What Is Spravato? How Esketamine Nasal Spray Treats Depression
Depression that does not improve after trying several antidepressants can feel discouraging, both for patients and for their families. Spravato is one of the newer tools available for exactly this situation, and it works in a fundamentally different way than traditional antidepressants.
What is Spravato?
Spravato, known by the generic name esketamine, is an FDA approved nasal spray used alongside an oral antidepressant to treat certain forms of depression in adults, including depression that has not responded to other treatments. It is derived from ketamine and acts on a different part of the brain's chemistry than standard antidepressants, which is part of why it can help when other medications have not.
How is it administered?
Spravato is not a medication you take home. Because of how it works and the monitoring required, it must be given in a certified medical office under direct supervision. Here is what a typical visit looks like:
You self administer the nasal spray under the observation of clinical staff
You remain at the office for a monitoring period, generally around two hours
Staff check your blood pressure and monitor how you are feeling before you are cleared to leave
You will need someone to drive you home after your appointment, since you should not drive the same day
Treatment usually begins with sessions twice a week for the first several weeks, then tapers to a less frequent maintenance schedule based on how you respond.
Who might benefit from Spravato?
Spravato is typically considered for adults who:
Have a diagnosis of major depressive disorder or treatment resistant depression
Have tried at least two different oral antidepressants without adequate relief
Are continuing an oral antidepressant alongside Spravato treatment
Are able to attend regular in office monitoring appointments
Your psychiatric provider will review your full history to determine whether Spravato is an appropriate option for you.
What to expect from treatment
Because Spravato works differently than traditional antidepressants, some patients notice improvements in mood more quickly than they experienced with oral medication alone. Response varies from person to person, and ongoing monitoring throughout treatment helps your provider adjust the plan as needed.
Getting started at Family Psychiatry
Dr. Mohammad Saeed and the clinical team at Family Psychiatry provide Spravato treatment at our League City location, serving patients throughout Clear Lake, Friendswood, Dickinson, and the greater Houston area. If depression has been difficult to manage despite trying other treatments, a consultation can help determine if Spravato is right for you.
Call 281 554 0123 or request an appointment online to learn more about Spravato treatment.
