What is the difference between ketamine and esketamine (SPRAVATO®)?
Ketamine is a generic drug used off-label for depression, while SPRAVATO® is a brand-name nasal spray derived from ketamine and FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression. While SPRAVATO® and Ketamine are chemically related, SPRAVATO® is not the same as IV Ketamine. Only SPRAVATO® has undergone extensive controlled clinical trials that informed the FDA approval of the medicine for use in adults with treatment-resistant depression and to treat depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior.
Esketamine is made from a drug called ketamine, an anesthetic that has also been used for many years to treat depression. Because Esketamine is more potent, it can be used at a lower dose and has fewer side effects. Esketamine has earned FDA approval specifically for use as a nasal spray for those with treatment-resistant depression. Because the FDA approves it, it’s more likely that insurance companies will cover the treatment.
Mathew Perry's tragic story is now widely circulated. As a potential patient, you may have concerns. Please be aware:
- There is a difference between SPRAVATO® and esketamine. SPRAVATO®, the isomer of ketamine, has been approved by the FDA for mental health treatment. Ketamine has not been approved,
- Our post-infusion monitoring adds incredible safety to the medication.
- RCBM has years of experience with SPRAVATO®, dating back to pivotal trials. We studied this medication before it was FDA-approved.
- Our SPRAVATO® dosing is fixed, and toxic blood levels will not be exceeded.
- Mathew Perry's death reminds us of the high stakes associated with depression and treatment and the reason non-mental health experts should not be prescribing this medication.
For more information on Ketamine, please review:
Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression and Related Conditions: A Review of a Novel and Needed Treatment Option by Benjamin Young, MD
