SPRAVATO™ for Depression
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. While there are many therapies and medications that can help manage the symptoms of depression, they don’t work for everyone.
What is SPRAVATO™
Studies show that nearly one-third of people with depression do not find adequate relief with standard antidepressants. SPRAVATO™ (esketamine) nasal spray is one of the most significant breakthroughs in depression treatment in decades, offering a fast-acting option for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) — defined as depression that has not improved after trying at least two antidepressant medications.
SPRAVATO™ contains esketamine, a medically developed derivative of ketamine. It is not the same as anesthetic or illicit forms of ketamine and is administered in controlled, much lower doses under professional supervision.
When used alongside an oral antidepressant, SPRAVATO™ may begin improving symptoms within hours, compared to traditional antidepressants that often take weeks to show results. While its exact mechanism is still being studied, SPRAVATO™ is believed to work differently than standard medications — offering new hope for patients who have struggled to find relief.
SPRAVATO™ Treatment Process
Studies show that nearly one-third of people with depression do not find adequate relief with standard antidepressants. SPRAVATO™ (esketamine) nasal spray is one of the most significant breakthroughs in depression treatment in decades, offering a fast-acting option for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) — defined as depression that has not improved after trying at least two antidepressant medications.
SPRAVATO™ contains esketamine, a medically developed derivative of ketamine. It is not the same as anesthetic or illicit forms of ketamine and is administered in controlled, much lower doses under professional supervision.
When used alongside an oral antidepressant, SPRAVATO™ may begin improving symptoms within hours, compared to traditional antidepressants that often take weeks to show results. While its exact mechanism is still being studied, SPRAVATO™ is believed to work differently than standard medications — offering new hope for patients who have struggled to find relief.
Who qualifies for SPRAVATO™ treatment?
Ketamine is prescribed for treatment-resistant depression. The best candidates for ketamine:
Have been unresponsive to two or more antidepressant medications
Are at least 18 years of age
Are not allergic or hypersensitive to ketamine
Are not pregnant or breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed or become pregnant
Do not have a history of Hypertension
Do not have a history of Cardiovascular disease
Do not have a history of Bleeding in the brain
Other issues which should be discussed with doctor before
What are the side effects of SPRAVATO™?
SPRAVATO™ is well-controlled and carefully dosed to minimize the drug’s side effects. But there are some potential mild and temporary side effects, including:
- Dissociation (floating sensation, disconnection from yourself, your thoughts, and your feelings)
- Drowsiness
- Elevated heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Nausea
Side effects typically wear off within two hours.
Intramuscular Ketamine therapy and SPRAVATO™ for treatment-resistant depression
If you suffer from symptoms of depression that have not responded to antidepressants and other therapies, SPRAVATO™ may be able to relieve your symptoms and restore your quality of life.