What is Spravato?

Spravato is an innovative prescription medication designed to treat depression, specifically for adults with:

  • Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
  • Major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior

Approved by the FDA in 2019, Spravato is the brand name for esketamine, a nasal spray derived from ketamine. It’s used in conjunction with oral antidepressants to provide rapid relief for those who haven’t responded adequately to at least two other antidepressant treatments.

Advantages of Spravato (Esketamine) Therapy

  • Administered as a spray nasally
  • NO needles or IV fluids
collage-patient-spravato

How Does Spravato Work?

Spravato works differently from traditional antidepressants, offering a unique approach to treating depression:

Rapid Action

Unlike conventional antidepressants that may take weeks to show effects, Spravato can provide relief within hours

Glutamate Modulation

It targets the brain’s glutamate system, specifically the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. By modulating glutamate activity, Spravato can quickly improve mood regulation

Neuroplasticity

Spravato is believed to rapidly increase neuroplasticity, helping the brain heal from the effects of long-term depression

Complementary Treatment

It’s used alongside oral antidepressants to maximize effectiveness

Administration and Effectiveness

  1. Spravato is administered as a nasal spray under medical supervision in REMS-certified clinics.
  2. Patients are monitored for at least two hours after each dose due to potential side effects.
  3. The treatment involves an initial phase with twice-weekly doses, followed by a maintenance phase with less frequent dosing
  4. Clinical trials have shown significant reductions in depressive symptoms for people with TRD and MDD experiencing suicidal thoughts, with noticeable improvements within 24 hours.

What to Expect Before, During, and After the Treatment

  1. Medical Assessment: Undergo a thorough evaluation and physical examination.
  2. Medication Review: Provide a comprehensive list of all your medications and supplements.
  3. Fasting: Avoid eating for 2 hours and drinking liquids for 30 minutes before treatment to reduce the risk of nausea.
  4. Avoid Substances: Refrain from alcohol and recreational drugs for at least 24 hours before treatment.
  5. Arrange Transportation: Plan for someone to drive you home after the treatment.
  6. Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
  7. Voiding: Ensure you urinate right before treatment.

  1. Administration: Self-administer the nasal spray under the supervision of a healthcare professional in a certified clinic.
  2. Duration: Each treatment session typically lasts about 2 hours.
  3. Monitoring: Your blood pressure and oxygen level will be monitored during the treatment.
  4. Side Effects: During treatment, you may experience dizziness, nausea, or dissociation.

  1. Monitoring Period: You’ll be monitored for at least 2 hours after each dose to manage any side effects.
  2. No Driving: You won’t be able to drive or operate machinery until the next day after a restful night’s sleep.
  3. Rest: Plan to rest for the remainder of the day after treatment.
  4. Follow-up: Adhere to your healthcare provider’s instructions for follow-up appointments and maintenance doses.
  5. Side Effects: Be aware of potential side effects like increased blood pressure, dizziness, or nausea that may persist for a short while after treatment.

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