Spravato for Depression Treatment
If you or a loved one grapples with persistent depression symptoms that haven’t shown improvement with conventional medications or therapy, SPRAVATO® could be a valuable treatment option. Recognized for its swift relief and enduring benefits, this FDA-approved nasal spray medication is accessible to a broader audience as it is covered by most major insurances.
SPRAVATO® is a prescription medicine, used along with an antidepressant taken by mouth to treat:
- Adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
- Depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or actions
Research indicates that SPRAVATO® offers swift relief and enduring improvement for these conditions. Axon TMS is delighted to provide SPRAVATO® as a treatment option for individuals seeking relief from their depression symptoms. With insurance coverage, SPRAVATO® becomes an affordable choice for those interested in exploring this pioneering treatment.
How Does Spravato® Work?
Esketamine, the active ingredient in SPRAVATO® nasal spray, works differently than other antidepressant drugs.
Esketamine operates through a distinct mechanism. Unlike other antidepressants that enhance serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine levels in the brain, Esketamine raises glutamate levels by acting on a different receptor known as the NMDA receptor. Glutamate, the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the body, plays a crucial role in maintaining proper brain function.
By elevating glutamate levels, Esketamine facilitates the development of new and strengthened communication pathways in the brain. These pathways contribute to restoring balanced communication between different brain regions. In cases of depression, it is now understood that there is a disruption in the normal communication between these areas, leading to commonly reported symptoms such as persistent negative thoughts, cognitive fog, and feelings of hopelessness.
Esketamine achieves this process rapidly, with many patients experiencing improvements after just a few treatment sessions.
Who Should Take Spravato®?
SPRAVATO® is an option for depression treatment if you are dealing with Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and conventional treatments have proven ineffective. This therapeutic approach is most suitable for individuals without a history of alcohol or substance abuse disorders, as well as those without significant underlying medical conditions.
SPRAVATO® is not for use as a medicine to prevent or relieve pain (anesthetic). It is not known if SPRAVATO® is safe or effective as an anesthetic medicine.
It is not known if SPRAVATO® is safe and effective for use in preventing suicide or in reducing suicidal thoughts or actions. SPRAVATO® is not for use in place of hospitalization if your healthcare provider determines that hospitalization is needed, even if improvement is experienced after the first dose of SPRAVATO®.
It is not known if SPRAVATO® is safe and effective in children.
Benefits of Spravato includes:
- Rapid Onset of Action: SPRAVATO® is known for its relatively quick onset of action compared to traditional antidepressant medications. Some individuals may experience improvement in symptoms after just a few treatment sessions.
- Alternative Treatment: For individuals who have not responded well to other antidepressant medications or therapeutic interventions, SPRAVATO® provides an alternative treatment option.
- Long-Lasting Improvement: Studies suggest that the benefits of SPRAVATO® treatment can be enduring, offering long-lasting relief from depression symptoms.
- Different Mechanism of Action: SPRAVATO® works differently than standard antidepressants. Instead of primarily affecting serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine, it acts on the NMDA receptor to increase glutamate levels in the brain, contributing to the formation of new neural pathways.
- Clinically Monitored Administration: SPRAVATO® is administered in a clinical setting, often under the supervision of healthcare professionals. This ensures the proper administration of the medication and allows for monitoring of potential side effects.
You may benefit from adding SPRAVATO® to your existing oral antidepressant if you’re an adult with major depressive disorder (MDD) who has had an inadequate response to two or more oral antidepressants, known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly might I see improvement of depressive symptoms with SPRAVATO for treatment-resistant depression?
In clinical studies, improvement of depressive symptoms was demonstrated at four weeks by SPRAVATO plus an oral antidepressant, compared with placebo nasal spray plus an oral antidepressant. Not all patients will respond to SPRAVATO.
What are common side effects of taking SPRAVATO?
- Dissociation
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Sedation
- Spinning sensation
- Reduced sense of touch and sensation
- Anxiety
- Lack of energy
- Increased blood pressure
- Vomiting
- Feeling drunk
How long will I stay on SPRAVATO for treatment-resistant depression?
You and your healthcare provider will decide how long to stay on SPRAVATO based on how you respond to it. Your healthcare provider will determine the dosing frequency based on how you feel.
How often will I take SPRAVATO for treatment-resistant depression?
You’ll take SPRAVATO twice a week for the first month. During the second month, you’ll take it once a week. After that, you will take it once a week or once every two weeks. You’ll continue to take your oral antidepressant as prescribed.
What should I do if I miss a treatment session?
It is important to stay on track with your treatment plan. However, if you do miss any treatments, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss how they would like to address the situation. They may decide to change your dose, or dosing frequency, because of missed treatments.