Spravato Therapy is a Game Changer : Are you a candidate?
After nearly 2 decades of research, the benefits of ketamine for depression are universally recognized. As unique and transformative as ketamine is, it remains an out of pocket treatment and not covered by insurance.
Spravato or esketamine is based on ketamine, and became available 5 years ago.
Unlike ketamine, Spravato is FDA approved and covered under nearly every insurance carrier for the treatment of resistant depression and suicidality.
Who should consider Spravato?
Diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
Before considering Spravato, we must establish that you have TRD. Typically, TRD is defined as a lack of adequate response to at least two different antidepressants of adequate dose and duration.
Consult with our expert team
Here at our practice, our providers can evaluate your medical history, current medications, and the severity of your symptoms to determine if Spravato is an option for you. To qualify for Spravato, you need to meet specific medical criteria: Uncontrolled hypertension, aneurysms, certain heart conditions, pregancy, and substance use disorders. If you have experienced any of these, we will discuss them during your consultation.
Why do need new treatments for Depression?
Real simple. What we currently have isn’t good enough.
Easily 35% of all patients with depression are considered treatment resistant. Of course we need not just new options, but a new direction with better outcomes!
Worse yet, since the Pandemic, there seems to be an increasing need for mental health providers because depression and anxiety are on the rise!
What else is unique about Spavato?
Spravato is the first FDA-approved nasal spray for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). SPRAVATO® is a prescription medicine, used along with an antidepressant taken by mouth.
The effects of Spravato therapy occur within weeks and NOT months like other antidepressants. SO you won’t have to suffer through months of side effects and depression before determining if the medicine works at all.
Spravato can only be given in an office setting.
How is it given in an office setting?
Since esketamine is a derivative of ketamine which is an anesthetic, patients feel altered.
This is why you will be monitored throughout your treatment and during your recovery. Each treatment is 2 hours long.
The treatment schedule is divided into 2 parts – the start or Induction phase and then the Maintenance phase.
Induction phase: Spravato is given initially twice a week for 4 weeks for your first month of treatment.
Maintenance phase: Depending on your response, patients gradually decrease their treatment frequency from once a week, to once every 2 weeks, and even less as long as their mood stays improved.
