Spravato® Treatment for Depression: An FDA-Approved Approach
Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health problems worldwide, and it makes sense that there are several treatment options available for depression. However, even with different treatments, not everyone experiences a relief of their symptoms. Most commonly, this is in regards to standard antidepressants and individuals who have tried more than one different antidepressant without much improvement to their mental health. Thus, there has been an increase in demand for alternative therapies and treatment plans for individuals who have not had any relief.
In 2019, Esketaimine—an isomer derived from the molecule ketamine— was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults who have not responded to conventional antidepressants.
What is Spravato® (esketamine)?
Spravato® (esketamine) is a nasal spray that works by affecting the brain’s glutamate system, which plays a critical role in regulating mood, cognition, and emotional response. Typical antidepressants primarily target neurotransmitters—such as serotonin and norepinephrine levels— rather than the glutamate system. As a result, Spravato® has been shown to provide rapid relief from depression symptoms sometimes within hours of administration, unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to show effect. Spravato® is administered as a nasal spray in a clinical setting under the supervision of healthcare providers.
Spravato® is only available through a healthcare setting certified under the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program, because esketamine is classified as a controlled substance. The program is to prevent abuse of Spravato® and monitor the safety of individuals who are being treated with Spravato®.
Who is Spravato® for?
Spravato® is an FDA-approved treatment for individuals with TRD or MDD with acute suicidal ideation or behavior (MDSI). The question is, what is TRD and how do you know if you should consider Spravato®?
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is defined as depression that does not improve after two or more adequate trials of antidepressant medications, often combined with psychotherapy. In short, individuals whose depressive symptoms have not gotten better after trying more than one medication as prescribed by their provider can consider Spravato® treatment as an alternative.
What are adequate trials of antidepressants?
Some suggest that an adequate antidepressant trial is approximately 4 to 6 weeks. However, this approximation may vary per healthcare provider/guidelines and patient. If you are wondering if you have had an adequate trial, ask your mental health provider what this means for you.
What does Spravato® treatment for depression look like?
Spravato® is a nasal spray that is administered under the supervision of a healthcare provider, and treatment is twice a week for the first month. After the first month, it is under the discretion of your provider to adjust treatments to fit patient needs and concerns. Most commonly, after the first month symptoms can improve enough and the frequency of treatments of Spravato® can lessen to once a week, and so on.
Treatment sessions are a 2 hour long period while under the supervision of your healthcare provider to monitor potential side effects in a safe and comfortable environment.
Some common side effects of Spravato® include the following:
● Acute Dissociation
● Dizziness
● Acute Sedation
● Nausea
● Vertigo
● Anxiety
● Lethargy
● Slight increase in blood pressure
Is Spravato® Safe?
Like any other medication, Spravato® has side effects and some of which may be more serious than others; however, Spravato® is administered in a clinic setting where treatment sessions are 2 hours long to monitor potential side effects. If you want to learn more about Spravato®, visit https://oasiscip.com/ for more information.
Ready to feel a change sooner? Spravato® might be the alternative you are looking for to offer new hope and relief.