Spravato is a brand name for the medication esketamine, which is used in the treatment of depression and other mental health disorders. It is the first and only nasal spray approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression and is considered a breakthrough in the field of psychiatry. In this blog, we will explore what Spravato is, how it works, and how long its effects last.
What is Spravato?
Spravato is a nasal spray that contains the active ingredient esketamine, which is a form of the anesthetic drug ketamine. It is a non-opioid and non-sedative medication that works differently from traditional antidepressants by acting on the glutamate system, which plays a role in regulating mood, learning, and memory.
How Does Spravato Work?
Spravato works by rapidly increasing the levels of glutamate in the brain, which leads to the rapid improvement of symptoms in patients with depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take several weeks to start working, Spravato can produce rapid and significant improvement in symptoms within hours or a few days. The medication is usually administered in a clinical setting under the close supervision of a healthcare provider and is used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant.
How Long Does Spravato Last?
The effects of Spravato are not permanent, and patients will need to receive regular treatments to maintain the therapeutic benefits. The length of time that Spravato lasts can vary from patient to patient, and depends on factors such as the dose, frequency of treatment, and severity of symptoms. On average, patients who receive Spravato treatment experience a significant improvement in symptoms for several days or weeks.
It is also important to note that while Spravato can provide quick and effective relief from depression symptoms, it is not a cure for the condition. It is also not recommended for everyone, and it is important to discuss with a healthcare provider whether Spravato is a suitable treatment option for you.
In addition to receiving Spravato, patients should also engage in other forms of treatment, such as therapy and lifestyle changes, to help manage their depression in the long term.
Side Effects of Spravato
Like all medications, Spravato can cause side effects. The most common side effects include dizziness, headache, nausea, and dissociation (a feeling of detachment from one’s surroundings). These side effects are usually mild and short-lived, and most patients are able to tolerate them well.
However, Spravato can also cause more serious side effects, particularly when used in high doses, and it should only be used under the close supervision of a healthcare professional.
Is Spravato the Same as Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
Spravato and ketamine infusion therapy are similar in that they both involve the use of ketamine as a treatment option for depression and other mental health conditions. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Similarities:
- Both treatments use ketamine, a fast-acting anesthetic, as the active ingredient.
- Both treatments are used for treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Differences:
- Spravato is a nasal spray form of ketamine, while ketamine infusion therapy typically involves intravenous (IV) administration of ketamine.
- Spravato is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in treatment-resistant depression, while ketamine infusion therapy is not FDA-approved, although it is commonly used off-label for this purpose.
- The dosing and administration of Spravato and ketamine infusion therapy can vary, with Spravato typically being used in lower doses and on a less frequent basis.
- Spravato must be administered in a certified medical office and under the supervision of a healthcare provider, while ketamine infusion therapy can be administered in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and infusion centers.
While both Spravato and ketamine infusion therapy involve the use of ketamine for treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions, there are differences in the administration, dosing, and regulation of these treatments. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks of both options with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for individual needs and circumstances.
The Takeaway
At Dura Medical, we are proud to offer Spravato to our patients as a new and innovative treatment option for those struggling with depression and other mental health disorders. If you are considering Spravato treatment, we invite you to have a discussion with one of our healthcare providers to determine if it is the right choice for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about this exciting treatment option.
