A new treatment option for depression?
Pictured above: a Spravato nasal spray. You can self-administer Spravato under the supervision of a care provider.
Typically the two options physicians present to patients looking to treat their depression are therapy and antidepressant medication, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or escitalopram (Lexapro).
However, a third option exists called Spravato or esketamine. Unlike traditional antidepressants, Spravato is the only FDA-approved nasal spray, typically reserved for adult patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Spravato can be taken alone or with other oral antidepressant medications. Patients who were treated with Spravato saw their depression symptoms dramatically improve anytime from 24 hours to roughly four weeks.
How does Spravato work?
Standard antidepressants boost naturally-formed chemicals in the brain, even when they are weakened or damaged in the brain due to mental illness. The Spravato CIII nasal spray belongs to a medication class called N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists.
Spravato can strengthen or repair neurotransmitters by promoting synaptogenesis, or the formation of new synapses, therefore regulating the communication between nerve cells in the brain within four hours of taking the drug.
The goal of Spravato is to relieve a patient with depression from difficult-to-treat suicidal thoughts or behaviors. By regulating communication between nerve cells, Spravato can be a tool for remapping new thought patterns and emotional regulation strategies. The effectiveness of Spravato depends on an individual’s condition, Spravato dosage, and other medications.
What to expect during Spravato treatment
Pre-Session Prep — Since Spravato can temporarily alter your state of mind and motor-function skills, we ask you to arrive at your appointment with a designated driver.
Nasal Spray Administration — Under the supervision of a licensed provider, you will self-administer the Spravato treatment, as the medication is a spray.
Monitoring Period — Our Fremont office has a recovery room in Suite 204 where you’ll be able to lie down comfortably for 1-2 hours after your self-administration.
Post-Session Evaluation: Once cleared by our team, you’ll be able to go home to rest. Your provider will likely follow up with you shortly after your treatment.
Spravato is usually administered twice weekly for the first four weeks, then once weekly or bi-weekly.
Who is eligible for Spravato?
Ideal candidates for Spravato should be…
Individuals who haven’t responded to two or more traditional depression treatments (such as antidepressants).
Individuals experiencing severe depression symptoms, especially suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Patients under psychiatric supervision who are able to attend bi-weekly visits during the initial treatment phase.
Spravato is not an immediate treatment for depression and is reserved for adults. As Spravato is FDA-approved, many commercial insurance plans and Medicare offer coverage for eligible patients. If you’re interested in Spravato treatment, prior authorization may be required.
Our team at Family Psychiatry is experienced in diagnosing and treating depression and providing financial options for Spravato treatment, allowing you to make informed decisions about your care.