Spravato (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray used alongside oral antidepressants to treat adults with treatment-resistant depression. It targets NMDA receptors in the brain, differentiating it from traditional antidepressants. Administered under medical supervision in a healthcare setting, Spravato requires close post-treatment monitoring due to potential side effects. It offers a novel treatment option for those who haven't found relief with other depression therapies.
Potential benefits of Spravato (esketamine) treatment include:
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a form of major depressive disorder (MDD) that doesn't respond to traditional antidepressant medications. Patients with TRD often experience persistent, debilitating symptoms despite trying multiple treatments. Spravato is a relatively new and exciting treatment option that can offer hope in such cases. Spravato, administered as a nasal spray, works differently from conventional antidepressants by targeting the NMDA receptors in the brain. This can result in a rapid improvement in depressive symptoms, even in those who have struggled with TRD. It's a promising option for individuals seeking relief from the profound impact of chronic, unresponsive depression.
Spravato (esketamine) works by targeting the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, a key player in the regulation of mood and thought patterns. Unlike traditional antidepressants that focus on the serotonin system, esketamine's action on NMDA receptors can lead to a rapid improvement in depressive symptoms. This makes it particularly effective for those with treatment-resistant depression, offering new hope and a different approach to managing severe and persistent depressive symptoms.
All of our patients will go through extensive medical history review and screening before treatment to ensure safety and efficacy. You will be provided with detailed instructions when you are approved, but in general, patients are advised to avoid eating for at least 2 hours and drinking liquids for at least 30 minutes before treatment. You should arrange for a ride home ahead of time, as driving is not recommended post-treatment due to possible side effects like dizziness.
A treatment session with esketamine (Spravato) typically involves nasal self-administration of the drug in a supervised healthcare setting. The patient remains under observation for about 2 hours post-treatment to monitor for side effects like dizziness or disorientation. The frequency of treatment varies, generally starting with twice-weekly sessions and potentially adjusting based on the patient's response. Patients can expect close monitoring by healthcare professionals throughout the process to ensure safety and efficacy.
Spravato is intended for adults with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior. Patient eligibility is determined through a comprehensive assessment by a healthcare provider, considering factors like medical history, response to prior depression treatments, and current mental health status. It's crucial that patients have tried other antidepressants without adequate improvement before considering Spravato.
Spravato can cause side effects like:
Due to these risks, it's administered in a healthcare setting with post-treatment observation.
Private Rooms: We offer private infusion rooms to ensure comfort and privacy.
Medical Recliners: Our rooms are equipped with comfortable medical recliners.
Dimming Lights: We provide dimming lights in each room to ease light sensitivity.
Total Comfort: We provide everything for your comfort during your treatment, including a pillow, blankets, eye masks, and noise cancelling headphones.
Monitoring by Trained Professionals: Our staff includes trained medical professionals who monitor patients throughout the infusion process.
Spravato (esketamine) is a nasal spray form of ketamine, specifically the S-enantiomer of ketamine. While both are used in depression treatment, Spravato is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and requires medical supervision. Ketamine, often used off-label for depression, is administered as an infusion or injection. Spravato's nasal spray form allows for easier administration but still requires healthcare setting due to potential side effects. Both can provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms but have different regulatory statuses and administration methods.
Changing lives and improving health
Don’t wait, the start to a happier you starts today.