By Tanya Dall, MD and Justin Yanuck, MD
As Renew Ketamine Infusion takes a significant step forward by introducing SPRAVATO® (esketamine) to its list of treatment options, we sat down with Dr. Dall, a Georgetown-trained MD and Dr. Yanuck, a Harvard-trained MD, and the lead physicians at the clinic, to discuss the benefits, safety, and patient experience of this groundbreaking treatment for treatment-resistant depression.
Q: Dr. Yanuck, what inspired you to expand Renew Ketamine Infusion’s services to include SPRAVATO®?
Dr. Yanuck: Over the years, we’ve seen remarkable results with ketamine infusion therapy in patients struggling with severe depression, chronic pain, and anxiety. However, not everyone can access this treatment due to cost, as ketamine infusions aren’t usually covered by insurance. SPRAVATO® offers a new solution for many of these patients. It’s FDA-approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression and covered by many insurance plans, which makes it much more accessible. With our extensive experience in ketamine-based therapies, expanding into SPRAVATO® felt like a natural next step to provide safe, effective options for our patients.
Q: How does SPRAVATO® differ from traditional treatments?
Dr. Dall: SPRAVATO® is a nasal spray form of esketamine, a ketamine derivative, and it works differently than traditional antidepressants. Most antidepressants target serotonin and related neurotransmitters, which can take weeks to show effects. Unfortunately many people don’t see relief from these medicines or have undesirable side-effects. Furthermore, even if the medicine does work, they are required to take these medicines everyday. SPRAVATO®, however, targets the NMDA receptor, part of the brain’s glutamate system, which is closely linked to mood regulation. This can result in a much faster onset of relief—often within hours to days. This rapid response is life-changing for people who have been waiting months or even years for relief from other treatments.
Q: Safety is a big priority. Can you talk about how Renew Ketamine Infusion is set up to ensure a safe experience for SPRAVATO® patients?
Dr. Yanuck: Absolutely. Safety is our top priority, and SPRAVATO® is only administered under direct medical supervision due to its dissociative effects and potential for blood pressure increases. Patients at our clinic receive their SPRAVATO® dose in a private, comfortable environment, where they are carefully monitored under direct supervision (no cameras) for two hours post-administration. This allows us to keep a close eye on their vital signs and any potential side effects, ensuring they’re supported every step of the way. Our staff is highly experienced with ketamine-based treatments, so they’re prepared to provide both physical and emotional support to maximize each session’s therapeutic benefit.
Q: Given that SPRAVATO® is now covered by many insurance providers, what advice would you give patients in selecting a clinic for their treatment?
Dr. Dall: It’s fantastic that SPRAVATO® is covered by insurance for many patients, which means they have options. When choosing a clinic, I’d encourage patients to look beyond just finding a certified location. Ideally, they should choose a clinic that has done everything possible to optimize the treatment environment for SPRAVATO® specifically, rather than just adapting a generic medical space to offer it. At Renew Ketamine Infusion, we’ve designed our space to feel welcoming and calm, offering a comfortable experience that supports the therapeutic process. It’s also crucial to select a clinic with an experienced team in ketamine-based therapies, as this experience enhances both the safety and effectiveness of treatment.
Q: For someone considering SPRAVATO®, how can they know if it’s the right fit?
Dr. Yanuck: If someone has struggled with depression that hasn’t responded to 1 or more antidepressants, they may qualify for SPRAVATO®. The best way to determine eligibility is to reach out for a free consultation, where we’ll discuss their medical history, previous treatments, and goals. We’re here to help guide patients through the process, answer questions about insurance coverage, and make sure they feel informed and comfortable every step of the way.
