SPRAVATOTM (ESKETAMINE) THERAPY
SPRAVATOTM (ESKETAMINE) IS EFFECTIVE FOR TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION
SpravatoTM (Esketamine) is utilized both as a general anesthetic and as an antidepressant for depression treatment. It is particularly employed as a therapy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) accompanied by suicidal ideation or behavior.
SpravatoTM (Esketamine) is a nasal spray derived from Ketamine, an anesthetic that has been utilized for depression treatment for several years. While Ketamine has been intended for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, it is only recently that SpravatoTM (Esketamine) received FDA approval specifically as a nasal spray for those with treatment-resistant depression.
WHAT IS SPRAVATOTM (ESKETAMINE) TREATMENT LIKE?
Under a doctor’s prescription, treatment with SpravatoTM (Esketamine) nasal spray is administered on an outpatient basis. The nasal spray is self-administered in three doses, with each dose taken five minutes apart and under supervision. Following administration, you will remain in the clinic, under medical observation, until any potential side effects have subsided.
WHAT IS SPRAVATOTM (ESKETAMINE)?
SpravatoTM (Esketamine) is a prescription medicine, used along with an antidepressant taken by mouth to treat:
Adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
Depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or actions
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved SpravatoTM (Esketamine) nasal spray, in conjunction with an oral antidepressant, for the treatment of depression in adults who have tried other antidepressant medicines but have not benefited from them (treatment-resistant depression).
The patient self-administers SpravatoTM nasal spray under the supervision of a health care provider in a certified medical office. This medication can not be taken home.
SPRAVATOTM (ESKETAMINE) HELPS THE BRAIN FORM NEW CONNECTIONS
Research suggests that untreated depression can lead to long-term brain damage and increase the risk of dementia. Studies have indicated that individuals with depression may experience up to a 20% reduction in the size of the hippocampus, a vital brain region involved in memory and learning. However, SpravatoTM (Esketamine) has the potential to counteract the detrimental effects of depression.
Evidence shows that chronic stress diminishes the connections between brain cells, but SpravatoTM (Esketamine) has been found to reverse these stress-related changes. According to Dr. Adam Kaplin, a psychiatrist from Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Esketamine is unique among antidepressants as it not only prevents the neurotoxic effects of depression on the brain but also appears to have a growth-promoting effect.”
”“Esketamine is different than any other antidepressant in that it not only prevents the neurotoxic effects of depression on the brain, but it also seems to have a growth-promoting effect.”
Adam Kaplin, M.D., Ph.D, PsychiatristJohns Hopkins Medicine
HOW DOES SPRAVATOTM (ESKETAMINE) TREAT DEPRESSION?
SpravatoTM (Esketamine) operates through a distinct mechanism compared to other antidepressants. While conventional antidepressants raise the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine to facilitate improved mood, SpravatoTM (Esketamine) takes a different approach.
Unlike traditional antidepressants, SpravatoTM (Esketamine) boosts the levels of glutamate, the most abundant chemical messenger in the brain. This unique action allows for a more widespread impact on multiple brain cells simultaneously.
KETAMINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY (KAP)
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is an innovative and specialized therapy that occurs in conjunction with or following ketamine infusions. It entails the involvement of psychotherapists who possess expertise and understanding of ketamine and its impact on the brain. It is highly recommended to have a mental health provider guide you through your journey during or after your ketamine infusion therapy session. We offer this service with your own therapist or, for an additional fee, with one of our trusted providers at our office.