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Is Spravato (esketamine) a controlled substance?

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on July 27, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Yes. Spravato (esketamine) is a Schedule III Controlled Substance in the United States.

Spravato is rapid acting nasal spray used conjunction with an oral antidepressant, for use in adults with treatment-resistant depression.

Spravato is also used with an oral antidepressant to treat depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or actions.

Spravato contains esketamine, which is the s-enantiomer of ketamine. Ketamine is a mixture of two enantiomers (mirror image molecules). The FDA first approved ketamine (Ketalar) in 1970 for use as a rapid-acting general anesthetic, but in more recent times has become known as a drug of abuse (Special K) due to its hallucinogenic properties.

Both esketamine and ketamine are listed under schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

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