Ketamine and esketamine sound similar, but they are not the same treatment. This guide explains how Spravato nasal spray and IV ketamine differ in approval, insurance, setting, and clinical decision-making.

What would a psychiatrist do first if depression arrived? This evidence-informed depression playbook explains the practical steps that belong before, alongside, and sometimes after medication.

How many ketamine treatments do you need? Treatment involves two phases: induction (rapid relief) and maintenance (sustaining results). For FDA-approved Spravato, induction is typically 8 sessions over 4 weeks. For IV ketamine, it’s usually 6 sessions over 2-3 weeks. If you respond well, clinicians transition you to a maintenance schedule, spacing visits out as much as possible to keep depression in remission.