Spravato is the brand name for esketamine, a medication derived from ketamine. Ketamine is classified as a dissociative anesthetic, which means it can induce a trance-like state, providing pain relief, sedation, and amnesia. Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, affecting the neurotransmitter glutamate, which plays an essential role in mood regulation and pain perception.
In recent years, ketamine has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment in psychiatry, particularly for depression that hasn’t responded to other therapies. The FDA’s approval of Spravato, a nasal spray form of esketamine, in 2019 marked a pivotal moment in mental health care. This decision transformed the perception of ketamine from a mere anesthetic to a promising solution for complex mental health disorders.
If you or a loved one are struggling with your mental health, it may be time to seek mental health services in San Diego. Speaking to a provider at Sacred Psychiatric in San Diego is a great place to start.
What’s the Difference between Spravato & Antidepressants?
Esketamine, the active ingredient in Spravato, is a more potent version of ketamine, and it’s specifically designed for managing depression when other methods of San Diego mental health treatment have been ineffective. Spravato is used in combination with an oral antidepressant to treat adults who have treatment-resistant depression and, in some cases, major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts.
Spravato’s approach to treating depression differs significantly from conventional antidepressants. While traditional medications typically focus on modulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine, Spravato targets glutamate, the brain’s primary excitatory neurotransmitter. By interacting with NMDA receptors, Spravato facilitates the regeneration of synaptic connections between neurons. This process essentially “rewires” neural pathways, fostering a more balanced and positive mood regulation system.
One of the most significant advantages of Spravato is its rapid onset of action. While traditional antidepressants can take weeks or even months to take full effect, many patients experience relief from their depressive symptoms within hours or days after taking their first dose of Spravato. This quick response is especially important for individuals who suffer from severe depression, particularly those with suicidal ideation.
What to Expect during Treatment
Spravato is a nasal spray that must be administered under medical supervision in a certified facility. To manage any adverse effects and ensure their safety, patients are monitored for about two hours after the medication has been administered. Because there’s a risk of dissociation and dizziness, patients are advised not to drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day after treatment.
The Spravato treatment regimen follows a carefully phased timeline:
- Induction phase – For the first month, patients receive Spravato twice weekly.
- Continuation phase – Over the subsequent four weeks, treatment frequency is reduced to a weekly basis.
- Maintenance phase – After the continuation phase, treatments may be administered once every 7 to 14 days, tailored to the individual’s symptom management and response.
Common side effects of Spravato treatment include:
- Dissociation (feeling disconnected from reality or your surroundings)
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Increased blood pressure
- Headache
- Fatigue
Spravato represents a beacon of hope for those who have struggled to find relief through conventional antidepressant treatments. However, it’s crucial to understand this innovative therapy requires stringent oversight and careful administration to ensure both safety and effectiveness. For individuals grappling with persistent depression, Spravato’s swift-acting properties could pave the way for a substantial improvement in overall wellbeing and quality of life.
Are you or a loved one struggling with treatment-resistant depression? Don’t let another day pass in silence. At Sacred Psychiatric in San Diego, we understand the challenges of finding effective treatment, and we’re here to help.
Our team of experienced San Diego psychiatrists specializes in innovative therapies like Spravato, offering hope where traditional treatments have fallen short. We provide personalized care in a safe, supportive environment, ensuring you receive the most appropriate and effective treatment for your unique needs.
Don’t let depression dictate your life any longer. Reach out to Sacred Psychiatric today and take the first step on your journey to renewed mental health and wellbeing.