Why is SPRAVATO™ unique?
SPRAVATO™ or esketamine is the only FDA approved version of ketamine meant for treatment resistant depression (TRD). If you’ve struggled with depression and tried two or more antidepressants without relief, Spravato may be a good choice for you. Below are some of the key points.
- Spravato is a nasal spray
- It's self administered
- It can only be taken in an office setting
- Spravato has to be taken with an oral antidepressant
What happens when you take Spravato?
Because Spravato or esketamine classified by the FDA as a Schedule III drug, like ketamine, itcan cause a number of symptoms listed below. It’s important to have a private room. These side effects typically last 30 -45 m minutes and resolve entirely before your discharged from the clinic. Spravato can cause the following:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Spinning sensation
- Reduced sense of touch and sensation
- Anxiety
- Lack of energy
- Vomiting
How long does Spravato™ take to work?
Surprisingly quickly within weeks rather than months. Sometimes symptoms improve within 24 hours after your first treatment. Patients take Spravato™ twice a week for the first month. During the second month, patients take it once a week. After that, patients will take it once a week or once every two weeks.
How effective is Spravato™?
Spravato™ is meant to be used with an oral antidepressant for adults with treatment-resistant depression. In patients who have already tried 3 or more antidepressants the chances of remission (where th symptoms of depression dramatically decrease) is very low – only 15%. Even in this population, Spravato is effective. Research shows that adults who took Spravato along with an oral antidepressant for four weeks had a 50% reduction of depressive symptoms than compared to those who only took antidepressants.
What are the requirements for Spravato treatment?
- Must have a diagnosis of treatment resistant depression or Major Depressive with Suicidal Ideation
- Must be taking at least one oral antidepressant medication
- Must be in the care of an outpatient mental health provider
- The REMS Program requires patients monitoring for at least 2 hours following Spravato administration. Appointments typically take 2.5 hours.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, schedule a consult.
Meaningful Change in Depression Symptoms Assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) Among Patients with Treatment Resistant Depression in Two, Randomized, Double-blind, Active-controlled Trials of Esketamine Nasal Spray Combined With a New Oral Antidepressant. J Affect Disord. 2021 Feb 15;281:767-775
