Depression is one of the most common conditions affecting the mental health of millions of people around the world. Many of these individuals suffer from TRD: treatment-resistant depression, a condition where patients do not find relief with traditional medication. Spravato treatment for depression is an established
, effective, FDA-approved option for patients who suffer from treatment-resistant depression.
Spravato® is the brand name for esketamine, a nasal spray medication derived from ketamine, a compound long recognized for its anesthetic and off-label antidepressant properties. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks or longer to be effective, Spravato works rapidly and can even provide relief within hours to days for some patients. This makes it an important option for people experiencing severe depressive episodes or those at risk of suicide.
In 2019, the FDA approved Spravato for use in adults with TRD in conjunction with an oral antidepressant. More recently, it has also been approved as a monotherapy for treatment-resistant depression, marking another milestone in psychiatric care. Spravato acts through a different mechanism of action from the general antidepressants that act via serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine pathways. Spravato acts on the brain's glutamate system-a neurotransmitter network in synaptic plasticity and neural communication. Essentially, it acts through the NMDA receptor to increase the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, promoting axonal outgrowth. This new mechanism of action, in essence, "rewires" the brain, bringing hope for those frustrated with conventional treatment options.
Spravato treatment is highly regulated and administered in certified treatment centers, like Oasis Center for Interventional Psychiatry.
Wondering What To Expect?
Prior to starting Spravato, you will meet with the doctor to review your medical conditions, previous treatments, and overall mental health. Your session experience may vary depending on your provider. Oasis Center offers private treatment rooms to ensure your comfort and best possible experience. Each session takes approximately two hours, where patients self-administer the nasal spray themselves but under the supervision of trained medical personnel.
Spravato is usually administered twice a week in the first month, tapering off as symptoms improve. After administration of the treatment, the patient must stay in the center for observation so that their safety can be assured. The efficacy of Spravato is well documented and works best if it is associated with an oral antidepressant along with psychotherapy, all aimed at complete mental health care.
Is Spravato Right for You?
Spravato is indicated for use in adults with TRD who have not achieved sufficient improvement from at least two antidepressant trials. It is most effective in patients with severe depressive episodes, those with active suicidal ideation needing immediate relief, and those who have failed to respond to conventional antidepressant medications. Spravato may not be a fit for patients with a history of substance use disorders, uncontrolled hypertension, or with certain medical conditions.
Why Spravato Is a Game-Changer
The speed at which Spravato acts is what really makes it different from other treatments for depression. Conventional antidepressants may take weeks to be effective, leaving patients in continued states of distress. Spravato's ability to provide noticeable improvements within hours to days can be life-saving for individuals in acute crises. Moreover, the unique mechanism of action addresses a critical gap in mental health care. By targeting the glutamate system, Spravato opens new pathways for brain healing, offering hope to those who have exhausted other options.
And Does It Work?
Clinical trials and real-world studies consistently demonstrate the efficacy of Spravato. Key findings note that most patients reported significant improvement in mood within 24-48 hours from the first dose. Continued dosing with Spravato helped to sustain long-term symptom reduction and an improvement in quality of life. Functionality and well-being are substantially improved beyond depressive symptoms.
Most adverse reactions to Spravato, which is generally well tolerated, include possible side effects like dizziness, dissociation-a feeling of detachment from reality-nausea, or elevated blood pressure. These are transient effects and usually resolve in hours. This is always well-monitored during and after a session to ensure patient safety.
Oasis Center for Interventional Psychiatry, proudly offers this cutting-edge treatment for depression. The peaceful, quiet outpatient clinic creates a calm and safe environment for patients to focus on feeling better. If you or someone you love has been suffering from depression and nothing else has worked, Spravato may be your answer.
If you're considering Spravato treatment for depression, Oasis Center for Interventional Psychiatry is here to help. Providing compassionate care to help you move toward a brighter future, contact Oasis Center today to learn how Spravato can make a difference in your life.
