What is Spravato ?
Spravato (esketamine) is a nasal spray approved by the FDA for use in conjunction with an oral antidepressant in adults with treatment-resistant depression or depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior. It is derived from ketamine, a medication traditionally used for anesthesia.
Usage Guidelines
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Indications: Spravato is used for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression in adults and depressive symptoms in adults with MDD with acute suicidal ideation or behavior.
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Administration: It is administered as a nasal spray in a certified medical office under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Patients must remain at the clinic for monitoring for at least 2 hours after administration.
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Dosage: Treatment usually starts with a higher frequency of administrations, which decreases over time based on the patient's response and healthcare provider's judgment.
Side Effects and Considerations
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Common Side Effects: Include dissociation, dizziness, nausea, sedation, vertigo, decreased sensitivity, anxiety, increased blood pressure, vomiting, and feeling drunk.
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Monitoring: Due to the potential for sedation and dissociation, monitoring by healthcare professionals during and after administration is required.
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Special Considerations: It is a schedule III controlled substance, reflecting its potential for abuse and dependence. Its use is also restricted to a certified healthcare setting through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program.
How Does Spravato Work?
Spravato targets NMDA receptors in the brain, which is different from traditional antidepressants that target neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. By modulating these receptors, Spravato can help to restore synaptic connections in brain cells in people with depression and quickly improve mood, which is critical in acute cases.
Benefits of Spravato
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Fast-Acting: One of the most significant benefits of Spravato is its ability to reduce depressive symptoms rapidly, often within hours or days, whereas traditional antidepressants can take weeks to become effective.
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New Mechanism of Action: Offers a new treatment avenue for patients who have not responded to other antidepressants.
Who Can Benefit?
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Spravato may be particularly beneficial for adults who have tried other depression treatments without success. It is critical that potential candidates for Spravato treatment are carefully screened and monitored by healthcare professionals specializing in mental health.
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This content is designed to be informative and straightforward, helping your website visitors understand Spravato and its relevance in treatment-resistant depression and acute suicidal ideation in MDD.