Depression is a serious and complex mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite numerous treatment options available, many individuals struggle to find an effective treatment that can alleviate their symptoms. This is where Spravato comes into the picture. Spravato, also known as Esketamine, is a medication that has recently gained FDA approval for the treatment of depression, particularly for patients with treatment-resistant depression. In this blog, we will discuss why depression patients should consider taking this treatment.
What is Spravato?
Spravato is a nasal spray that contains the active ingredient Esketamine, which is a derivative of ketamine. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used for many years in the medical field. In recent years, researchers have discovered that it may have antidepressant effects. However, it is not yet fully understood how Spravato works to alleviate depression symptoms. It is believed that it works by increasing the production of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate brain activity.
Why is Spravato Different from Other Antidepressants?
The most commonly prescribed antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). While these medications can be effective for some people, they are not effective for everyone. In fact, research has shown that up to 10-30% of people with depression do not respond to traditional antidepressants.
Spravato, on the other hand, is a different type of medication that targets a different set of neurotransmitters. This means that it can be effective for people who have not found relief from other antidepressants. Additionally, Spravato has a rapid onset of action, meaning that patients may experience relief from their symptoms within hours or days, as opposed to the several weeks it can take for traditional antidepressants to take effect.
Who is a Good Candidate for Spravato?
Spravato is primarily recommended for patients with treatment-resistant depression. This means that they have not responded to at least two different traditional antidepressants. However, it may also be recommended for patients who are experiencing severe symptoms or have a high risk of suicide.
It is important to note that this is not a first-line treatment for depression. Patients should have tried other treatments before considering this treatment. Additionally, it is only available by prescription and must be administered in a healthcare provider’s office or clinic.
What are the Benefits of Spravato?
One of the biggest benefits of Spravato is its rapid onset of action. As previously mentioned, patients may experience relief from their symptoms within hours or days. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who are experiencing severe symptoms or are at risk of suicide.
Additionally, Spravato has been shown to be effective for a broad range of depressive symptoms, including feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and anxiety. It may also help to alleviate other symptoms associated with depression, such as insomnia and appetite changes.
What are the success rates of Spravato?
According to FiercePharma, “Digging deeper into the results, 27.1% of Spravato patients hit remission at eight weeks, versus 17.6% of patients on quetiapine. Further, remission rates for patients on Spravato continued to increase after that time, with 55% in remission at 32 weeks compared with 37% of patients in the comparator cohort.”
Is Spravato Safe?
As with any medication, there are potential risks and side effects associated with this treatment. The most common side effects reported in clinical trials include dizziness, dissociation, nausea, and headache. These side effects are usually mild to moderate in severity and resolve within a few hours. Read more about the safety information here
At PsyFi TMS, we are proud to offer Spravato as a safe and effective treatment option for those who are struggling with depression. Our team of professionals is committed to providing our patients with the care they need in order to find relief from their symptoms. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, please contact us today to learn more about Spravato and other treatments we offer: info@psyfitms.com
