SPRAVATO® (Esketamine) Myths vs. Facts: What You Should Know

Depression can be challenging to treat, especially when traditional antidepressants fail to reduce your symptoms. For individuals living with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), SPRAVATO® (esketamine) is an innovative option that can provide fast-acting results and relief. However, as with many newer therapies, there are misconceptions that may prevent someone with TRD from trying a treatment that will help them.

Myth #1: Esketamine Is Just Another Antidepressant

Fact:

Esketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants, which usually target neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine. However, esketamine affects the brain's glutamate system, which plays a critical role in mood regulation, learning, and neural connectivity. This is how ketamine offers a different approach for those who have not responded adequately to conventional antidepressants.

Myth #2: Esketamine Is the Same as Ketamine

Fact:

Although esketamine is derived from ketamine, it is an FDA-approved medication for depression, with standardized dosing, safety protocols, and monitoring requirements. On the other hand, ketamine, while FDA-approved as an anesthetic, is used off-label for depression and is not regulated in the same way as esketamine for mental health treatment. Patients receive esketamine treatment in certified health care settings, where they are observed during and after administration.

Myth #3: Esketamine Is Only for Severe Depression

Esketamine is for those with treatment-resistant depression. The key factor is not necessarily the severity of your symptoms but whether your previous antidepressant treatments have been unsuccessful. If you have tried to get relief from your depression with at least two different antidepressants and still have seen no significant improvement, esketamine therapy may be right for you.

Myth #4: Esketamine Will Replace Your Therapy and Other Mental Health Care

Fact:

Esketamine treatment is often most effective when it’s part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Depression is complex, and you may still need to continue other types of mental health care, such as talk therapy to develop healthy coping skills or medication management. Be sure to discuss with your provider how esketamine therapy will fit into your existing mental health treatment plan.

Myth #5: Esketamine Treatment Is Administered in a Cold, Clinical Environment

Fact:

You may think esketamine treatment is given in a sterile, hospital-like setting, but treatment centers are designed to provide a calm, comforting, and supportive experience. You’ll relax in soothing, comfortable, lounge while self-administering esketamine under the supervision of experienced medical providers who are there to offer care and make you feel at ease. The goal is to create a safe and welcoming space that supports both your emotional wellness and safety.

Myth #6: Esketamine Is Not Covered by Insurance

Fact:

Many people assume esketamine treatment will be too expensive because it is not covered by insurance. However, esketamine is covered by many insurance plans for patients who meet specific eligibility criteria. Many treatment centers also work directly with insurance providers to obtain prior authorization and will help you understand your benefits and potential out-of-pocket costs. If you’re interested in esketamine treatment, you should speak to your provider and insurance company to determine your coverage options.

What to Know About Esketamine Treatment

Misinformation can make it difficult to evaluate new treatment options objectively. The truth is esketamine therapy is a significant advancement in depression treatment, with fast-acting and consistent results, minimal side effects, and a high success rate. Understanding esketamine treatment will help you have an informed conversation with your provider about your mental health care so that you can stay on your path to recovery.

Learn More About SPRAVATO® at LiveWell Counseling

LiveWell Counseling offers esketamine therapy with SPRAVATO®, the only FDA-approved nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression. In our comfortable, calming lounge, clients can now self-administer the SPRAVATO® (esketamine) nasal spray under the supervision of our board-certified providers. To learn more, please call (201) 848-5800 or visit SPRAVATO®.