What Is Spravato and When Should It Be Used for Depression?
Advancements are continually being made to improve mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Among these breakthroughs is Spravato™, a medication that’s gained attention for its unique approach to treating depression, particularly in cases where other treatments have been ineffective.
Spravato, known scientifically as S-ketamine (esketamine), offers a departure from traditional antidepressants. Unlike selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which typically take weeks to show effects, Spravato can act rapidly.
Our trained and qualified team of experts at Palo Alto Mind Body administers Spravato, which is a nasal spray that works by targeting the neurotransmitter glutamate in your brain. This approach differs from conventional antidepressants.
When is Spravato a good choice?
If you have treatment-resistant depression (TRD), which means you’ve tried at least two different antidepressants without success, Spravato might be the right choice for you.
TRD presents a significant challenge in psychiatric care, as it can lead to prolonged suffering and functional impairment and is a “major risk factor for suicidality” (Cai et al 2021). Our Spravato treatments offer hope if you’ve exhausted other treatment options.
Spravato has also been found to be effective in treating those with major depressive disorder who have not tried other antidepressants but are at imminent risk for suicide. Its rapid onset of action makes it a valuable intervention in situations where immediate relief is necessary to prevent self-harm or suicidal behavior.
Is Spravato all I need?
Spravato isn’t a standalone treatment for depression. Rather, we administer it in conjunction with an oral antidepressant and under our close medical supervision. This combination approach gives you comprehensive care and maximizes your chances of symptom improvement.
Is Spravato safe?
Like any medication, Spravato isn't without its considerations and potential side effects. You may experience temporary:
- Dissociation
- Dizziness
- Sedation
- Increased blood pressure
Because of these risks, Spravato can only be administered in certified healthcare settings like ours, where patients can be monitored for at least two hours after each dose.
Am I a candidate for Spravato?
When considering Spravato for depression management, we assess several factors, including the severity of your condition, treatment history, and your risk factors. If you’re a candidate for treatment, we’ll have an informed discussion about the medication's benefits, risks, and alternatives.
What else do I need to know about treatment?
Spravato treatment requires ongoing evaluations and maintenance. To ensure an optimal outcome, we closely monitor your response to treatment, assess you for adverse effects, and make necessary modifications.
Spravato represents a promising advancement in the field of depression treatment, offering a rapid and novel approach if you haven't found relief with conventional antidepressants. Though its efficacy and safety have been demonstrated in clinical trials, we provide careful consideration when incorporating Spravato into your treatment plan.
By leveraging this innovative medication alongside our comprehensive psychiatric care, we can help improve your life if you struggle with depression, particularly in cases where you feel like you’re running out of hope.
But there is always hope. We have seen patients overcome their symptoms and reclaim their lives. You can too.]
Reach out to our team today to learn more about Spravato and to schedule an evaluation. Call our caring staff today at 650-681-2900, or book online at your convenience.