Spravato: Help for Depression and Acute Suicidal Thoughts
Spravato® (esketamine) nasal spray offers a novel treatment option for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) accompanied by acute suicidal ideation. Approved by the FDA, it provides several benefits for patients who have not found relief with traditional antidepressants.
Key Benefits of Spravato
1. Rapid Symptom Relief
Unlike conventional antidepressants that may take weeks to show effects, Spravato has demonstrated rapid improvement in depressive symptoms. Patients often experience relief within hours to days after administration.
2. Effective for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Spravato is specifically approved for adults who have not responded adequately to two or more oral antidepressants. Clinical studies have shown that combining Spravato with an oral antidepressant leads to a significant reduction in depression symptoms compared to oral antidepressants alone.
3. Unique Mechanism of Action
Spravato targets the brain’s glutamate system, differing from traditional antidepressants that focus on serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine. This unique action may contribute to its effectiveness in patients unresponsive to other treatments.
4. Enhances Neuroplasticity
By promoting the formation of new neural connections, Spravato may help improve mood regulation and cognitive function, contributing to long-term recovery.
5. FDA Approval for Suicidal Depression
Spravato is the first FDA-approved medication for MDD with acute suicidal ideation, providing a critical option for patients in crisis.
Administration and Safety
Spravato is administered as a nasal spray under the supervision of a certified healthcare provider in a clinical setting. Patients are professionally monitored post-administration. This protocol is part of the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program to ensure patient safety.
Support and Affordability
The SPRAVATO WITH ME program offers personalized support, including insurance benefit verification and cost assistance. Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $10 per treatment, making this therapy more accessible.
Have More Questions?
We are here to help you navigate the challenges of the mind and body, and to live a more peaceful life through medication management, lifestyle modification, and reaching personal health goals.
