An Overview of Spravato Treatment for Depression
Many people living with depression find that they don’t respond well to standard treatment. It can feel discouraging to want to get well, but struggle to overcome symptoms despite taking medication and following a doctor’s orders. Thankfully, treatments like Spravato and ketamine infusions can be helpful for people who have not found symptom relief from other types of depression treatment.
What Is Spravato?
Spravato (esKetamine) is a nasal spray that can be used to treat people who are experiencing treatment-resistant depression, suicidal ideation, and major depressive disorder. Spravato is different from other drugs that are used to treat depression.
Most antidepressants (also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) work by increasing levels of serotonin and other feel-good chemicals in the brain. Spravato works by increasing levels of glutamate, a chemical messenger, in the brain. This helps brain cells communicate through new pathways. It’s thought that this change in the brain’s messaging pathways may positively affect mood and thought patterns.
Who Is A Candidate For Spravato Treatment?
People who are living with depression who have not responded well to other treatments may be candidates for Spravato treatment. Spravato is for adults who have treatment-resistant depression. The drug may also be used to help adults who are having suicidal thoughts as a result of severe depressive disorder.
How to Get Started
If you’re living with depression that has not responded to traditional medication and therapy, you may want to consider talking with your doctor about whether Spravato could be a good fit for you.
If you and your doctor decide that Spravato is the right fit for you, you’ll receive the nasal spray in your doctor’s office. You’ll stay at your doctor’s office for half an hour after receiving the spray. Most people get started with two doses per week during the first month of treatment, followed by one dose per week during the second month of treatment. Your doctor will talk with you about what dosing schedule makes sense for your needs after the first two months of treatment are complete.
Spravato, esKetamine, and Ketamine infusion: What’s The Difference?
Spravato (esKetamine) is administered as a nasal spray, while a ketamine infusion is delivered through an IV. Many patients find that taking the nasal spray form of the drug is more convenient and comfortable than receiving an IV.
Paying for Spravato Treatments
Spravato is FDA-approved and covered by many insurance plans. For medical insurance to cover Spravato treatments, patients must first try at least two other forms of depression treatment without success.
Let’s Discuss If You’re A Fit For Spravato: Arkansas Psychiatric Clinic is Here to Serve You
If you’ve tried other depression treatments without success, you may be a good fit for treatment with Spravato. We offer cutting-edge treatment options with specialists who will work with you to understand your unique needs. Reach out to Arkansas Psychiatric Clinic for more information on how our outpatient treatment services can help you begin a new path to recovery.
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