Spravato

Treatment-resistant depression is a severe form of depression that does not respond adequately to traditional antidepressant therapies. For many individuals with TRD, the journey to finding an effective treatment can be long and frustrating, often involving numerous trials of different medications and therapies without significant relief. The introduction of Spravato offers new hope for these patients.

Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray that contains esketamine, a derivative of ketamine, which has been used for decades as an anesthetic and, more recently, has shown promise in treating depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which typically take weeks to show results, Spravato can begin to alleviate depressive symptoms within hours to days. This rapid onset of action makes it a particularly valuable option for those who have not found relief with other treatments.

Esketamine, the active ingredient in Spravato, works differently from conventional antidepressants. While most antidepressants target the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine, esketamine affects the brain’s glutamate system. Glutamate is the most abundant neurotransmitter in the brain and plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity, which is essential for learning and memory. By modulating the glutamate system, esketamine can help restore neural connections that are disrupted in depression, leading to rapid improvements in mood and cognition.

Spravato is administered in a controlled medical setting at Empire State Psychiatry, ensuring the safety and comfort of our patients. The treatment process involves the following steps:

1. Initial Assessment: Before starting Spravato, our team of experienced psychiatrists conducts a comprehensive assessment to determine if Spravato is the right treatment for the patient’s specific needs.
2. In-Office Administration: Spravato is administered as a nasal spray under the supervision of a healthcare professional. The patient remains in the office for two hours following the administration to monitor for any potential side effects.
3. Follow-Up Sessions: Spravato is typically administered twice a week for the first four weeks, followed by weekly or bi-weekly sessions, depending on the patient’s response to the treatment. Our team closely monitors progress and adjusts the treatment plan as needed.
4. Ongoing Support: Throughout the treatment process, patients receive comprehensive support from our psychiatric team, including regular check-ins and adjustments to their overall treatment plan to ensure optimal outcomes.

Like all medications, Spravato can cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, dissociation (a feeling of being detached from reality), and increased blood pressure. These side effects are generally mild to moderate and tend to subside shortly after the treatment session. Our team is trained to manage these effects and ensure the patient’s comfort throughout the process.