SPRAVATO – Westfield, NJ

Innovative Mental Health Care

SPRAVATO Nasal spray is a esketamine spray, a different kind of medication taken with an oral antidepressant for adults with treatment-resistant depression – a first in decades approved by the FDA.

If you’ve struggled with depression and tried two or more antidepressants (of adequate dose and duration) in your current episode without adequate relief, talk to us to see if you have treatment-resistant depression, which could benefit from treatment with SPRAVATO from our Westfield, NJ mental health team.

In a clinical study of adults with Treatment-Resistant Depression:

Those who took SPRAVATO and an oral antidepressant experienced greater reductions of depression symptoms at four weeks compared to those who received a placebo plus an oral antidepressant.

What is SPRAVATO?

SPRAVATO is a prescription medicine, used along with an antidepressant taken by mouth, for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults.

SPRAVATO is only available at certified SPRAVATO treatment centers under the supervision of a healthcare professional. *Because of the risks for sedation, dissociation, abuse, and misuse, we will enroll you in the SPRAVATO Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Program.

Side-Effects of SPRAVATO

Dissociation, dizziness, nausea, sedation, spinning sensation, reduced sense of touch and sensation, anxiety, lack of energy, increased blood pressure, vomiting and feeling drunk. If these common side effects occur, they usually happen right after taking SPRAVATO™ and go away the same day. These are not all the possible side effects of SPRAVATO™.

Benefits of SPRAVATO

SPRAVATO is a new breakthrough in psychiatry that has led to doubts because it comes from ketamine, a drug often used recreationally and seen negatively by society. However, scientific studies show that esketamine nasal spray has wonderful benefits, including being approved by the FDA. Click on the button below to learn more about the advantages of this nasal spray!

It Can Treat Depression

SPRAVATO, a nasal spray containing esketamine, emerged as a breakthrough in 2019 for treating depression in adults who haven't responded to other treatments. It's notable for being the sole FDA-approved drug for adults experiencing major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal thoughts. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which focus on neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, esketamine targets the brain's glutamate system. This unique approach offers hope to individuals who have struggled with depression and related conditions without success.

It Can Address Various Mental Health Conditions

While esketamine is specifically approved for depression, there's growing evidence suggesting its effectiveness in treating other mental health conditions like OCD, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders. Many patients who undergo SPRAVATO treatment for depression report improvements in these additional areas of mental health. This hints at the possibility of esketamine offering relief beyond depression alone.

It Stimulates Neuroplasticity

One of the unique aspects of esketamine is its ability to stimulate neuroplasticity, the brain's capacity to rewire and adapt. By activating this process, esketamine helps individuals break free from negative thinking patterns associated with depression. This mechanism offers a promising method of overcoming depression and potentially other mental health challenges by fostering new neural pathways and adaptive behaviors.

It Facilitates an Expanded State of Consciousness

Esketamine induces a dissociative state, which can lead to an expanded state of consciousness. During treatment, patients may feel detached from their usual sense of self and experience alterations in perception, such as distortions in time and space. While this may sound unsettling, it often provides people with unique insights and perspectives, offering an opportunity for introspection and self-discovery.

It Unlocks Suppressed Memories for Healing

The dissociative effects of esketamine can facilitate the retrieval and processing of suppressed memories, including past traumas. This aspect of treatment allows patients to confront and work through unresolved emotional issues in a safe and supportive environment. Under the guidance of healthcare professionals, patients can navigate these memories and experiences, leading to healing and emotional resolution.

SPRAVATO FAQs

How Does SPRAVATO Work?

SPRAVATO is a nasal spray that contains Esketamine. Unlike other antidepressants, this solution is typically used as an “add-on” form of treatment, usually in combination with other traditional medications used for patients with treatment-resistant depression. SPRAVATO was approved by the FDA, having been evaluated in various trials to prove its effectiveness.

Who is a Good Candidate for SPRAVATO?

Generally speaking, SPRAVATO is mostly reserved for people who are struggling with treatment-resistant depression—a condition where they are unable to respond well to standard approaches with therapy and/or medications. If a patient hasn’t improved after two or more medication trials, then they can typically have this treatment approved by their insurance provider. SPRAVATO is not a viable option for someone pregnant or breastfeeding. Our team will also need to ensure that you aren’t allergic to SPRAVATO or any ingredients in the medication. You’ll also need to visit a qualified psychiatric provider to undergo an evaluation before you can be recommended for the treatment.

How Do I Prepare for an Initial Evaluation for SPRAVATO?

Before coming into our office, be ready to review your complete medical history, including previous medications you have tried to address depression. You should also have a complete list of all your current prescriptions/medications, even if they aren’t used for psychiatric purposes. Our provider will need access to this information during your appointment to properly assess you. This will be crucial to help our providers determine if you’re a good candidate for SPRAVATO and how it can potentially affect you.

How Long Do the Results Last for SPRAVATO?

You can expect to get treatment twice every week for the very first month. Afterward, our team will decrease the rate to only once per week. Gradually, we might move the frequency to once every other week for maintenance depending on effectiveness. The benefits of SPRAVATO will likely kick in within the first month of treatment, but some experience relief after the first few sessions. That said, the effects may wear off over time, so if you are seeing positive results from SPRAVATO we will likely recommend a maintenance plan that works for you. Depression is often a chronic and recurrent disorder, so we’ll have to maintain effective treatments to avoid relapse of symptoms.

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