How is Ketamine treatment administered?
Ketamine treatment is administered in one of two ways:
Is Ketamine effective for treating depression?
Yes, Ketamine has been shown to be effective in treating depression, particularly in patients who have not responded to other treatments such as antidepressants. Ketamine works by modulating the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter in the brain that is involved in depression.
Studies have found that Ketamine can rapidly reduce symptoms of depression, often within hours or days of treatment. This rapid onset of action is a significant advantage over traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks or months to have an effect. Ketamine has also been found to have a sustained effect, with some patients experiencing a reduction in symptoms for several weeks or months after treatment.
While the exact mechanism of action of ketamine in treating depression is not fully understood, it is thought to involve the activation of certain receptors in the brain that lead to the release of other chemicals that promote the growth of new neural connections. This process, known as neuroplasticity, may help to alleviate symptoms of depression and improve mood.
Is Ketamine effective for treating conditions other than depression?
Yes, other indications for Ketamine treatment include the following:
How many treatments do I need for it to start working?
The number of treatments needed for Ketamine to start working can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. In general, most studies have used a course of 6 I.V. Ketamine infusions given over the course of 2-3 weeks, with infusions typically given 2-3 times per week. This dosing schedule has been found to be effective for treating depression and other conditions.
However, it is important to note that the response to Ketamine treatment can vary from person to person, and some individuals may experience a rapid improvement in symptoms after just one or two treatments, while others may require more treatments before seeing a significant improvement. Additionally, some individuals may experience a relapse of symptoms after the initial course of treatment and may require additional infusions to maintain the improvement.
Is I.V. Ketamine treatment covered by insurance?
Ketamine via I.V. infusion is not covered by insurance.
Is Spravato (Ketamine Nasal Spray) effective?
Spravato is a nasal spray version of Ketamine that was FDA-approved for the treatment of depression symptoms in 2019 and works much the same as I.V. Ketamine. Like I.V. Ketamine treatment, Spravato has been shown to improve the symptoms of depression that have been resistant to traditional medical treatments like antidepressants.
Is Spravato (Ketamine Nasal Spray) covered by insurance?
In general, most insurance plans cover Spravato, but there may be restrictions and requirements, such as prior authorization. In addition, Janssen, the manufacturer of Spravato, provides significant copay patient assistance that can cover out of pocket expenses including co-pay, co-insurance and deductible costs
What should I expect on the day of treatment?
How do Spravato (Ketamine Nasal Spray) and I.V. administered Ketamine differ?
While both Spravato and I.V. Ketamine are effective treatment methods, they differ in delivery, session frequency, and affordability.
Delivery method
You use Spravato in the Keta Medical Center under the supervision of the trained medical team. The team directs you on how to safely and effectively inhale the nasal spray. With I.V. Ketamine, you receive the medication in your veins over 40-50 minutes in the office.
Affordability
Spravato is usually covered by insurance plans, while IV ketamine typically is not. This can make Spravato the more affordable option.
Session Frequency
With Spravato, you typically have sessions twice a week for the first month and once a week for the second month. After that, you can expect treatments either once a week or once every two weeks. With I.V. ketamine, you usually have multiple sessions close together (a “loading dose”) over the first couple of weeks. Then, your dose depends on your individual situation. Some people have boosters once a month or every few months.