Intravenous ketamine versus intranasal esketamine (Spravato)

Intravenous ketamine and intranasal esketamine (Spravato) are both good options for treating treatment-resistant depression. How do you know which is right for you?

An article published May 30, 2023 in Medscape, highlights intravenous ketamine versus intranasal esketamine. Both agents were equally effective in improving symptoms of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults; however “speed and cost” favor IV ketamine in clinical practice.

In March of 2019, intranasal esketamine (Spravato) in conjunction with an oral antidepressant was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating TRD in adults. Due to insurance restrictions on esketamine nasal spray and limited treatment centers, treatment initiation can take several weeks longer than IV ketamine. Additionally, the cost of achieving the same clinical benefit is about six times higher for esketamine vs ketamine.

According to an article published in Psychiatry Online in May of 2020, esketamine is substantially more expensive than other antidepressants. The first 2 months of esketamine treatment have been estimated to cost $7,000 to $11,000. Medscape confirmed the price tag for esketamine is significantly higher compared to its equally effective IV option. Stating that the cost of achieving the same clinical benefit is about six times higher for esketamine vs ketamine.

If speed and cost are a factor in determining which treatment option is best for you, consider Reset Restore MD. Call today to schedule your consultation.

Wondering if Ketamine therapy is right for you? Contact us today to set up a consultation at one of our Wisconsin locations.