Spravato treatment: An Exciting Option for Treatment Resistant Depression

What is Spravato treatment?

Spravator for depression

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.

How is Spravato different than other antidepressants?

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.

Spravato is unique

Why is Spravato Effective for Resistant Depression?

Glutamate is a powerful excitatory neurotransmitter. The depressed brain experiences something fundamentally new and transformative because of widepread activation. Multiple studies have demonstrated positive results such that the FDA has given Spravato an indication for treatment-resistant patients. 

What about the side effects?

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 FDA approved and covered by most insurances

Most of our patients pay only their copays when using their medical insurance. If you don’t see your plan below, we may still accept it. 

Contact us at 518-672-3050
to find out!

Contact us at 518-672-3050 to find out!

Spravato is a Nasal spray

Nasal spray administration allows for rapid absorption.

Spravato can only be administered at a physician’s office to ensure safety. 

Similar to ketamine – SpravatoTM will cause sedation or dissociation – a feeling of disconnection with your body or time. This resolves before you leave but importantly – each treatment is 2 hours long and you can’t drive home. 

How do I get treatment?

Spravato treatment is a newer therapy. We want to empower patients to take control of their health. If you or a loved one has depression, we accept self-referrals and you can contact us by clicking the button below. Libertas Mind will work collaboratively with your mental health providers thereafter.

Libertas Mind is one of a few specialized centers offering Spravato treatment in the Capital district

Is there more information?

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!

SpravatoTM 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, SpravatoTM 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:

  • Feeling disconnected from yourself, your thoughts, feelings and things around you (dissociation)
  • Some nausea
  • Feeling very happy or excited

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.

Spravato in the news

esketamine or Spravato treatment for depression
Click here to learn more a new study - Esketamine nasal spray works better than alternative for treatment-resistant depression
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