If you’ve been exploring treatment options for depression that hasn’t responded to medication, you may have come across two advanced alternatives. Spravato esketamine and IV ketamine infusions. Both are ketamine based treatments and both can work faster than traditional antidepressants. But they are not the same.
At Perfect Balance Psychiatric Services in Frisco TX, we help patients understand both options with clarity and care. This guide breaks down how each treatment works, what makes them different, and what to consider when choosing your path.
Feature | Spravato Esketamine Nasal Spray | IV Ketamine Infusions |
Form | Nasal spray | Intravenous IV infusion |
FDA Approved | Yes | No off label |
Active Ingredient | Esketamine | Racemic ketamine |
Administration Location | Certified REMS clinic | Ketamine clinic varies |
Insurance Coverage | Often covered | Rarely covered |
Monitoring Required | 2 hours | 1 to 2 hours |
Ideal For | TRD, MDD with suicidal thoughts | TRD, PTSD, chronic pain |
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic developed in the 1960s. It is known for rapid effects on mood and suicidal thinking. Unlike antidepressants that target serotonin, ketamine targets glutamate which supports neuroplasticity and emotional recovery. This allows for fast symptom relief, sometimes within hours.
Spravato is a more potent, refined version of ketamine called esketamine. It is the only FDA approved ketamine based treatment for depression.
Spravato is provided only at REMS certified clinics like Perfect Balance Psychiatric Services.
IV ketamine infusions deliver the full ketamine molecule through an IV line over 40 to 60 minutes. They are used off label for:
Spravato offers predictable safety because:
IV ketamine clinics may vary in structure, oversight, and safety controls.
Often covered by:
Rarely covered
Typical cost. $400+ to $800+ per infusion
At Perfect Balance, we handle all pre authorization steps for Spravato to reduce financial stress.
Both treatments act faster than traditional antidepressants, but their timelines differ.
If you prefer a structured and gradual improvement, Spravato is ideal. If fast onset is your priority, ketamine infusion may appeal more though it is off label and self paid.
| Choose Spravato if | Choose IV Ketamine if |
| You want an FDA approved treatment | You are open to off label options |
| You need insurance coverage | You are able to pay out of pocket |
| You prefer a structured, monitored program | You are exploring treatment for conditions like PTSD or chronic pain |
| You are being treated for depression with suicidal thoughts | You already tried Spravato or want alternative formats |
At Perfect Balance Psychiatric Services in Frisco TX, we provide Spravato in a safe, private, supportive environment. If we believe ketamine infusions are a better fit, we guide you to reputable options.
Your path becomes clearer immediately.
If you’ve been struggling with depression that has not improved with medication or therapy, Spravato may be the breakthrough you need.
We make the process easy by:
📞 Call us: 972 781 0100
🌐 Visit: www.pbpsychiatricservices.com
📍 Serving: Frisco TX and surrounding areas with evidence based mental health care
The right mental health care starts with the right guide. Let’s find your perfect balance.
How Long Does It Take for Psychiatric Medication to Work? When you start taking psychiatric medication — whether for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or another
ADHD and Sensory Processing: What’s the Connection? When most people think of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), they think of distractibility, impulsivity, or difficulty sitting
