Major depressive disorder (or clinical depression) might not have a cure yet. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. There are treatments that can help improve your symptoms and make a big difference in your daily life. SPRAVATO® is one such treatment.
SPRAVATO® is a nasal spray that contains esketamine, which is a type of ketamine. Ketamine has been used in medical settings for years. But SPRAVATO® is the first FDA-approved treatment specifically for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) accompanied by suicidal thoughts or actions..
TRD affects almost one-third of people diagnosed with MDD. MDD is one of the most common mental health diagnoses in the United States and affects 5% – 17% of people at some point in their lives.
SPRAVATO® can work much faster than traditional antidepressants and is a game-changer, especially for people struggling with severe symptoms or even suicidal thoughts. It’s typically used alongside an oral antidepressant, and the combination can offer real relief to those who haven’t responded to other treatments. Studies have shown that SPRAVATO® can start to lift depression symptoms within hours or days, compared to the longer timeline of many different medications.
What is SPRAVATO®?
SPRAVATO® is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating depression in adults who haven’t had success with other antidepressants. It’s mainly indicated for treatment-resistant depression. Some mental health professionals may use it off-label for anxiety and bipolar disorder, too. However, its main purpose is to provide relief when other treatments haven’t worked.
TRD is a form of MDD that occurs when at least two different antidepressants haven’t worked and/or their side effects are intolerable, even though you’ve taken them at the right dosage and for a long enough time—usually six to eight weeks. Only after trying these treatments for an adequate period can your healthcare provider diagnose you with TRD.
When treating MDD, your doctor will usually start with first-line antidepressants like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors). These are often prescribed because they tend to have fewer and less intense side effects compared to other types of antidepressants. But even if you responded to these medications initially, you can still develop TRD over time, which means these medications stop working as effectively for you.
When traditional medications don’t bring relief, that’s when treatments like SPRAVATO® may become an option.
How Does SPRAVATO® Work?
SPRAVATO® helps treat depression by working on a different part of the brain than most traditional antidepressants. Traditional antidepressants typically focus on balancing neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine over the long term. SPRAVATO® works differently.
While the exact way it works isn’t fully understood, we do know that it targets a receptor in your brain called the NMDA receptor. By doing this, SPRAVATO® helps improve brain plasticity, which means your brain can adapt and function better. It also increases the production of important chemicals like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps your brain stay healthy.
In clinical trials, SPRAVATO® appears to offer significant short-term symptom improvement in TRD, with only transient and mild-to-moderate side effects commonly reported. SPRAVATO® reviews and studies indicate it:
- Stabilizes your mood
- Reduces the severity of depression
- Helps delay the return of symptoms
- Works much faster than traditional antidepressants, taking effect in days rather than weeks
- Helps reduce suicidal thoughts
In one study, patients who continued using SPRAVATO® after 16 weeks had better results than those who stopped. Patients who used SPRAVATO® alongside a traditional antidepressant also saw a greater reduction in depressive symptoms compared to those taking only oral antidepressants.
How is SPRAVATO® Administered?
SPRAVATO® is administered as a nasal spray, but it’s not something you take at home. You’ll need to go to a certified clinic or healthcare provider’s office for your treatment. Here’s how it works:
You’ll spray SPRAVATO® into your nose under the supervision of a healthcare professional. After that, you’ll stay at the clinic for about two hours so they can monitor you for any side effects. Because SPRAVATO® can make you feel drowsy, you’ll need someone to drive you home after each session.
Typically, you’ll take SPRAVATO® twice a week to start. As your treatment progresses, the frequency will gradually decrease based on your response to the medication and your doctor’s recommendations. It’s usually taken alongside an oral antidepressant for the best results.
Common Side Effects
Like most medications, SPRAVATO® may cause mild or, in rare cases serious side effects. These effects vary depending on your age, other drugs you take, and other health conditions you have, and include:
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Drowsiness or feeling tired
- Nausea
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Feeling disconnected
- Increased blood pressure
- Inflammation of your bladder
- Severe allergic reaction
- Boxed warnings
Most of these side effects happen right after taking the medication and tend to improve within a few hours. But if you experience adverse effects, call your doctor right away.
Other Warnings and Considerations
Before starting SPRAVATO® treatment, it’s important to talk with your doctor about your health history. Certain factors, like high blood pressure, heart problems, or a history of substance use disorder, might affect whether SPRAVATO® is right for you.
If you have an arteriovenous malformation or are at risk for brain bleeding, your doctor may suggest other options. Also, since SPRAVATO® can cause drowsiness and dizziness, it’s important to consider how it might impact your daily routine.
SPRAVATO® at Relief Mental Health
At Relief Mental Health, we recognize the struggle to find an effective treatment for MDD and TRD. That’s why we proudly offer SPRAVATO® as a key part of our treatment options. Our rapid-acting treatment for depression is designed to provide fast relief, often showing results in just a few days.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward better mental health, contact us today. Let our experts provide additional information about how SPRAVATO® could be the right fit for you. Contact Relief Mental Health now to schedule your consultation.
