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Lasting Relief

with Ketamine

Therapy

Dr. Ben Van Leeuwen, MD, offers innovative Ketamine treatment for depression and other mental health conditions at Tanner Clinic.

Conditions Targeted

IV/IM Ketamine and Spravato are designed to treat patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD). TRD refers to depression that does not respond to traditional medications and psychotherapy. Both therapies have shown success in addressing major depressive disorder (MDD) in patients who haven’t responded to conventional antidepressants. IV/IM ketamine may also be used for anxiety disorders, PTSD, and chronic pain, while Spravato is FDA-approved specifically for TRD and for MDD with suicidal ideation.

Methodology

IV Ketamine is administered through an intravenous (IV) infusion, while IM Ketamine is delivered through an intramuscular injection. Both routes introduce ketamine directly into the bloodstream. Spravato, on the other hand, is a nasal spray (esketamine) that patients self-administer under medical supervision in a clinical setting.

Session Lengths

IV/IM Ketamine sessions typically last around 40 minutes to an hour, depending on the dosage and patient response. Spravato sessions generally last about two hours to allow for administration, observation, and safety monitoring after the treatment.

Session Frequency

For IV/IM Ketamine, patients typically start with 6-8 initial treatments spaced over two to three weeks, followed by maintenance treatments based on their response. Spravato is administered twice weekly for the first four weeks, then once weekly or every two weeks during the maintenance phase, as determined by the provider.

KETAMINE THERAPIES OFFERED AT TANNER CLINIC

Spravato (Esketamine)
Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray for adults facing treatment-resistant depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants, Spravato works within hours, targeting specific brain receptors to ease depressive symptoms. It’s administered in our clinic under professional supervision and is combined with an oral antidepressant, making it ideal for those seeking a proven, structured approach to relief.

IV/IM Ketamine 
IV and IM ketamine treatments offer a flexible, fast-acting alternative for individuals with severe depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or anxiety, especially when other treatments haven’t worked. Unlike Spravato, ketamine can be administered through an intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injection, and it works by stimulating different brain pathways for mood stabilization. Each session is conducted in a controlled environment, offering rapid symptom relief and a tailored approach to mental wellness.

What is the difference between Spravato and IV/IM Ketamine?

The main difference between Spravato and IV/IM Ketamine is FDA approval and insurance coverage. Spravato, a nasal spray containing esketamine, is FDA-approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression and may be covered by insurance for eligible patients, reducing the cost of treatment. IV/IM Ketamine, while highly effective for depression and other conditions, is an off-label use, meaning it is not FDA-approved for depression and insurance may not cover the cost. Another key difference is the method of administration—Spravato is self-administered under medical supervision, while ketamine is delivered via IV infusion or intramuscular injection. Some patients may respond better to one treatment over the other based on how their body reacts, their insurance coverage, and personal preferences.

4 reasons why these are a better treatment:

spravato anxiety depression

Conditions Treated

Major Depressive Disorder

PTSD

Anxiety Disorders

Bipolar Depression

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HOW IT WORKS

Both Spravato and IV/IM Ketamine work by affecting NMDA receptors in the brain, which are involved in regulating mood and cognition. This unique mechanism helps create new neural pathways, potentially “rewiring” parts of the brain involved in depression, offering relief where other treatments may fail.

Questions?  

Will it be painful?

IV/IM Ketamine and Spravato treatments are not typically painful. Patients may experience mild discomfort during IV placement or nasal administration, but this is usually minimal. The overall experience is more commonly associated with a sense of dissociation or altered perception, which generally passes after the session.

How long will it take for the effects to wear off?

Most patients begin feeling the immediate effects of IV/IM Ketamine or Spravato within minutes to an hour. After the treatment, effects like dizziness or disorientation typically subside within a few hours, though each person’s response can vary.

Common side effects?

Side effects can include dizziness, nausea, a feeling of dissociation or “floating,” and sometimes mild increases in blood pressure. These effects are temporary and monitored closely during the session.

Is it safe?

Both IV/IM Ketamine and Spravato are administered in controlled medical environments with ongoing monitoring. While Spravato is FDA-approved, IV/IM Ketamine is an off-label use for depression, but both have been extensively studied and found to be safe for most patients when delivered under the supervision of trained medical professionals.
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Real Results, Real Stories
"Before starting Spravato, I was struggling with severe depression, low energy, and a complete lack of motivation to do anything. Spravato was the first treatment that truly made a significant impact on my depression. It helped me turn my life around—I was able to get a good job and finally pursue my passions. My experience at the clinic has been amazing; the staff are incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. I would absolutely recommend Spravato to others battling depression. It helped me get out of my own head and approach my problems with clarity and logic."

Questions?

If you have any questions and don’t find the answers here, feel free to reach out and chat with us!