Spravato is an Alternative Form of Ketamine Therapy to Treat Depression

For some people, treating depression can be a challenge, even with the help of a psychiatrist, therapy, and medication. Others may have serious depression that leads to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Depression should never be ignored, and even the most serious cases can be treated with the right approach. Many mental health professionals are recommending ketamine therapy to patients to help manage and improve their symptoms and their overall quality of life.

Ketamine is a hallucinogenic drug that is administered intravenously to treat depression. When used recreationally, it can be very dangerous, but under the care and supervision of medical professionals, it can offer numerous benefits to people with severe depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and more. This is especially true when it is used in tandem with antidepressant medication and psychotherapy or counseling.

Spravato® is an alternative to IV ketamine therapy. This medication is a derivative of ketamine, known as esketamine. Understanding how this medication works and how it is given can help patients know if this treatment option is right for them.

What is Spravato®?

Spravato® is a nasal spray form of esketamine. It is FDA-approved and prescribed by a physician or psychiatrist for certain patients with depressive disorders. The drug can have hallucinogenic effects that last for an hour or two. Therefore, it is administered in a controlled setting under the supervision of a trained medical professional.

When used as directed under the supervision and care of a medical professional, Spravato®can help patients experience a significant reduction in feelings of sadness, anxiety, stress, and more. The treatment is administered twice a week for four weeks. Then the patient is reevaluated to determine if continued treatment is necessary.

Who is a good candidate for Spravato®?

This type of esketamine therapy is only approved for two specific groups of people with depression.

People with Treatment-Resistant Depression

For most people with mild, moderate, and even severe depression, traditional treatment methods are effective. These can include:

• Group or family therapy
• One-on-one therapy
• Antidepressant medication
• Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise
• Stress management
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Neurofeedback

However, some people do not respond well to typical depression treatment and experience little to no changes in their symptoms, even after several weeks. This condition is known as Treatment-Resistant Depression. Spravato®can be an effective alternative for people who have TRD and is approved for patients with this disorder.

People with suicidal thoughts or tendencies

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be a serious side effect of severe or chronic depression. Ketamine therapy can provide life-saving symptom relief in people who are planning or attempting to take their own life because of a depressive disorder. When administered as directed under the care of a medically trained supervisor, patients can experience a major improvement in depressive symptoms. In these situations, it is used to manage symptoms along with antidepressant medication.