If you are struggling with depression, you are not alone. Depression is a common mental health condition affecting millions worldwide, and traditional antidepressant medications don’t always provide relief. Fortunately, a new treatment on the market gives hope to those who have struggled with depression for years: Spravato. Spravato Sandy Springs is a nasal spray that contains esketamine, a derivative of ketamine, which has been shown to help alleviate symptoms of depression in people who have not responded well to other treatments.
How does Spravato work?
Spravato functions by concentrating on a particular neurotransmitter in the brain known as glutamate. Glutamate is thought to have a significant role in the onset and maintenance of depression because it controls the communication between nerve cells in the brain.
Esketamine, the substance that makes up Spravato, is a sort of NMDA receptor antagonist that prevents glutamate from attaching to the NMDA receptors in the brain. Spravato enhances glutamate availability in the brain by inhibiting these receptors, which can aid in fostering the formation of new synaptic connections and enhancing mood.
Spravato is given as a nasal spray that is sprayed into the nose of the patient as they sit or lie back in the treatment area. To ensure no major side effects, the healthcare provider will thoroughly watch the patient for at least two hours after the medication has been given. Depending on how each person responds to the medication, there are different dose regimens for Spravato treatment.
Spravato is a promising treatment option for depression for several reasons:
- Rapid relief: Spravato has been shown to provide rapid relief from symptoms of depression, often within hours or days of the first dose. This is in contrast to traditional antidepressant medications, which can take several weeks or even months to take effect. For individuals who are experiencing severe depression symptoms, this quick onset of relief can be life-changing.
- Treatment-resistant depression: Spravato is effective in people who have not responded well to other antidepressant medications, which is a significant portion of the population with depression. This group of people is often referred to as having treatment-resistant depression. Spravato provides a new option for individuals without success with other treatments, including psychotherapy and multiple antidepressant medications.
- Improved functioning: Spravato has been shown to improve overall functioning in individuals with depression, including improvements in work productivity and social functioning. This is important because depression can significantly impact a person’s ability to function in daily life.
- Reduced risk of suicide: Studies have shown that Spravato treatment can reduce suicidal ideation and behaviors in individuals with depression. This is a critical benefit, as depression is a leading cause of suicide.
- New treatment option: Spravato represents a new type of treatment for depression, which is important as current antidepressant medications have limitations in terms of efficacy and side effects. Spravato is a promising new option that may benefit individuals without success with other treatments.
It is vital to note that Spravato is not without its risks and side effects. It can cause sedation, dissociation, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, Spravato should only be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional in a specialized treatment center.
As with any medication, you should talk to your doctor at Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions about the benefits and risks of Spravato treatment.
