In recent years, mental health treatment has experienced numerous breakthroughs. Among these, Spravato stands out as a new therapeutic option that has stirred considerable interest among both medical professionals and patients.
But what exactly is Spravato, and how does Spravato work?
This blog post explores the mechanism of action, indications for use, possible side effects, and more to give you a thorough understanding of the treatment.
So, let’s begin.
What Is Spravato and How Does Spravato Work?
Spravato, or Esketamine, is a prescription nasal spray approved by the FDA for use along with an oral antidepressant for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD).
It’s Working Mechanism
Spravato comes in the form of a nasal spray, and once administered, it acts on the brain’s NMDA receptors.
Spravato works differently from other antidepressants, most of which target serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine levels.
Esketamine does something quite the contrary.
Instead of boosting serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine in the brain, it raises glutamate levels by acting on NMDA receptors.
Glutamate is a major neurotransmitter in your brain and is super important for brain function.
As glutamate levels increase, they help your brain create stronger communication paths — balancing communication between different brain areas.
In depression, this communication is usually disrupted, which causes negative emotions/feelings and brain fog.
It’s a Solution for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Spravato is prescribed for treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
TRD refers to cases in which people have tried at least two different antidepressant therapies without finding adequate relief.
Spavato (Esketamine) works fast and brings relief to people with depression after only a few sessions and treatments.
Spravato for anxiety is also being studied for its effectiveness.
How Is Spravato Administered?
Spravato administration is rather unique — it’s not a pill or an injection but a nasal spray.
The FDA has some guidelines for using Spravato, which has a boxed warning.
This warning says that patients might feel sleepy, have trouble focusing, or think differently (dissociation).
There’s also a risk of misuse, abuse, and having thoughts about hurting oneself after taking the drug.
Because of this, the patient has to take Spravato in the physician’s office and not at home.
Patients self-administer it under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
After taking it, the patient needs to be watched and checked for 2 hours to make sure everything is okay.
How Often Is Spravato Administered?
This is what the Spravato dosing schedule looks like: It’s usually started with two administrations per week and then reduced to once weekly or once every two weeks.
For safety reasons and to avoid Spravato overdose, each administration of the drug is done under the supervision of a physician, and patients are monitored for at least two hours afterwards.
How Long Does Spravato Stay In Your System?
The longevity of Spravato in your system will depend on several aspects, like dosage, frequency of use, and your metabolic rate.
Generally, Esketamine is metabolized fairly quickly, with half of the drug being eliminated from the body within a few hours.
However, the actual time can vary widely from person to person.
So, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider for personalized information.
Benefits of Spravato
Some benefits of Spravato are:
- Rapid relief. Relieves depression symptoms quickly.
- Mood improvement. It can improve moods and overall mental health.
- Reduces suicidal thoughts. It could help reduce suicidal thoughts in people suffering from depression.
- Personalized treatment. Adapting a treatment plan to a patient’s needs and responses is possible.
- FDA-approved. The FDA approves it for the treatment of depression.
- Continued benefits. Even after the initial treatment phase, continued benefits are possible.
Safety and Side Effects
As with any medication, understanding the risks, side effects, and safety considerations before starting treatment is essential.
Some of the common side effects of Spravato include:
- Nausea.
- Dizziness.
- Headache.
- Drowsiness.
- Disorientation.
- An increase in blood pressure.
- Feeling happy or excited.
It’s important to discuss possible side effects with your healthcare provider to understand how they might affect you.
Also, make sure to disclose your full medical history to your doctor before starting Spravato.
It is not recommended for those with a history of hypersensitivity to ketamine or any of its components.
You can learn more about Spravato, its possible side effects, and who shouldn’t take Spravato here.
Spravato vs Ketamine
Is spravato ketamine? Although Spravato and ketamine are closely related, they’re not the same.
Esketamine is one of the two mirror-image molecules found in ketamine — known as enantiomers.
In more detail, ketamine is made up of two enantiomers: R-ketamine and S-ketamine (esketamine).
Compared to the overall ketamine compound, the S-ketamine (esketamine) component is more potent and provides beneficial outcomes at lower doses.
Moreover, ketamine is usually administered intravenously, and Spravato is a more convenient nasal spray.
Let’s examine their differences in more detail.
| Aspect | Spravato (Esketamine) | Ketamine |
| The Form | Nasal spray. | Various forms (IV, oral, intramuscular). |
| FDA Approval | Yes, for treatment-resistant depression – TRD. | No specific approval for depression (used off-label). |
| Medical Setting | It’s administered at a doctor’s office. | It can be administered in different medical settings. |
| Supervision | It must be administered under medical supervision. | It needs medical supervision, especially for off-label uses. |
| Used For | Treatment-resistant depression. | Anesthetic. Also used off-label for depression in some cases. |
| Administration | Nasal spray self-administered under supervision. | Administered by a healthcare professional. |
| Monitoring | The patient is monitored for 2 hours after administration. | The monitoring can differ based on the form and setting. |
| Risk and Warning | Boxed warning for sedation, dissociation, abuse, misuse, and suicidal thoughts. | Side effects and risks, such as dissociation, should be carefully evaluated. |
Spravato’s Comparison with Other Treatments
How does Spravato compare with other mental health treatments?
When compared to traditional antidepressants, Spravato’s effects can often be felt within hours or days.
However, it’s not a standalone treatment and is often combined with other oral antidepressants.
Spravato Cost and Insurance Coverage
This question is a frequent concern for many: How much is Spravato without insurance?
Spravato price can differ but is usually in the range of hundreds to thousands of dollars per dose.
So, is Spravato covered by insurance? Yes, many insurance plans cover Spravato, and patient assistance programs might help offset the cost.
Where to Get Spravato From?
The distribution of Spravato is restricted, ensuring its safety, which means one can’t buy Spravato online either.
Here’s how it works:
Certified clinics. Only certified medical offices with REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) are allowed to administer and monitor patients receiving Spravato.
To receive treatment, patients usually start by completing the Spravato REMS patient enrollment form given to them by these clinics.
The Spravato REMS enrollment form is filled out by patients who are seeking treatment. It gathers information to ensure Spravato eligibility.
Specialty pharmacies. Specialty pharmacies with REMS certification carry out the distribution of Spravato directly to certified medical offices.
REMS — a program regulated by the FDA that manages the risks connected with the drug and ensures a safe and secure distribution process.
Get Spravato for Treatment-Resistant Depression At Good Path Health Services
Reach out to us at Good Path Health Services for a personalized discussion on whether Spravato is right for you.
Schedule a consultation with one of our providers to understand your needs and determine the best course of action for your mental health.
We can guide you through the benefits and insurance coverage and create a custom plan that’s suitable for you.
Wrapping Up
Spravato is an effective treatment option suitable for those suffering from treatment-resistant depression.
Its mechanism of action and rapid onset of effects distinguish it from other treatments.
It can have potential side effects and requires careful medical supervision, though it can reduce depressive symptoms after other treatments have failed.
As with any treatment, a discussion with a healthcare provider is essential to understand if Spravato fits into your treatment plan.
Contact us at Good Path Health Services to learn if Spravato could benefit you.
FAQs
How long is Spravato treatment?
The duration of Spravato treatment differs but usually involves an initial phase with more frequent sessions, followed by maintenance sessions.
What does Spravato do?
Spravato is an FDA-approved treatment for TRD.
It works by acting on the brain’s NMDA receptors.
How long does it take for Spravato to work?
Some people can feel their depression symptoms subsiding within hours or some days after the initial dose.
How much is Spravato with insurance?
The cost of Spravato with insurance depends on your insurance plan.
Your out-of-pocket expenses, like copayments and coinsurance, are dependent on your insurance coverage.
Does Spravato get you high?
No, Spravato won’t make you feel high. It’s administered under the supervision of healthcare professionals in a safe clinical setting.
Is Spravato addictive?
Spravato is not considered addictive.
Does Spravato cause weight Gain?
Weight changes are not common side effects of Spravato.
