Spravato™

What is Spravato?

Spravato is an intranasal spray that may relieve the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). You have TRD if you continue to feel depressed after taking at least two different antidepressants. 

Spravato is a derivative of ketamine. Once the medication enters your body, it increases the number of glutamate receptors in your brain. Glutamate is an essential neurotransmitter responsible for mood and cognition. Increasing the number of glutamate receptors may lift your mood and alleviate depressive symptoms. 

Who should consider Spravato treatment?

Consider Spravato treatment at Paramount Health Directions if you have treatment-resistant depression and your symptoms don’t improve after taking at least two antidepressants for a six-week period. That’s especially true if you have suicidal ideations or thoughts of self-harm.

Can anyone use Spravato for depression?

Spravato is safe and usually well-tolerated, but it isn’t a treatment option for everyone. Tell your Paramount Health Directions provider if you’re allergic to esketamine, ketamine, or other types of anesthesia.

Likewise, tell your provider if you have heart, brain, or liver problems. Let your provider know about the prescription drugs, supplements, and over-the-counter medications you take. Certain drugs and herbal supplements can interfere with Spravato, so the team must be aware.

What does Spravato treatment involve?

Spravato treatment is an outpatient procedure that lasts about two hours.

When you arrive at Paramount Health Directions, your provider checks your vital signs and measures your blood pressure. Then, they administer a dose of Spravato via an intranasal spray.

Spravato goes to work instantly, causing you to feel drowsy and dissociative. Your provider gives you a cozy blanket and a pillow so you can get comfortable. It takes several hours for the medication to wear off, so you need someone to drive you home afterward. 

Spravato treatment features two phases –– an initial phase and a maintenance phase. During the initial phase, you visit Paramount Health Directions multiple times per week for a month. After the initial phase is complete, the maintenance phase begins. The maintenance phase still involves regular checkups, but they’re less frequent.

How long does it take for Spravato to work?

The time it takes for Spravato to work depends on the severity of your treatment-resistant depression and symptoms. Most people experience a significant improvement in their mood and outlook within a month, but it may take longer. Be patient, follow your provider’s instructions, and attend each of your checkups at Paramount Health Directions.

Call Paramount Health Directions to schedule a Spravato consultation, or book your appointment online today.

*Individual results may vary.