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Uncovering The Differences Between Ketamine And SPRAVATO® Near Middlesex Brought To Light By The Passing Of Matthew Perry

January 26, 2024

The recent death of Friends actor Matthew Perry brought renewed scrutiny of ketamine, a drug associated with both therapeutic promise and recreational misuse.

In the wake of these news stories, it's vital to be aware of the main distinctions between Spravato®, the FDA-authorized nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and ketamine, a frequently misused anesthetic that appears to have played a role in Mr. Perry's death.

The details about Matthew Perry's ketamine use are not known publicly, and with respect to Perry and his family, it's not appropriate to speculate on whether he was consuming it in a recreational fashion or for medical purposes.

However, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's report did comprehensively determine "acute ketamine intoxication" as a contributing factor in his death, not specifying the source or context about his ketamine use.

Going Past the Headlines: Examining the Differences Between Spravato and Ketamine

While both are derivatives of ketamine, Spravato and recreational or therapeutic ketamine differ immensely in dosage, administration, treatment setting, and goals

Dosage and Administration:

  • Spravato: FDA-authorized, low-level doses delivered via a nasal spray in a structured medical setting under licensed healthcare supervision.
  • Recreational Ketamine: Uncontrolled and unregulated dosages, often self-administered outside of healthcare environments.

Treatment Setting:

  • Spravato: Safe and supportive medical setting with close monitoring during treatment sessions.
  • Recreational Ketamine: Uncontrolled settings, heightening the threat of severe effects and complications.

Treatment Goals:

  • Spravato: Specifically designed for mental health disorders like treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
  • Recreational Ketamine: Altered state of awareness or intoxication.

Spravato: A Commitment To Patient Safety

It's critical to know that ketamine is a potent drug with both approved healthcare uses and the danger of misuse. It's paramount to seek guidance from a healthcare professional if you are contemplating ketamine therapy for any reason.

Authorized by the FDA in 2019, Spravato's thorough approval process included rigid guardrails and a restricted distribution network allowing only select providers to ensure patient safety. Dissimilar to unregulated ketamine, Spravato treatment calls for Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) certification to make certain patients are protected and get the top level of care for this cutting-edge new treatment.

Shielding Patients: Spravato's Design Demands Safe Administration

  • Comprehensive Patient Screening: Patients undergo comprehensive assessments for Treatment-Resistant Depression near Middlesex to see if Spravato is the right treatment option and to document any potential risk factors.
  • Direct Medical Observation: Each Spravato dose is dispensed and observed by a trained healthcare professional in a regulated setting.
  • Ongoing Support: Patients receive comprehensive support and monitoring throughout their treatment, including guidance on potential side effects and how to manage them.

Moving Ahead: Understanding and Seeking Help

If you or somebody close to you is grappling with depression, seeking professional assistance is crucial. While movie star headlines may give rise to some apprehension, Spravato treatment is established as a safe and regulated treatment, provided within a strict framework to prioritize patient safety.

Discover Outpatient Spravato Treatment at The Counseling Center at Middlesex

Specialized healthcare practitioners at [[companyname1]] can evaluate your needs and see if outpatient treatment with Spravato near Middlesex, or other established depression treatments, are right for you. Our center is REMS-certified and provides effective and safe Spravato treatment for TRD patients who have attempted two or more antidepressants without success.

Here's how The Counseling Center focuses on patient health:

  • Comfortable and Convenient Therapy: Delivery in an REMS-certified clinical environment with observation periods.
  • Flexible Appointments: Day, evening, and weekend appointments near Middlesex will will suit your busy life.
  • Family and Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs: Maximizing care options for diverse needs.

Praesum Healthcare is the parent company of The Counseling Center at Middlesex and offers a comprehensive range of treatment across its continuum, including outpatient and inpatient programs, drug and alcohol detox, mental health options, and medication-assisted treatment. Our medical staff have experience with TRD, and our patients appreciate the use of Spravato to help with their depression symptoms:

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Are Your Looking to Break Free From Depression?

Let's move beyond the celebrity buzz with real information. Let’s have a discussion about ketamine and vital depression care with effective and safe treatment options. Take the first step. Turn to The Counseling Center at Middlesex today at 732-629-9510 to request a consultation and learn more about how Spravato can help.