A: Ketamine therapy is a medical treatment that involves the administration of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, to help manage various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

A: Spravato is a brand name for esketamine, a form of ketamine that has been FDA-approved for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression. It is administered as a nasal spray.

A: Ketamine and esketamine work differently than traditional antidepressants. They acts on the brain's glutamate system, leading to rapid effects on mood and providing relief for individuals who may not have responded to other treatments.

A: Spravato is a nasal spray formulation of esketamine, while traditional ketamine therapy involves intravenous infusions. Both are used to treat depression, but the method of administration differs and results can vary as well.

A: The initial dosing schedule for Spravato involves twice-weekly sessions for the first four weeks, followed by a maintenance phase, typically with less frequent sessions. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate schedule for you.

Ketamine and esketamine are related substances, both belonging to the class of drugs known as dissociative anesthetics. The primary difference lies in their chemical structure and the way they are used in medical treatments.

Chemical Structure: Ketamine: Ketamine is a racemic mixture, meaning it consists of equal parts of two enantiomers: (R)- ketamine and (S)-ketamine. Each enantiomer has a slightly different effect on the body. Esketamine: Esketamine is the S-enantiomer of ketamine, and it is the active component in the medication known as Spravato.

FDA Approval and Use: Ketamine: Ketamine has been used for decades as an anesthetic and analgesic. In recent years, it has gained attention for its potential antidepressant effects when administered at sub-anesthetic doses. Esketamine: Esketamine, specifically in the form of the nasal spray Spravato, has received FDA approval for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression in adults. It is used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant. It's important to note that while there is evidence supporting the efficacy of both ketamine and esketamine in treating certain mental health conditions, their use should be guided by healthcare professionals in a controlled medical setting due to potential side effects and considerations for patient safety.