Spravato (Esketamine) Therapy

LIFE PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC

Spravato (Esketamine) Therapy

Spravato is a nasal spray medication containing esketamine, which is a derivative of ketamine. It's primarily used in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults.

How it Works:

Esketamine acts on glutamate receptors in the brain, specifically N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which are involved in mood regulation.

Unlike traditional antidepressants, which typically target serotonin and other neurotransmitters, esketamine provides a novel mechanism of action for treating depression.

Administration:

Spravato is administered as a nasal spray under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Treatment sessions typically occur in a clinical setting, such as a doctor's office or a specialized treatment center.

Treatment Schedule:

Initially, Spravato is administered twice per week for the first four weeks, then once weekly or every two weeks thereafter.

Each treatment session includes a monitoring period to assess for potential side effects, such as dissociation or increases in blood pressure.

Benefits:

For individuals with treatment-resistant depression who have not responded adequately to other treatments, Spravato offers a new option for symptom relief. Some patients may experience rapid improvement in depressive symptoms, often within hours or days of starting treatment.

Considerations:

Spravato therapy requires close monitoring due to the risk of side effects, including dissociation, sedation, and increases in blood pressure.

It's typically used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for depression.

Access to Spravato treatment may vary depending on factors such as insurance coverage, healthcare provider availability, and treatment facility location.

Overall, Spravato therapy represents an innovative approach to treating treatment-resistant depression, offering hope for individuals who have not responded to other interventions.

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Consultation for Spravato Therapy:

Before initiating Spravato (Esketamine) therapy, patients typically undergo a comprehensive consultation with a mental health professional or psychiatrist. During this consultation:

Assessment: The healthcare provider conducts a thorough evaluation of the patient's mental health history, current symptoms, and treatment response.

Criteria Evaluation: The provider assesses whether the patient meets the criteria for treatment with Spravato, which often include:

Diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression (TRD), defined as depression that has not adequately responded to at least two different antidepressant medications, and major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal ideations that do not meet psychiatric admission criteria.

Other factors such as severity of symptoms, functional impairment, and previous treatment attempts may also be considered.

Discussion of Risks and Benefits: The healthcare provider discusses the potential risks and benefits of Spravato therapy with the patient, including side effects, treatment expectations, and alternative treatment options.

Treatment Plan: If the patient is deemed eligible for Spravato therapy and agrees to proceed, a treatment plan is developed, which may include scheduling of treatment sessions, coordination with insurance providers, and provision of necessary education and resources.

By ensuring that patients undergo a thorough consultation process, healthcare providers can help determine the appropriateness of Spravato therapy and provide personalized care to individuals with treatment-resistant depression.