If you’ve been struggling with major depressive disorder (MDD) and haven’t found relief through traditional treatments, you’re not alone. It’s common for people with MDD to feel frustrated when medications or therapies don’t seem to work. Fortunately, there are new and innovative options, like Spravato® nasal spray, that may provide the relief you’re looking for.
Spravato® treatment has gained attention for its unique approach to treating depression, particularly for those whose symptoms haven’t improved with other treatments. Here’s what you need to know about this medication, how it works, and what you can expect from the treatment process.
What is Spravato® nasal spray?
Spravato® is the brand name for esketamine, a prescription nasal spray developed specifically for adults with treatment-resistant depression or severe symptoms of MDD, including suicidal thoughts. It’s a groundbreaking treatment because it works differently from traditional antidepressants.
While most antidepressants focus on serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine, Spravato® targets the brain’s glutamate system. By doing so, it can make connections in the brain that help ease depressive symptoms more quickly than many standard medications.
It’s important to note that Spravato® is not a replacement for existing antidepressants. It’s used alongside an oral antidepressant and is provided under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
How does Spravato® work?
Unlike oral antidepressants, which can take weeks to show improvement, Spravato® is known for working faster. Its active ingredient, esketamine, is a type of ketamine, which has been studied for its rapid antidepressant effects. Spravato® helps restore imbalances in specific brain chemicals that impact mood and emotion, providing relief for some patients faster than traditional medications.
The nasal spray allows the medication to be absorbed quickly through the bloodstream, and many people start noticing improvements in symptoms within hours or days after their treatment.
Who is Spravato® for?
Spravato® is specifically approved for adults with major depressive disorder who have tried at least two other types of antidepressants without finding relief. It’s also used in cases where depression includes severe symptoms, such as suicidal thoughts.
However, not everyone with MDD is a candidate for Spravato®. There are some important considerations to discuss with your healthcare provider. For example, people with a history of substance misuse or certain medical conditions may not be eligible for this treatment. Your provider will carefully evaluate your medical and mental health history to determine if Spravato® is right for you.
What to expect during treatment
Spravato® treatment is not something you take independently at home. It’s administered in a supervised healthcare setting, such as a clinic or doctor’s office. This is because the medication can cause temporary side effects, and healthcare professionals are there to monitor you during the process.
Here’s what the treatment process typically looks like.
Administration
You’ll use the nasal spray to self-administer the medication under supervision. It’s a simple process, but staff will guide you to ensure you’re comfortable and doing it correctly.
Observation period
After taking Spravato®, you’ll remain at the clinic for about two hours. This allows your care team to monitor you for any side effects and ensure you’re safe to leave.
Frequency
Spravato® is usually administered twice a week for the first four weeks, followed by a tapering schedule where sessions are spaced farther apart.
You may feel tired or lightheaded after the treatment, which is why it’s important to arrange transportation home.
Potential side effects to consider
Like any medication, Spravato® comes with potential side effects. Most are temporary and occur right after treatment. Common side effects include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- A feeling of dissociation or a sense of being disconnected from reality
Your healthcare provider will discuss what to expect and help you manage any side effects that arise.
Spravato® is changing lives
For many people who’ve tried other antidepressants without success, Spravato® offers hope. Its fast-working, unique approach has helped individuals with major depressive disorder regain a sense of stability and well-being. While it’s not a cure, it’s another tool in the ongoing effort to manage depression effectively.
If you’re living with MDD and feel like nothing has worked, Spravato® nasal spray might be worth exploring. At LightHeart Mental Health, we’re here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide the compassionate, evidence-based care you deserve.
Reach out to LightHeart Mental Health today
Don’t wait to take the next step in finding relief. Reach out today to learn more about whether Spravato® could be the right fit for your treatment plan. Give LightHeart Mental Health a call today at 425.800.5688 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
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