Spravato, a prescription medicine, treats adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have not found relief with other antidepressant medications. Because this treatment works differently from many traditional oral antidepressants, it offers another path for those managing persistent symptoms. Medical providers administer it under medical supervision, sometimes along with an oral antidepressant. Here is more information about this approach to treating severe depression:
Treats Major Depressive Disorder
Spravato is specifically indicated for treatment-resistant depression in adults. This means it is for individuals who have tried other antidepressant medicines without seeing sufficient improvement in their symptoms. The medication’s active ingredient is esketamine, which is chemically related to ketamine. It is a newer approach approved for this specific use, offering an alternative when other treatments have been ineffective.
Delivers in Nasal Spray
The delivery method for Spravato is unique among many depression treatments. It is administered as a nasal spray, allowing it to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the nasal passages. You typically self-administer the nasal spray device in a certified medical provider’s office or clinic, and a healthcare provider may monitor you for several hours.
This setting allows medical staff to observe you after administration and manage any potential side effects that may occur. A professional determines the treatment schedule, which typically begins with more frequent doses that gradually decrease in frequency over time. This method of delivery allows the medication to act relatively quickly.
While many oral antidepressants take weeks to build up in the system, the effects of Spravato may be felt sooner. The supervised setting is a key part of the treatment protocol. This comprehensive approach provides safety and effectiveness throughout the treatment, making it both reliable and effective.
Increases Glutamate Levels
Spravato works differently from many commonly prescribed antidepressants. Most traditional antidepressants focus on increasing levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine. Spravato targets the NMDA receptor, which affects a different neurotransmitter called glutamate.
Glutamate is the most abundant neurotransmitter in the brain, and it plays a significant role in mood regulation and cognitive function. By modulating glutamate activity, Spravato helps restore synaptic connections between brain cells. These cells may be diminished in people with major depressive disorder. This mechanism of action offers a different approach for individuals who have not responded to treatments that work on other neurotransmitter systems.
Relieves Symptoms
When combined with a daily oral antidepressant, Spravato may lead to a reduction in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo nasal spray with an oral antidepressant. The response to treatment will vary from person to person. Some individuals may notice a reduction in their symptoms within the first few weeks of treatment. Typical side effects include feelings of dissociation, dizziness, nausea, and sedation. These effects are usually temporary and are monitored by the healthcare provider during the observation period after each treatment session.
Treat Depression with Spravato
Spravato represents one available option for adults with treatment-resistant depression. This treatment is administered in a supervised medical setting and is used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant to manage symptoms. If you have been struggling with depression and have not found relief with other medications, discussing all available options with a healthcare professional is a helpful next step. Contact a healthcare provider today to learn more about Spravato and determine if it might be a suitable part of your treatment plan.
