Spravato Esketamine Treatment for Depression
Find a New Approach to Treatment-Resistant Depression
Living with depression can be exhausting, especially when traditional antidepressants have not provided the relief you need. Spravato esketamine treatment for depression is an FDA-approved treatment option that may help adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
Spravato, the brand name for esketamine nasal spray, works differently from many traditional antidepressants. It is administered in a certified healthcare setting under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Spravato is approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression and, in certain circumstances, for depressive symptoms associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior.
What Is Spravato (Esketamine)?
Spravato contains esketamine, a medication related to ketamine that is delivered as a nasal spray. Unlike conventional antidepressants that primarily target serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine pathways, esketamine acts on the brain’s NMDA receptors.
Spravato is a prescription medication and is not intended for unsupervised use at home. Because of potential risks including sedation, dissociation, respiratory depression, and abuse or misuse, treatment is provided through the SPRAVATO REMS program. Patients are monitored by healthcare professionals after receiving a dose.
Who May Benefit From Spravato Treatment?
Spravato may be considered for adults whose depression has not responded adequately to previous antidepressant treatments. Your mental health provider will review your symptoms, treatment history, medications, medical conditions, and overall health before determining whether esketamine treatment may be appropriate.
Treatment decisions are individualized. Spravato is not the right treatment for everyone, and it should only be used under appropriate medical supervision.
What Happens During Spravato Treatment?
Your provider will evaluate you before treatment, including checking your blood pressure when appropriate. Spravato is administered as a nasal spray while you remain in a supervised healthcare setting.
After administration, you will be monitored for potential effects such as sedation, dissociation, changes in blood pressure, or respiratory problems. Current FDA labeling requires monitoring for at least two hours after administration, followed by an assessment to determine whether you are clinically stable before leaving.
Because Spravato can temporarily affect alertness and judgment, your provider will give you specific instructions about transportation and activities following treatment.
Take the Next Step Toward Depression Treatment
If depression continues despite previous treatment, it may be time to discuss additional options with a qualified mental health professional. Spravato esketamine treatment for depression may offer an alternative approach for appropriately selected adults with treatment-resistant depression.
Contact our team to schedule an evaluation and learn whether Spravato may be appropriate for your treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions of Spravato Esketamine Treatment for Depression
What is Spravato used for?
Spravato (esketamine) is FDA-approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression and for certain adults with major depressive disorder experiencing acute suicidal ideation or behavior, with the applicable antidepressant treatment requirements.
Is Spravato the same as ketamine?
No. Spravato contains esketamine and is an FDA-approved nasal spray. Ketamine and esketamine are related medications, but they are not identical products and have different approved uses.
How is Spravato administered?
Spravato is administered as a nasal spray under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider in an appropriate healthcare setting. Patients are monitored after treatment.
How long do I stay at the clinic after Spravato treatment?
FDA labeling requires patients to be monitored for at least two hours after administration, followed by an assessment of clinical stability before discharge.
Can everyone with depression receive Spravato?
No. Spravato is a prescription treatment with specific FDA-approved indications and important safety considerations. A qualified healthcare professional must determine whether it is appropriate for you.
Does Spravato have side effects?
Possible adverse effects include sedation, dissociation, dizziness, nausea, increased blood pressure, and other reactions. Spravato also carries important warnings regarding sedation, dissociation, respiratory depression, and abuse or misuse.
Is Spravato treatment performed at home?
No. Spravato must be administered under healthcare-provider supervision through the required safety program. Patients are monitored following administration.