Spravato Reviews: What People Love and Hate About Nasal Ketamine
Spravato was approved by the FDA in 2019 to treat depression. It’s the nasal form of ketamine treatment. And because of that approval, there are now over 2,500 ketamine clinics in the United States, alone. When the FDA approved Sparavato, it opened up a whole new mental health industry. So what are the Spravato reviews from patients who have tried this new form of treatment?
Healing Maps Says: Spravato is one of four popular ketamine therapy treatments. The others are IV, intramuscular and lozenges (typically done via ketamine telehealth services.)
Now that this treatment has been around for a few years, what do people like and not like about it? We compiled and synthesized both the positive and negative Spravato reviews here.
Interested in ketamine therapy? Click here to find ketamine clinics near you.
What People Like About Spravato
1. Covered by Insurance: Given it’s FDA approval to treat depression, it is the only ketamine treatment that is covered by most insurance providers.
2. Quick Results: Some users experienced rapid improvements, with effects noticeable within a few treatments.
3. Effective for Depression: Many users reported significant improvements in their depression symptoms, including reduction in suicidal thoughts and general sadness.
4. Reduction in Suicidal Ideation: Particularly effective in reducing suicidal thoughts in some users.
5. Positive Experiences During Treatment: Some found the experience during treatment pleasant or manageable.
What People Dislike About Spravato
1. Unpleasant Side Effects: Common complaints include high heart rate, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and a feeling of being spaced out.
2. Intensity of Treatment: The experience can be intense and uncomfortable for some, with feelings of disassociation and psychedelic effects.
3. Post-Treatment Effects: Some users reported feeling fatigued or having a “hangover” effect after treatment.
4. Varied Efficacy: The treatment does not work for everyone, with some reporting no relief from symptoms. Many users have found IV or IM treatments to be much more effective than Spravato.
5. Treatment Administration and Duration: The necessity to stay for monitoring post-treatment and the overall time commitment for each session were noted as inconvenient by some users​
How Does Spravato Compare to Other Treatments?
Spravato (esketamine nasal spray) differs from other depression treatments in several ways, and its effectiveness and side effects can vary compared to traditional antidepressants, IV ketamine, and TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). Here’s a comparison of Spravato reviews based on various sources:
Spravato vs IV Ketamine
IV Ketamine: Generally works faster and in a broader range of patients, with more dosing flexibility and a clearer understanding of how much is getting into the body. However, it’s not FDA-approved for depression, rarely covered by insurance, and requires IV administration. Its effects tend to wear off without subsequent boosters or maintenance medication​​.
Spravato: FDA-approved, more likely covered by insurance, and has long-term safety and effectiveness data. However, intranasal dosing is less reliable, with less dosing flexibility, and can be very expensive if not covered by insurance. Like IV ketamine, its effects can wear off quickly without repeated dosing​​.
Overview: Research comparing esketamine (Spravato) to racemic ketamine (IV ketamine) shows that IV ketamine produced a greater response, remission rate, and had lower dropouts due to adverse events. The data suggested a more significant overall response and remission rates for IV ketamine, with effects lasting up to 7 days after a single dose.
Spravato vs TMS Therapy
TMS: A non-medication therapy using magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain areas. It’s FDA-approved, easier to get insurance coverage, has an extensive research database for safety and effectiveness, and isn’t a drug, which appeals to many. TMS takes longer to show results (often 4-5 weeks), but the benefits seem more durable than ketamine or Spravato.
Spravato: While it can work quickly, the effects might not be as durable as those of TMS. Some patients respond better to TMS than to Spravato or ketamine, and vice versa. There is growing interest in combining these therapies​.
Spravato vs Traditional Antidepressants
Traditional Antidepressants: Typically work by increasing levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which can improve mood. However, they often take several weeks to cause a noticeable difference and can sometimes increase suicidal thoughts in the early stages of treatment​.
Spravato: Increases both neurotransmitter levels and glutamate, impacting more brain cells at once. This can result in seeing results within hours rather than weeks. It’s one of the few drugs that can decrease suicidal thoughts. Clinical studies show it can reduce depression symptoms in many people who don’t respond to other medications.
Overview: Spravato treatments involve nasal administration and are conducted under supervision due to possible side effects like drowsiness, feeling intoxicated, nausea, headache, and increased blood pressure. Each appointment takes about two hours, and regular boosters might be needed to maintain results​.
According to reviews, Spravato offers a different approach to treating depression, especially for those with treatment-resistant symptoms. Its rapid action and ability to reduce suicidal thoughts are significant advantages, but its effectiveness and side effects can vary compared to other treatments. Each treatment option (IV ketamine, TMS, traditional antidepressants) has its unique profile, and the best choice depends on individual patient needs and responses.
