LightHeart Mental Health is dedicated to supporting your mental health. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, we encourage you to reach out for immediate support through your local crisis services by dialing 988, contacting your local emergency services, or visiting your local emergency room.
For those living with depression that hasn’t responded to traditional treatments, finding the right path forward can feel exhausting. But there’s a newer option helping many find relief when other approaches haven’t worked: Spravato® treatment. This approach is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and uses esketamine as a nasal spray. Spravato® nasal spray is changing the landscape of depression care.
At LightHeart Mental Health, we provide essential in-person mental health care services. We understand that seeking mental health care can be overwhelming and complicated. Our goal is to provide inclusive and individualized mental health care free from stigma or bias, including access to innovative treatments like Spravato® for those who qualify. Reach out to our compassionate team today at 425.800.5688 to learn more about whether this treatment could be right for you.
What to know about Spravato®
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which typically affect serotonin levels, esketamine targets the brain’s glutamate system. This difference in action may explain its rapid effectiveness in some people.
What is esketamine, and how does it work?
Esketamine is a chemical cousin of ketamine, a well-known anesthetic that has also been used off-label to treat depression. Spravato®, the brand name for esketamine, is administered via a nasal spray in a healthcare setting.
In clinical trials, individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who used Spravato® alongside an oral antidepressant showed greater improvement than those who took the antidepressant alone. In fact, many clients reported improvements in mood within just hours or days of treatment starting, rather than the weeks or months typical with standard medications.
Who might benefit from Spravato® treatment?
Spravato® is intended for adults living with:
- Treatment-resistant depression: when at least two different antidepressants have failed to relieve symptoms
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or behaviors
It’s not typically used as a first-line treatment. Instead, it’s prescribed for those who haven’t found success with more traditional therapies. A licensed psychiatric provider must evaluate whether you’re a good candidate and meet the criteria outlined by the FDA for safe use.
How is Spravato® administered?
Spravato® is administered in a clinical setting, such as our LightHeart Mental Health locations, under medical supervision. Here’s what you can expect during treatment:
- You’ll self-administer the nasal spray while being monitored by trained medical staff.
- Each session includes a two-hour observation period to ensure your safety, as the treatment can cause temporary dissociation or drowsiness.
- A treatment plan usually involves twice-weekly sessions during the initial phase, followed by a tapering schedule based on how you respond.
Because Spravato® can cause sedation, clients must arrange for transportation home after each session.
What are the potential side effects?
Like all medications, Spravato® can cause side effects. Some of the most commonly reported include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Feelings of dissociation
- Increased blood pressure during treatment
These side effects typically resolve shortly after the session, but it’s important to attend every appointment with a care provider you trust. At LightHeart Mental Health, we provide comprehensive care that helps individuals achieve their psychological goals while maintaining a compassionate and encouraging atmosphere to accomplish their desired changes.
Is Spravato® safe and effective?
Spravato® is not physically addictive, but it must be closely monitored to prevent misuse. That’s why it’s available only through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program approved by the FDA, which includes strict oversight during each administration.
Your next step toward healing starts with LightHeart Mental Health in Seattle
At LightHeart Mental Health, we believe no one should have to face depression alone. We’re proud to offer treatments like Spravato® to expand the options available for those seeking lasting relief. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with depression for years, there is hope. Call LightHeart Mental Health today at 425.800.5688 to take the first step toward a brighter future. A light heart lives long—and change begins here.
For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.