In recent years, ketamine has received much attention as a faster option for treating depression, especially for patients who no longer find significant benefits from taking anti-depressants. According to studies, ketamine can rapidly take effect in as little as two hours.
Currently, there are two forms of ketamine methods for treating depression — ketamine intranasal and intravenous (IV) ketamine. But which is better than the other? Below is a comparison between these two methods.
What to Expect from Ketamine Intranasal
Ketamine intranasal or Esketamine nasal spray received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in early 2019 as a viable treatment for depression. It is deemed as the more accessible and tolerable option for outpatient treatment and management, especially for patients who have an aversion to needles and will likely find IV treatments uncomfortable and invasive.
Because it’s FDA approved, this nasal spray treatment may be covered by health insurance. It may also be part of a maintenance treatment as some insurance companies do accept coverage for “treatment-resistant depression.”
However, there are some drawbacks to ketamine intranasal as it may cause dripping and sneezing. The dose could run at the back of the throat instead of going to the brain, where it is actually needed.
What to Expect from Intravenous (IV) Ketamine
Though nasal sprays can be more tolerated by patients, intravenous ketamine assisted therapy in Palm Beach County tends to bring better, long-lasting results than ketamine intranasal. This is because a hundred percent of the dose from the IV treatment directly goes to the brain, whereas intranasal ketamine will need to pass through layers of tissues before it can bring relief.
This type of treatment for depression is also administered at an established medical facility like Allay Health and Wellness IV therapy, which is staffed by knowledgeable and skilled medical personnel who monitor the progress, including any potential side effects.
Compared to nasal sprays, the type of monitoring and regulation for IV ketamine is safe and beneficial to patients because the medical staff can easily stop the procedure and address any issues if the patient is uncomfortable or experiencing dissociative effects.
Intravenous (IV) ketamine is safe, accurate in dose, and most effective, with low side effects and maximized benefits. Our staff who handle IV therapy in Palm Beach Gardens take necessary measures to ensure that the patients’ level of comfort is optimized.
Each method has its place, feel free to call to learn more.
Find out more about Allay Health and Wellness ketamine assisted therapy in Palm Beach County
At Allay Health and Wellness, there is a clinical psychologist to sit with you during ketamine IV therapy. We believe that there has to be a psychotherapeutic engagement with the client to maximize the results of ketamine infusion therapy.
If you or someone you know is suffering from pain, anxiety, or depression, it would be best to see a specialist in Allay Health and Wellness as soon as possible to facilitate the best treatment plan.
If you would like more information on the pain treatments that we provide, contact us or call us at (561) 421-6444.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.