RECOVER FROM DEPRESSION WITH SPRAVATO ESKETAMINE
Spravato is a brand name for the drug esketamine, a nasal spray used in the treatment of depression. Esketamine is a glutamate receptor modulator, aimed to help restore synaptic connections in brain cells in people with major depressive disorder. It’s a novel approach to treating depression, especially for those who have not responded to other treatments. If you’re an adult residing near Indian Harbour Beach, FL, Atlantis Integrative Medicine & Psychiatry Wellness Center provides Spravato treatment.
Esketamine is a derivative of ketamine, a medication historically used for starting and maintaining anesthesia in adults, children, and animals. However, esketamine is used at a much lower dose and specifically targets the treatment of depression. It’s a fast-acting medication, which can be beneficial for individuals with severe depression or suicidal thoughts. Esketamine is considered to be one-half of the ketamine molecule, which consists of an equal combination of esketamine and arketamine. Despite this, esketamine is highly effective and comparable intervention for treatment-resistant depression.
Spravato works differently than traditional antidepressants. Instead of targeting the monoamine system (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine), it acts on the glutamate system. Glutamate is the most abundant neurotransmitter in the brain and is responsible for sending signals between nerve cells. By modulating the glutamate system, Spravato can help restore the synaptic connections between brain cells, improving mood, energy levels, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms of depression.
Research has shown that Spravato can reduce symptoms of depression within hours, compared to weeks or even months for other treatments. This rapid action can be life-saving for individuals with severe depression or suicidal ideation. However, it’s important to note that Spravato is typically used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant as a requirement for their REMS program.
Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of Spravato in treating depression. In one study, patients treated with Spravato showed a significant improvement in depression symptoms compared to those receiving a placebo. However, like all medications, Spravato may not work for everyone, and it can have side effects. It’s essential to discuss these factors with Dr. Saheli in order to make an informed choice about whether esketamine is right for you or your loved one.
Common side effects of Spravato include nausea, increased blood pressure, and dizziness. It’s important to have a thorough discussion with us at Atlantis Wellness Center about the potential risks and benefits before starting treatment. Patients should inform Dr. Saheli about any history of substance abuse before starting treatment. Spravato can only be administered at specially certified healthcare settings due to the risk of abuse and diversion. Atlantis Wellness Center is proud to be REMS Certified to administer Spravato.
Spravato treatment sessions are typically conducted twice a week for the first four weeks. After the first month, patients typically taper their sessions to once a week or once every other week. During each session, you will receive 2-3 sprays of Spravato in each nostril. The sprays will be monitored by a healthcare provider. After your treatment session, you will need to stay at the office for at least two hours. This is to ensure that you are safe and that you do not experience any adverse side effects.
Determining if Spravato is the right treatment choice for you involves a comprehensive evaluation by Dr. Saheli. This includes considering your medical history, the severity of your depression, and your response to other treatments. Spravato is only FDA Approved for patients with treatment-resistant depression or suicidal ideation.
The accessibility of effective treatments is crucial for those suffering from depression. The good news is that most major insurance companies cover ketamine-based depression treatments like Spravato, making it a viable option for eligible patients. This one of the main advantages of Spravato esketamine nasal spray over IV ketamine for depression.
Despite being an FDA-approved treatment, misconceptions about Spravato persist. These include confusion between Spravato and recreational ketamine use, misunderstandings about its side effects, and unrealistic expectations about the speed and permanence of relief. Some people might assume that because Spravato is a form of ketamine, it will necessarily cause severe hallucinations or disassociation. While these can occur, they are typically mild to moderate and transient in the medical setting, as the dosage is carefully monitored and managed by a healthcare provider. Also, not all patients will experience these side effects.
Spravato represents a significant advancement in the treatment of depression, particularly for those who have not responded to other treatments. With its unique mechanism of action, rapid onset, and health insurance coverage, it offers hope for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression. Atlantis Integrative Medicine & Psychiatry Wellness Center in and near Indian Harbour Beach, FL offers Spravato treatment and is committed to providing necessary monitoring and follow-up care.
Spravato can start reducing symptoms of depression within hours of administration, which is significantly faster than most traditional antidepressants.
No, Spravato is used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant. It should be used alongside oral antidepressants, psychotherapy, or both to maximize its therapeutic benefits.
Spravato can have side effects, including nausea, increased blood pressure, hallucination, and dizziness. It’s important to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider.
Atlantis Integrative Medicine & Psychiatry Wellness Center is currently the only REMS Certified Spravato provider in Indian Harbour Beach, FL.
Yes, Spravato treatment comes with important safety considerations, including the risk of Nausea, Increased blood pressure, Hallucination, Dizziness. Patients should discuss their medical history, including any substance abuse or alcohol problems, with Dr. Saheli before starting treatment.
Spravato is only available to adults who are 18 years of age or older and who have been diagnosed with TRD or suicidal ideation. Patients must also have tried at least two other antidepressants that have not been effective in treating their depression.
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