As ketamine therapy gains traction for treating mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain, many people find it difficult to choose the right option. Understanding the differences between ketamine therapies — like IV, Spavo (Spravato), and sublingual ketamine — and all of the unique benefits they offer can be confusing. Let’s break down and understand the differences to help you make an informed decision.
1. IV Ketamine Therapy
In IV ketamine therapy, medical professionals deliver ketamine directly into your bloodstream through an IV drip. This method allows for precise dosing and quick onset of effects.
- Onset and Duration: You’ll typically feel the effects within minutes of starting the IV. Sessions usually last 45-60 minutes, and you may continue to experience residual effects for several hours afterward.
- Effectiveness: IV ketamine has proven highly effective in treating severe depression and suicidal thoughts. Because of its rapid onset, clinicians often use it in emergency situations where quick relief is crucial.
- Supervision: Medical staff closely monitor you throughout the IV session in a clinical setting, ensuring your safety during the treatment.
2. Spavo (Spravato)
Spavo, marketed as Spravato, uses a nasal spray that delivers esketamine, a ketamine derivative. The FDA has approved this method specifically for treating treatment-resistant depression.
- Onset and Duration: You’ll start to feel the effects 20-40 minutes after using the nasal spray. Although Spavo takes longer to act than IV ketamine, the sessions last about two hours because medical staff monitor you post-administration.
- Effectiveness: Spravato works well for patients who haven’t responded to traditional antidepressants. Doctors typically combine it with an oral antidepressant to enhance its effectiveness.
- Supervision: Although you administer Spavo through a nasal spray, you still need to receive it in a healthcare setting. Medical professionals will monitor you to ensure a safe experience.
3. Sublingual Ketamine Therapy
In sublingual ketamine therapy, you place ketamine tablets or lozenges under your tongue, allowing the drug to absorb through your mucous membranes. This option offers more accessibility and flexibility, often allowing for at-home use.
- Onset and Duration: You’ll usually begin to feel the effects 15-30 minutes after placing the tablet under your tongue. The effects can last longer than those of IV or Spravato treatments, often persisting for up to two hours.
- Effectiveness: Sublingual ketamine can effectively improve mood disorders, but absorption rates vary, leading to less predictable results. Doctors often recommend it as part of a maintenance plan after completing in-clinic treatments.
- Supervision: Sublingual ketamine gives you the flexibility to receive treatment at home, with remote guidance from healthcare providers. However, this method lacks the immediate oversight you’d get with IV or Spravato treatments.
Conclusion
When choosing between IV, Spavo, and sublingual ketamine therapy, consider your condition, treatment goals, and personal preferences. IV ketamine delivers rapid relief with a high degree of control, Spavo provides a non-invasive option with proven results, and sublingual ketamine offers flexibility and convenience. Consulting with your healthcare provider will help you determine the best route for your ketamine therapy journey.
Stella Luna Counseling and Wellness partners with New Pathways Clinic and provides expert Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAP). Whether it’s working with clients during session, or helping to process and integrate the experiences after and/or between, our therapists are skilled in being able to provide compassionate, authentic, holistic care.
John has a Bachelors in Communication from Cleveland State University and has made a career in child and adolescent mental health, working in residential, community, and day treatment settings in a variety of roles. He has also spent over 25 years training in Chinese Internal Arts, most of that time he has also been instructing. On top of all this, John has a rich work history which includes retail, performance, fitness, and construction. He is also the Operations Manager at Stella Luna Counseling and Wellness.