Depression is a common mental health condition, and sadly, many individuals who suffer from it do not respond well to first-line treatments. If that is true of you, do not lose hope! Medical science is always learning more about the human brain and methods that can be used to alleviate depressive symptoms. For example, many people with treatment-resistant depression have found that SPRAVATO helps. What is SPRAVATO, and what should you know before you get started with it? This blog post explains.
What Is SPRAVATO?
SPRAVATO is the brand name for esketamine, a medication that has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults with treatment-resistant depression.
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which are typically taken as oral tablets or capsules, SPRAVATO is administered as a nasal spray under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is not a replacement for regular antidepressants. Rather, it is meant to be taken alongside them.
Due to its unique formula and consistent results, SPRAVATO represents a new chapter of hope for individuals with stubborn depressive symptoms.
How Does SPRAVATO Work?
SPRAVATO acts differently from most common antidepressants, which often target neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Esketamine, the active ingredient in SPRAVATO, interacts with glutamate, a key neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a role in mood regulation and neural connections.
By working through this pathway, SPRAVATO is thought to help restore balance in certain brain circuits that are involved in depression. While traditional antidepressants may take several weeks to show noticeable effects, some patients report improvements in their mood shortly after starting SPRAVATO treatment.
What to Expect with SPRAVATO
SPRAVATO is a powerful medication, and as such, it is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance. That does not mean you should be afraid of it if your psychiatric team recommends it for you, but you must understand that they will take great care in determining how and when it should be administered.
SPRAVATO is provided in a certified healthcare setting, where a trained professional will guide you through each session. During the visit, you will self-administer the nasal spray and then remain at the clinic for a time so that your healthcare team can monitor you for any potential side effects, such as dizziness, dissociation, or changes in blood pressure.
Most people tolerate the treatment very well, but because it can cause temporary side effects, you will need someone to drive you home after each session and should plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
SPRAVATO is usually given twice weekly at the start, with the frequency decreasing over time as your response is assessed. Your healthcare provider will discuss the expected duration of treatment and answer any questions you may have about the process. Open communication with your doctor is important, as it allows you to share your experience and address any concerns that may arise.
If you are struggling with the darkness of treatment-resistant depression, SPRAVATO could be an important turning point in your mental health journey! Talk to a qualified psychiatric team to learn more about it and its potential benefits.
Meet the Practice
At Embrace Psychiatric Wellness Center, our team in Westfield and Wall Township is committed to providing high-quality mental healthcare to our patients. Medication management is among the services we offer, and we are well-qualified to provide SPRAVATO for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. To learn more about us or to set up a consultation, contact us at 908-923-3483.