Millions of Americans suffer from depression. For many individuals, oral antidepressants are sufficient to manage their symptoms. But some patients may try medication after medication without making significant progress. Patients with treatment-resistant depression may turn to other options like Spravato.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Spravato.
Spravato, also known as esketamine, was approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in 2019 for adult patients with treatment-resistant depression. It’s also approved to treat depressive symptoms in adults who have major depressive disorder and who suffer from suicidal thoughts or actions.
Researchers have found that Spravato works to treat depression by targeting the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which plays a role in mood regulation.
Spravato is available as a nasal spray and is meant to be taken in conjunction with antidepressant medications. In other words, it will supplement your current depression medication but not replace it.
Currently, Spravato is only available for in-clinic use and cannot be taken at home. This is because of potential side effects and the risk of substance abuse. Spravato can be found at healthcare clinics specially certified through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), a restricted distribution system.
Spravato is typically a four-month treatment, though some patients may continue past this mark if recommended by their provider. The treatment plan begins with two sessions a week in the first month. The second month is one session a week. In the third month, Spravato treatment reduces to once every one or two weeks, depending on provider recommendations. If treatment continues past the four-month mark, the frequency may decrease.
Spravato sets itself apart from other depression treatments and therapies because it begins working immediately. Some people experience improvements in their depression symptoms in a matter of hours. This makes it an ideal treatment for those experiencing acute, debilitating symptoms or thoughts of self-harm.
As with all medications, there is the potential for side effects when using Spravato. However, any side effects should be temporary and resolve within a few hours of treatment. Some typical side effects include temporary dizziness, confusion, sedation, lethargy, increased blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting.
While these are common side effects, they are not the complete list of what you could experience. You can discuss potential side effects in further detail with your healthcare provider.
Also, medical professionals advise you to avoid eating for at least two hours before your appointment. You should also avoid drinking liquids for at least 30 minutes beforehand. You will also need to arrange pick-up after your treatment.
If you’re suffering from treatment-resistant depression, it could be worth asking your healthcare provider about Spravato. However, you should not use it if you:
At Bella Jace Center, we take pride in helping our patients in Brentwood, TN improve their lives with our dignified and holistic treatment options. We use treatment options that address each patient’s unique needs and specialize in treatment-resistant patients.
If you’ve been experiencing difficulties in treating your mental health disorder, we’d love to talk to you about how we can help. Contact us to schedule a meeting with one of our experienced psychiatric nurse practitioner. We’ll get to know your needs and tailor our treatment approach to suit your situation.
