so you must join the Spravato REMS program to get treatment.

Indications for Spravato

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults
Major depressive disorder in adults who have suicidal ideation or behavior

Pros and Cons for Spravato

Pros

Generally only need to take 1 or 2 times each week
Available through a REMS program that helps makes sure the medication is used safely
Can be used by itself for people with treatment-resistant depression who've already tried 2 oral antidepressants

Cons

Can't give the medication to yourself at home (must go to a treatment center to take)
Requires 2 to 3 sprays in each nostril for each dose
Serious risks of sleepiness; slowed breathing; and feeling disconnected with your thoughts, feelings, and sense of self

Common Side Effects for Spravato

Dissociation (disconnected from your thoughts, feelings, or sense of self, 41%)
Dizziness (29%)
Nausea (28%)
Sleepiness (23%)
Vertigo (feeling like the room is spinning, 23%)
Headache (20%)
Changes in taste (19%)
Numbness (18%)
Anxiety (13%)
Feeling sluggish (11%)
Higher blood pressure (10%)

Warnings for Spravato

Sleepiness, slowed breathing, and dissociation
Potential for misuse and dependence
Must enroll in the Spravato REMS program to get treated
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults
Higher blood pressure
Problems with your mental abilities (e.g., thinking, concentrating, remembering)
Bladder problems
Harm to an unborn baby

Summary for Ketamine

Prescription only

Ketamine (Ketalar) is a medication that's injected into the muscle or infused into the vein before a surgery or procedure to help you sleep so you don't feel pain. This is called general anesthesia. Ketamine (Ketalar) can only be given by a trained healthcare provider who can monitor your breathing and vital signs during your treatment.

Indications for Ketamine

General anesthesia before a surgery or procedure

Pros and Cons for Ketamine

Pros

Cons

Warnings for Ketamine

Unstable vital signs
Reactions after waking
Breathing problems
Risk in newborns and children
Liver problems
Interactions with other medications

Prices with our coupons for Spravato vs. Ketamine

Spravato1 nasal spray / three 28mg nasal sprays of 84mg

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Ketamine1 vial / 5ml of 100mg/ml

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Spravato vs. Ketamine

Spravato

Ketamine

Summary for Spravato

Indications for Spravato

Pros and Cons for Spravato

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Spravato

Warnings for Spravato

Summary for Ketamine

Indications for Ketamine

Pros and Cons for Ketamine

Pros

Cons

Warnings for Ketamine

Prices with our coupons for Spravato vs. Ketamine

Compare other Depression and Anesthesia drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Spravato

Ketamine

Summary for Spravato

Indications for Spravato

Pros and Cons for Spravato

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Spravato

Warnings for Spravato

Summary for Ketamine

Indications for Ketamine

Pros and Cons for Ketamine

Pros

Cons

Warnings for Ketamine