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Compare Spravato vs. Ketamine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Spravato (esketamine)
    Ketamine (Ketalar)
  • Spravato (esketamine)
    Ketamine (Ketalar)

  • Summary of Spravato vs. Ketamine

    Summary for NMDA receptor antagonist
    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.

    Summary for Anesthetic
    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 of Spravato vs. Ketamine

    Indications for
    •Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults
    •Major depressive disorder in adults who have suicidal ideation or behavior
    Indications for
    •General anesthesia before a surgery or procedure

  • Pros and Cons of Spravato vs. Ketamine

    Pros and Const for NMDA receptor antagonist
    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
    Pros and Const for Anesthetic
    Pros
    Cons

  • Common Side Effects of Spravato vs. Ketamine

    Common Side Effects for
    •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%)
    Common Side Effects for

  • Warnings of Spravato vs. Ketamine

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •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

    Learn more about Spravato
    Learn more about Ketamine

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