Spravato Treatment SPECIALIST

What is Spravato?

Spravato is the brand name for esketamine, an FDA approved treatment that is lifesaving for patients with treatment resistant depression. 

About 30 to 40 percent of patients with depression fail to respond to first line treatments, including oral medications. That is where Spravato comes in. The reason antidepressants may not work for everyone is that they target just a few of the brain’s chemical transmitter systems, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Spravato works primarily by blocking the NMDA receptor. This helps regulate communication between nerve cells and may contribute to its antidepressant effects. Ketamine consists of two mirror-image molecules known as enantiomers. When ketamine is used as an infusion or as an anesthetic, the drug includes half of each molecule. Esketamine is only the s-enantiomer molecule. In clinical studies, the medication reduced depression symptoms.

Compared to traditional antidepressants, Spravato is fast-acting. Many patients have said that their symptoms improved within 24 hours. This unique mechanism positions Spravato as a novel treatment option for individuals with treatment-resistant depression.

How and where do I use spravato?

The FDA requires that Spravato treatment takes place only at approved treatment centers. The treatment will be done in our second office, The Wellness Center located in room 107 on the first floor of our building in our new, state of the art, Spravato Suite. Due to the possibility of delayed or prolonged sedation or dissociation as well as possible misuse, patients must be monitored by a healthcare provider for at least 2 hours during each treatment session.

How will I feel during treatment?

Spravato can make you very tired and cause floating or “out of body” sensations. You may have tingling sensations in your extremities or mild hallucinations. When the initial side effects subside, your provider releases you, but a friend or family member needs to drive you home. 

How do I know if Spravato treatment is right for me?

At Innovative Psychiatry, their team of providers conducts comprehensive consultations and exams before prescribing any treatment. If you have depression but haven’t found a medication or treatment that effectively relieves your symptoms, you may be a candidate for Spravato treatment. 

You shouldn’t use Spravato if you have high blood pressure or any other blood vessel problems, heart disease, or liver disease. Additionally, Spravato treatment isn’t appropriate if you have a personal or family history of psychosis or substance use disorder. 

Call Innovative Psychiatry or request an appointment online today to find out if Spravato treatment is right for you. 

How much will I have to pay?

The cost of Spravato is dependent on your insurance plan. SPRAVATO with Me offers access and affordability options, depending on your plan. Insurance benefits coverage will be determined before you commit to any treatment.