Four FAQs About Spravato®

Spravato® is a relatively new drug that is used to address treatment-resistant depression and clinical depression, and it can also help with drug abuse and addiction in some instances. By learning more about Spravato, you can decide for yourself whether treatment is appropriate along with your discussions with a mental health professional.

Four commonly asked questions about Spravato®

Many patients have questions about what Spravato actually is, who it is for, how the treatment process works, and whether treatment is safe based on the side effects. The following is a detailed look at each one of these questions to help you have more information and know what to expect before treatment.

1. What is Spravato?

Spravato is a method of depression and drug abuse treatment. It involves the use of nasal esketamine, a relatively new drug to the market, although esketamine has been used for various medical purposes for several decades. Spravato was approved to treat clinical depression and treatment-resistant depression by the Food and Drug Administration in early 2019. Since then, psychiatrists have utilized it as a part of a treatment plan, and many patients have reported benefits such as improved mood and reduced cravings for drug abusers.

2. Who is Spravato for?

Spravato is used to address treatment-resistant depression. This term refers to clinical depression that does not improve with antidepressants. Any patient who is diagnosed with depression and has tried two or more antidepressants that are ineffective may make a good candidate for Spravato. Spravato can also treat a condition called major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation (MDSI). It is less often prescribed as a method of treating clinical depression unless treatments for it thus far have failed. Nevertheless, the best way to decide if treatment with Spravato is right for you is to discuss it with a licensed mental health professional.

3. How does Spravato work?

Spravato targets receptors in the brain differently from traditional oral antidepressant medications. Subsequently, it is often used in conjunction with antidepressants as well as psychotherapy. The treatment itself takes place in the office. The patient may be allowed to administer it themselves, although the supervision of a health professional is necessary. It is non-invasive, although there may be some minor side effects that develop.

4. Is Spravato safe?

Spravato is for the most part a safe treatment with little to no long-term risks. As is the case with most drugs, there are possible side effects that could develop. Most notably, the side effects of Spravato include increased blood pressure, disorientation, problems thinking clearly, and reduced bladder control. In more severe cases, dissociation and suicidal thoughts could develop. For heavier dosages, sedation could be a side effect as well.

How to choose the right Spravato provider

Psychiatrists and mental health and wellness centers often provide Spravato treatment. When choosing the provider that is right for you, it is important to first make a list of all potential places that are close to where you live. From there, you can check reviews online to gain a general idea of the overall satisfaction of previous patients.

Scheduling a consultation is also recommended to ensure the provider is a good fit for your needs and goals. Of course, the best way to find a Spravato provider that is right for you is to ask for a referral from your mental health therapist or counselor.

What to expect during your first Spravato visit

The first Spravato session may only involve an assessment of your symptoms, treatments, and goals. In many cases, patients can start Spravato on the first visit, particularly if they have a referral from their therapist. In other instances, the first visit may simply serve as an opportunity to review whether or not Spravato is the right course of treatment and allow the patient to get to know the staff better.

In total, the first visit usually only takes an hour or two (at most). A follow-up visit is then scheduled for the first Spravato session. Of course, every Spravato consultation visit is unique, so it is hard to say precisely what your visit may look like. However, this should provide a general overview of what you can expect.

Learn more about Spravato during a consultation visit

No one should have to struggle with depression or drug abuse, and for many who have not seen success through other treatment methods, Spravato provides a safe and effective solution. If you would like to learn more about Spravato, schedule a consultation visit with our psychiatry team to receive answers to all of your questions.

Get more information here: https://mb.futurepsychsolutions.com or call Future Psych Ketamine Clinics at (843) 788-9718

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