Depression is a debilitating mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide. While traditional antidepressant medications have been helpful for some, others continue to struggle with their symptoms even after trying multiple treatments. Fortunately, there is a new treatment on the market that has been shown to be effective in treating treatment-resistant depression: SPRAVATO®.
What is SPRAVATO®?
SPRAVATO® (esketamine) is a medication that was approved by the FDA in 2019 for the treatment of depression in adults who have not responded to other treatments. It is a nasal spray that is self-administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional in a clinic or doctor's office.
How does SPRAVATO® work?
SPRAVATO® is a form of ketamine, a drug that has been used as an anesthetic for decades. However, unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks or even months to start working, SPRAVATO® can produce results within hours or days.
The exact mechanism of how SPRAVATO® works is not fully understood. However, it is believed to work by targeting the glutamate neurotransmitter system in the brain, which is involved in regulating mood and emotions.
What are the benefits of SPRAVATO®
The primary benefit of SPRAVATO® is its ability to treat treatment-resistant depression. In clinical trials, SPRAVATO® was shown to produce significant improvements in depression symptoms compared to a placebo. It can also work quickly, producing results within hours or days.
Additionally, because it is self-administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional, it is a convenient option for those who may have difficulty taking traditional antidepressant medications.
What are the side effects of SPRAVATO®?
Like all medications, SPRAVATO® can cause side effects. The most common side effects reported in clinical trials include dizziness, nausea, headache, and sedation. These side effects are generally mild and resolve on their own within a few hours.
However, there are also some more serious side effects to be aware of, including dissociation (a feeling of being disconnected from one's surroundings) and increased blood pressure. Because of these risks, SPRAVATO® is only available through a restricted distribution program and must be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Is SPRAVATO® right for me?
If you have been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression and have not responded to other treatments, SPRAVATO® may be a good option for you. However, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine whether it is the right treatment for your needs and medical history.
Overall, SPRAVATO® is a promising new treatment option for those who have been struggling with depression. While it is not without risks, it has been shown to be effective in clinical trials and may relieve those who have not responded to other treatments.
- Is Spravato the same as ketamine?
No, Spravato and ketamine are not the same. Spravato is a form of esketamine, which is a derivative of ketamine. While they are related and have similar mechanisms of action in the brain, they are chemical compounds used differently in clinical settings. Spravato has been specifically approved for treating depression, while ketamine is primarily used as an anesthetic in medical procedures.
- How fast does Spravato work?
One of the major advantages of Spravato is its speed of effect. While traditional antidepressants may take weeks to start showing effects, Spravato can often begin to alleviate symptoms of depression within hours of the first administration. However, it’s important to note that individual responses can vary, and some patients might take longer to respond than others.
- Is Spravato treatment safe?
Spravato has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression in adults, which indicates its safety when used under appropriate medical supervision. However, like all medications, it does have potential side effects. Some of these side effects can be serious, so discussing these risks with your healthcare provider before starting treatment is essential.
- How is Spravato administered?
Spravato is administered as a nasal spray. This form of administration is less invasive than other methods, making it a convenient option for many patients. The treatment is given under the supervision of a healthcare provider in a certified treatment center, like Luxury Psychiatry Medical Spa, and patients are monitored for at least two hours after administration.
- Who is a good candidate for Spravato treatment?
Spravato is typically recommended for adults with treatment-resistant depression. This means it’s intended for individuals who have tried at least two different types of antidepressant treatments during the current depressive episode but have not seen significant improvement. However, whether Spravato is a good fit for a specific individual should be determined through a thorough consultation with a healthcare provider.
