SPRAVATO® Esketamine is a nasal spray that contains a powerful medication called esketamine, a form of ketamine. Esketamine is a fast-acting, FDA-approved treatment used to help those suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or individuals who are at risk of suicide. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which take weeks to begin showing effects, SPRAVATO® offers a rapid response, often providing relief within hours or days of the first treatment.
SPRAVATO® works by targeting the brain’s NMDA receptors, which are responsible for regulating mood and neurotransmitter function. This is an entirely different mechanism of action compared to typical antidepressants, which primarily target serotonin and norepinephrine. SPRAVATO® has been shown to help reset brain circuits involved in mood regulation, making it an innovative option for those who have not responded to other forms of treatment.
In the world of mental health, individuals seeking treatment for conditions like depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts may often find that traditional medications don’t always provide the relief they need. Fortunately, SPRAVATO® is a groundbreaking treatment option that has shown incredible promise for individuals who haven’t found success with other therapies. At Whole Mind in Utah and California, we offer SPRAVATO® to provide hope and healing to those struggling with mental health conditions.
SPRAVATO® is primarily used for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a condition in which patients do not experience adequate improvement after trying at least two different antidepressants. Additionally, SPRAVATO® can be used for major depressive disorder (MDD) in combination with an oral antidepressant. It has also been shown to be effective for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD): Treatment-resistant depression occurs when traditional antidepressants fail to provide significant relief. This can be incredibly frustrating and discouraging for individuals who have been battling depression for a long time. SPRAVATO® offers a new approach to those who have not found success with conventional medications, providing a much-needed breakthrough.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD: For individuals living with major depressive disorder, SPRAVATO® may be recommended when other treatment options have not been effective. MDD can lead to symptoms such as prolonged sadness, lack of interest in daily activities, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, and sleep disturbances.
Suicidal Thoughts: For those struggling with severe depression and experiencing suicidal thoughts, SPRAVATO® can offer rapid relief, helping to stabilize mood and reduce the urgency of crisis situations. The fast-acting nature of this treatment is particularly important for individuals at immediate risk of self-harm.
The number of SPRAVATO® sessions required depends on the individual’s condition and response to treatment. In the beginning, patients typically undergo twice-weekly sessions for the first month. After this initial phase, the frequency of treatment may be adjusted based on progress, often moving to weekly or bi-weekly sessions. Your healthcare provider at Whole Mind will work closely with you to create a treatment plan that aligns with your specific needs and recovery goals.
SPRAVATO® offers several benefits, especially for individuals who have not found relief with other treatments. Below are some of the key advantages of SPRAVATO® therapy:
Rapid Relief: One of the most significant benefits of SPRAVATO® is its fast-acting nature. Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to work, SPRAVATO® has been shown to provide relief within hours or days.
Effective for Treatment-Resistant Conditions: For individuals with treatment-resistant depression, SPRAVATO® offers a new hope when other medications have failed.
Nasal Spray Delivery: The treatment is delivered as a nasal spray, making it easy to administer in a clinic setting. This avoids the need for injections or oral medications that may be harder to tolerate for some individuals.
Improved Mental Health: Studies have shown that SPRAVATO® can significantly improve symptoms of depression, including mood, energy levels, and the ability to function in daily life.
Initial Consultation: Before starting SPRAVATO® treatment, you will have an in-depth consultation with a board-certified psychiatrist at Whole Mind. This session will review your mental health history, discuss your current symptoms, and determine whether SPRAVATO® is the right choice for you.
Nasal Spray Administration: On the day of your treatment, you will arrive at the clinic, and the SPRAVATO® nasal spray will be administered by a trained healthcare professional. The medication works quickly, and you may begin feeling the effects soon after.
Monitoring: After receiving SPRAVATO®, you will be monitored in the clinic for about two hours to ensure you do not experience any side effects. This is an important part of the process, as the medical team will check on your comfort and well-being.
Frequency of Sessions: Typically, SPRAVATO® is administered twice a week for the first month. After that, the frequency of treatments may be reduced depending on your progress and how your symptoms improve.
Initial Assessment and Evaluation: Before starting MAT, patients undergo an initial evaluation where healthcare professionals assess their medical history, addiction background, and treatment needs. This ensures the treatment plan is tailored to each individual, taking into account the severity of their addiction and any co-occurring mental health conditions.
Medication Administration: MAT medications are administered under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals. These medications help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing patients to focus on their recovery without the constant physical struggle that comes with detoxification.
Ongoing Therapy and Support: MAT is most effective when combined with regular therapy and counseling. Patients participate in individual or group therapy sessions to work through the underlying causes of their addiction and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Ongoing support from healthcare professionals and community support groups ensures individuals stay on track during their recovery process.
After your SPRAVATO® session, it’s common to experience an improvement in mood and a sense of emotional relief. Many patients report a rapid lift in mood, reduced feelings of sadness, and a sense of calmness. However, as with any treatment, individual results may vary.
You may experience some mild side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, or a feeling of dissociation, but these typically resolve within a few hours after the treatment. Since SPRAVATO® can cause temporary drowsiness or sedation, patients are advised to have someone drive them home following the session.
SPRAVATO® is a promising treatment for individuals who:
Have been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder.
Have experienced suicidal thoughts or are at risk of self-harm.
Have not responded to traditional antidepressants or other forms of treatment.
Are seeking an alternative, fast-acting therapy to improve their mental health.
A comprehensive evaluation with a board-certified psychiatrist at Whole Mind is necessary to determine if SPRAVATO® is right for you.
SPRAVATO® Esketamine (Ketamine) Therapy is a groundbreaking treatment that offers hope for individuals who have struggled with depression, suicidal thoughts, or treatment-resistant mental health conditions. With its rapid relief and innovative mechanism of action, SPRAVATO® is changing the way we approach mental health care, providing a life-changing option for those who need it most.
If you or a loved one are struggling with depression or other mental health conditions, contact Whole Mind to learn more about how SPRAVATO® can be a part of your healing journey. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way. Call 801-477-7189 to schedule a consultation today.
