What Is Spravato® and How Does it Work?
Spravato®, a nasal spray formulation containing esketamine, is employed in conjunction with an oral antidepressant for the treatment of specific cases of major depressive disorder (MDD), a variant of depression. FDA-approved for usage in adults with depression who have not responded to alternative treatments or those experiencing depression with self-harm or suicidal thoughts, Spravato® is a crucial intervention.
At Geode, ensuring your safety takes precedence. Although Spravato® can be a suitable remedy for severe depression, it is imperative that all Geode patients can uphold safety within the community. If you find yourself grappling with active thoughts of suicide or a sense of insecurity, we strongly encourage you to promptly seek assistance at a crisis center or hospital.
Functioning as an NMDA receptor antagonist, Spravato® binds to and obstructs NMDA receptors in the brain. This action elevates glutamate levels, initiating downstream processes that ultimately enhance the growth and connectivity of brain cells (neurons).
In contrast to many other depression medications, Spravato® does not seem to operate by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine. The precise mechanism through which Spravato® elicits its antidepressant effects is currently under investigation.
How to Schedule Your Spravato® (Esketamine) Consultation in Chicago, IL (West Town)
To schedule your consultation for Spravato® (Esketamine) at Geode Health, follow these simple steps on our user-friendly website:
What does Spravato® (Esketamine) treatment look like?
The Spravato® treatment program involves a sequence of sessions conducted at your Geode provider’s office. Following intranasal medication administration, trained staff will monitor you for a minimum of two hours to ensure the absence of serious side effects.
The Spravato® treatment generally leads to rapid improvement in depressive symptoms for most patients, with some experiencing relief within a few hours of their initial treatment.
Typically, Spravato® treatments are given twice a week over a span of four weeks. Following this initial period, your Geode provider may adjust the frequency of treatments or discontinue them altogether based on your symptoms and response to the treatment. The duration and frequency of Spravato® treatment are tailored to individual needs.
Frequently asked questions about Spravato® (Esketamine) Treatment
FDA approval extends to the use of Spravato® in adults experiencing treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder accompanied by thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Nevertheless, Spravato® may not be suitable for every individual, and it is crucial to engage in a discussion with your healthcare provider to determine its appropriateness as a treatment option for you.
Esketamine constitutes a variant of the composite medication ketamine, a substance extensively employed in medical settings for anesthesia and, regrettably, misused as a recreational drug. In contrast, the administration of esketamine for depression entails significantly lower doses, with Spravato® being dispensed within a regulated setting. Notably, esketamine exhibits greater potency than ketamine, allowing for the administration of diminished quantities and a concomitant reduction in side effects. Although the prescribed dosage and formulation of esketamine in Spravato® may induce dissociation on occasion, it remains below the threshold for intoxication or anesthesia.
Common side effects of Spravato® include nausea, dizziness, headache, and increased blood pressure. Spravato® can also cause sedation and dissociation, which is a feeling of detachment from oneself and one’s surroundings. Because of these risks, patients are monitored for at least two hours at the treatment center after the medication is administered.
Spravato (esketamine) has shown notable effectiveness in addressing treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts. Approved by the FDA, Spravato offers a promising option for individuals who have not responded adequately to other antidepressant treatments. Clinical studies have demonstrated its ability to rapidly alleviate depressive symptoms, often within hours or days. The supervised administration in a healthcare setting adds an extra layer of safety.
Many patients have reported positive outcomes, experiencing sustained relief and improved overall well-being. While individual responses may vary, the substantial evidence supporting Spravato’s efficacy, coupled with its FDA approval, provides a strong foundation for considering it as a potential treatment option for those seeking relief from treatment-resistant depression. Discussing your specific situation with a Geode provider can offer personalized insights and guidance.
Insurance coverage for Spravato® can be a bit different for everyone. Some insurance plans cover Spravato® for conditions like major depression, especially when other treatments haven’t worked. But it really depends on your insurance company, your specific policy, and why you need the treatment.
To find out if your insurance covers Spravato® for your specific situation, the best thing to do is contact your insurance company directly. They can give you the most accurate information about your coverage options.
Your qualified Geode provider and office staff will assist in obtaining insurance coverage for these services.
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