Ketamine infusions or Spravato? Patients ask this every day at Felicity Mental Health. Some swear by IV Ketamine. Others stick with Spravato. Both help with stubborn depression, but they work differently. One kicks in quicker. The other comes with strict safety measures. Which one fits you best? Let’s find out.
Spravato vs. Ketamine: How Do You Take It?
Spravato is easy. It’s a nasal spray taken at a clinic. A doctor watches, but no IVs are needed. Needles make many people anxious. If that’s you, Spravato wins this round.
IV Ketamine requires an infusion. A nurse places an IV, and the treatment begins. Some don’t mind. Others hate it. The experience varies. Sessions last about 40 minutes, with additional time for recovery. Many report feeling “out of body” during treatment. Some find that refreshing. Others find it overwhelming.
A recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry compared these treatments. It found that “Intravenous Ketamine and intranasal Esketamine showed similar response/remission in TRD (treatment-resistant depression) patients.” In short, both work, but the study also noted a key difference: “The number of treatments required to achieve response/remission was significantly lower with Ketamine infusions vs. Spravato.”
That means IV Ketamine acts faster. If speed matters, infusions win. If avoiding needles matters, Spravato is the way to go.
Which One Is Safer?
Ketamine gets used off-label, meaning there are no strict regulations. Clinics run things their way. Some do it right, others don’t. No FDA program monitors how they use it. While most clinics operate responsibly, there’s no universal standard.
Spravato follows strict rules. The FDA requires doctors to register with a safety program called REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy). The drug stays at the clinic. No one takes it home. Extra rules lower the risk of abuse. Patients receive monitored care during and after treatment. If safety is a concern, Spravato wins this round.
Side Effects: Which One Feels Better?
Both have side effects. Some feel spacey. Others experience nausea or dizziness. IV Ketamine has stronger effects. Patients report blurry vision, weird thoughts, and occasional hallucinations. Some like that, while others don’t.
Spravato feels lighter. Some get a runny nose or mild discomfort. Others feel a little woozy, but nothing major. Many describe it as a “gentle mental journey” compared to IV Ketamine’s “intense mental shift.”
A Cambridge University study reinforced this. It found that while “both treatments showed similar efficacy, IV Ketamine produced more dissociation and transient psychological side effects than Spravato.” If you prefer a smoother ride, Spravato is the better bet.
What About Cost?
IV Ketamine gets expensive. Insurance won’t cover it. Patients pay out of pocket. One infusion costs hundreds of dollars. A full treatment plan adds up fast. Over a few months, it runs into thousands.
Spravato is FDA-approved, so insurance usually pays. Many big companies cover it, including Colorado Medicaid, Anthem/BCBS, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, and Medicare. That makes it way more affordable for most patients. Those with insurance pay a fraction of the cost. Read more about Spravato and Ketamine.
Extra Savings With Spravato
There’s more. Spravato offers a savings card for those with commercial insurance. Patients often pay as little as $10 per visit, and the card covers the rest. Over a year, it provides up to $8,150 toward deductibles and copays after the first month of treatment, which makes it easier to afford other medical expenses. IV Ketamine has no such program. Patients pay full price, which adds up fast. For cost-conscious patients, Spravato is the better deal.
Which One Works Better
Both IV Ketamine and Spravato are effective in treating depression. Studies indicate that there is no real difference in results. Some research suggests IV Ketamine may require fewer sessions to work, but both lead to improvements in depression symptoms.
It depends on the patient. Some respond better to IV infusions. Others like the slower, steadier approach of Spravato. The key is finding what works for you.
The Experience: What to Expect
Ketamine infusions often feel intense. Some patients report deep dissociation, strong emotions, or dreamlike states. Recovery time varies. Some feel great after an hour. Others need the rest of the day to feel normal again.
Spravato takes a gentler approach. Many describe it as a “floating” sensation rather than full dissociation, and some feel mild sedation. A short resting period follows each session, and patients resume normal activities.
Spravato is the better choice for those who prefer a controlled, less overwhelming experience. Those looking for fast relief may still prefer Ketamine infusions.
The Final Word
Both treatments help with depression. IV Ketamine has been around longer. Spravato is newer but well-regulated and easier to access.
If affordability, safety, and convenience matter, Spravato wins. If you prefer a faster-acting treatment and don’t mind an IV, Ketamine infusions are worth considering. Research supports both options. The best choice depends on personal needs and medical history. Talk to a doctor. Find the option that best fits your needs.
