Hello,
This is Dr. Tanya Dall MD and I have given myself 10 minutes to answer a very common question about our treatment options.
Question: “What is the difference between the IV infusions and the Spravato nasal spray, and which is better for me?”
Answer:
Both IV ketamine and Spravato are excellent tools, but they work in slightly different ways. Spravato is a nasal that is FDA approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression. Because it is FDA approved, it is often covered by insurance, which makes it a great option for many of our patients in Tustin. However, because it is a nasal spray, the absorption can vary based on your anatomy or even if you have a common cold. You also have less control over the exact dose that reaches the brain.
IV ketamine is what we consider the “golden standard” for precision. Because it goes directly into the vein, 100 percent of the medicine is absorbed. This allows us to be very specific with the dosage and to adjust it in real time. If you are a chronic pain patient, IV is usually the only effective route because we need much higher doses than a nasal spray can provide. For mood disorders, some patients prefer the IV because the “experience” is more consistent and the results can sometimes be more robust.
When you come in for a consultation, we look at your specific goals, your medical history, and your insurance situation. If your primary issue is depression and cost is a major factor, Spravato is often the best place to start. If you are dealing with complex pain or have found other treatments to be ineffective, the IV route may offer the depth of treatment you need. Our goal is to find the path that gives you the best chance of long term recovery.
If you have more questions, feel free to email us at info@renewketamineinfusion.com or book a free consultation.
Cheers,
Dr. Justin Yanuck, MD & Dr. Tanya Dall, MD, Dr. David Richter, MD
Renew Ketamine Infusion
Tustin, San Juan Capistrano, Seal Beach
