Ketamine vs. SPRAVATO®: Choosing the Right Therapy

Overview

Are you struggling with treatment-resistant depression or other mental health conditions? At Reyou Ketamine Treatments, we understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate your options. Two promising therapies, ketamine and SPRAVATO®, offer rapid relief, but they differ in administration, mechanism, and suitability for various conditions. Located in Howell, NJ, we are dedicated to helping you find the right path to healing.

Understanding Ketamine and SPRAVATO®

Both ketamine and SPRAVATO® offer rapid relief for people with treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions. Ketamine is a long-standing anesthetic with evolving use in mental health, administered via infusion in a monitored setting. On the other hand, SPRAVATO® is an FDA-approved nasal spray that contains esketamine, a ketamine derivative, and is used specifically for treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation.

How Each Treatment Works

Ketamine works by modulating the glutamatergic system and enhancing brain plasticity—breaking rigid thought loops linked to depression and anxiety. It reduces activity in the brain’s default mode network, which is often hyperactive in patients with anxiety and depression. SPRAVATO® also targets the NMDA receptor and rapidly enhances neural connectivity, helping to lift mood in hours or days. Both treatments create conditions for long-lasting emotional and cognitive change through neural regeneration.

Key Differences Between Ketamine and SPRAVATO®

While both treatments are effective, there are key differences to consider. Ketamine is typically administered via IV infusion, while SPRAVATO® is delivered as a nasal spray in a certified healthcare setting. Additionally, SPRAVATO® requires concurrent use of an oral antidepressant, whereas ketamine is often used as a stand-alone treatment. SPRAVATO® is FDA-approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation; ketamine is prescribed off-label but has broader use across mood and anxiety disorders. Finally, session lengths and monitoring protocols differ, with SPRAVATO® requiring a two-hour in-clinic observation.

Who May Benefit from Each Option

SPRAVATO® is a great option if you’ve failed two or more antidepressants and meet criteria for treatment-resistant depression or have suicidal thoughts. Ketamine may be right for you if you live with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, postpartum depression, or suicidal ideation—even without formal treatment resistance. At Reyou, our team will guide you through a personalized consultation to determine the best path for your healing.

What to Expect at Reyou

Each patient journey begins with a full clinical consultation and insurance benefits check. Ketamine infusions take place in private, spa-like rooms with personalized music, eyeshades, and post-infusion integration support. SPRAVATO® treatments occur under direct supervision in a certified setting, with detailed monitoring and insurance coordination. We handle all paperwork for SPRAVATO® coverage and help make the process smooth and affordable.

At Reyou Ketamine Treatments, we believe access to advanced care shouldn’t be limited by cost—we accept major insurance plans to make healing more accessible. We focus on the full experience of ketamine therapy, from pre-session integration to post-session processing. Located in Howell, NJ, we proudly serve Monmouth and Ocean County communities with compassionate, evidence-based care.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between ketamine and SPRAVATO® can be a daunting task, but understanding the differences and benefits of each treatment can empower you to make an informed decision. At Reyou, we are committed to providing you with the support and guidance you need on your journey to mental wellness.

If you have questions or would like to explore your options further, please contact us.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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