Finally, A Breakthrough Therapy For Depression! FDA-Approved Prescription Nasal Spray Medication for Treatment-Resistant Depression
In March 2019, the Food and Drug Administration approved a depression treatment based on ketamine, bringing the first new psychiatric drug to market in more than 30 years. This innovative treatment approach offers a new hope to millions suffering from depression, a condition the World Health Organization has deemed the leading cause of disability in the world.
At Pacific Mind Health, we are excited to offer SPRAVATO® as an in-network provider with most insurances. Since it’s covered by insurance, this treatment an affordable option for those who want to try innovative ketamine therapy for depression.
If you or someone you love struggles with depression symptoms that have not improved with medications or therapy, SPRAVATO® may be an excellent treatment option. As a clinic specialized in treating complex cases of depression, we offer alternative options like SPRAVATO® nasal spray. This innovative, FDA-approved medication is known for its rapid relief and long-lasting improvement. Best of all, SPRAVATO® is covered by most major insurances, making it accessible to more people in need.
At Pacific Mind Health, we are excited to offer SPRAVATO® as an in-network provider with most insurances. Since it’s covered by insurance, this treatment an affordable option for those who want to try innovative ketamine therapy for depression.
If you or someone you love struggles with depression symptoms that have not improved with medications or therapy, SPRAVATO® may be an excellent treatment option. As a clinic specialized in treating complex cases of depression, we offer alternative options like SPRAVATO® nasal spray. This innovative, FDA-approved medication is known for its rapid relief and long-lasting improvement. Best of all, SPRAVATO® is covered by most major insurances, making it accessible to more people in need.
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What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a medication that has been used for decades as an anesthetic due to its fast-acting properties and ability to induce dissociation from the body, leading to reduced pain perception. Recently, ketamine has also shown promise as a treatment for depression, especially in cases where other treatments have not been effective.
There are two types of ketamine used in depression treatment:
At Pacific Mind Health we are excited to offer SPRAVATO® as an innovative and accessible option for those seeking ketamine therapy for their depression symptoms.
There are two types of ketamine used in depression treatment:
- Racemic ketamine is administered through an intravenous infusion or intramuscular injection. It is a combination of two mirror-image molecules, "R" ketamine and "S" ketamine.
- Esketamine is administered intranasally in a spray. Esketamine is only comprised of the "S" molecule.
At Pacific Mind Health we are excited to offer SPRAVATO® as an innovative and accessible option for those seeking ketamine therapy for their depression symptoms.
What does SPRAVATO® treat?
Esketamine, the active ingredient in SPRAVATO® nasal spray, has been proven to be effective for patients who have not found relief from depression with other treatments. SPRAVATO® is indicated, in conjunction with an oral antidepressant, for the treatment of:
- Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults.
- Depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior.
How Does Esketamine work?
Esketamine works differently than traditional antidepressants, as a glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter) receptor modulator. It works by targeting the glutamate system in the brain, which is responsible for regulating mood, cognition, and perception. Specifically, Esketamine blocks the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which is thought to play a role in depression and other mood disorders.
By blocking the NMDA receptor, Esketamine increases the levels of glutamate in the brain, which can lead to the formation of new neural connections and the restoration of neural plasticity. This process may help to reverse the brain changes associated with depression and other mood disorders, and may explain why Esketamine has been shown to work rapidly and effectively in many patients.
Overall, Esketamine represents a breakthrough in the treatment of depression, offering a novel mechanism of action that can help to address the underlying neural dysfunction associated with the disorder.
By blocking the NMDA receptor, Esketamine increases the levels of glutamate in the brain, which can lead to the formation of new neural connections and the restoration of neural plasticity. This process may help to reverse the brain changes associated with depression and other mood disorders, and may explain why Esketamine has been shown to work rapidly and effectively in many patients.
Overall, Esketamine represents a breakthrough in the treatment of depression, offering a novel mechanism of action that can help to address the underlying neural dysfunction associated with the disorder.
What Should I Expect During A SPRAVATO® Treatment?
As with any treatment, the plan can vary based on an individual’s specific needs. SPRAVATO® generally includes a series of 2-3 self-administered doses of the nasal spray, under medical supervision, spaced 5 minutes apart.
The initial treatment typically consists of twice-weekly treatments for four weeks, followed by a maintenance phase of once-weekly treatments, but the plan may vary based on the patient’s response. It is important to note that you will be required to remain in our office for at least two hours post-treatment and have a responsible adult drive you home. During this time, you will be monitored to ensure your safety and well-being.
The initial treatment typically consists of twice-weekly treatments for four weeks, followed by a maintenance phase of once-weekly treatments, but the plan may vary based on the patient’s response. It is important to note that you will be required to remain in our office for at least two hours post-treatment and have a responsible adult drive you home. During this time, you will be monitored to ensure your safety and well-being.
Are there side effects of Ketamine treatment?
Ketamine treatment, including SPRAVATO®, can cause side effects, although they are generally mild and short-lived. The most common side effects include dissociation, dizziness, nausea, and headache. Other side effects may include increased blood pressure, sedation, and increased heart rate. These side effects typically occur within two hours of the treatment and generally resolve on their own. The risk for addiction with Spravato treatment is low. In very rare cases, ketamine treatment can lead to more serious side effects, such as psychotic symptoms or cardiovascular effects. However, these are typically associated with higher doses and are not typically seen in the lower doses used for treating depression. As with any medication, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of ketamine treatment with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.