Spravato is the only FDA-approved ketamine therapy covered by most insurances. Esketamine or Spravato® is a nasal spray form version of ketamine. Like ketamine it exerts a powerful effect on depression. It has shown to be one of the most promising new mental health treatments for those who have tried multiple meds without relief.
The active molecule in Spravato is called esketamine. We mentioned that it’s essentially the same as ketamine and tremendously valuable to patients suffering from depression. Both ketamine and esketamine block NMDA receptors and increase glutamate in the brain.
Glutamate is a powerful excitatory neurotransmitter. With Spravato, the depressed brain finds new connections because of widespread activation. Multiple studies have demonstrated positive results such that the FDA has given Spravato an indication for treatment-resistant patients.
Actually, there are a lot less side effects compared to SSRI’s. Because Spravato or esketamine is based on an anesthetic, you will feel altered only during treatment. This is typically mild and well tolerated. But there aren’t issues with weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or fatigue with Spravato compared to traditional SSRI’s.
Spravato is the first of a new generation of antidepressants based on ketamine. It’s also completely unique because it can only be administered in a provider’s office. Similar to ketamine – SpravatoTM will cause sedation or dissociation – a feeling of disconnection with your body or time. This resolves before you leave.
We have a page to help you understand what Spravato administration looks like. Click here to see video
Most of our patients pay only
their copays when using their medical insurance.
No. Plan your ride: Be sure to find someone to give you a ride or schedule a ride with a ride-sharing app. You cannot drive until the day after your treatment session and after a good night’s sleep.
Each treatment session is 2 hours long. No exceptions. Plan your ride accordingly!
SPRAVATO™ is meant for individuals who have treatment resistant depression, which is depression that has failed to respond to standard treatment approaches with medications and therapy. In other words, Spravato<sup>TM</sup> is indicated if a patient’s condition has not improved with two or more antidepressant trials.
Each visit occurs in a private or shared room. You will have access to ear muffs, noise machine, warm blankets, eye masks, and comfortable chairs to relax. You are also welcome to bring whatever you need to feel comfortable, including a support person.
You will stay in the clinic for 3 sets of vitals.
The nasal spray medication used in SPRAVATO™ is covered by every major insurance provider. The criteria for authorization is failure of at least 2 antidepressant medications.
The most common side effects that can occur during and after taking SpravatoTM include:
Because of the possibility of nausea and vomiting, you should avoid eating two hours before, and drinking liquids 30 minutes before, taking SpravatoTM.
There is so much more to share! Click on these links – blogs and frequency asked questions – to get more information.
Click here to learn more a new study –
Esketamine nasal spray works better than alternative for treatment-resistant depression
Learn more about the different treatment options available.
Unfortunately, trauma is an abundant feature of our daily lives. Chronic stress in any form – pain or depression – induces profound and negative changes in a patient’s underlying neurochemistry occur. These pervasive change undermines a healthy nervous system’s ability to cope with stress or pain…
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