Spravato

Depression affects more than 17 million adults in the United States every year. Though there are many effective treatments for managing the mood disorder, not everyone responds well to traditional antidepressants. Dedicated to helping you get relief from your depression, the team at 2nd Chance Treatment Center in Phoenix, Glendale, and Gilbert, Arizona, offers Spravato™, a recently FDA-approved medication to help those suffering from treatment-resistant depression. To learn more about Spravato and how it may help you, call or request an appointment online today.

What is Spravato?

Spravato is an FDA-approved prescription nasal spray for managing treatment-resistant depression. During treatment with Spravato, you continue to take your oral antidepressant medication. 

How does Spravato work?

Esketamine, which is a derivative of ketamine, is the active ingredient in Spravato. The medication targets the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in your brain. Though researchers are still investigating the mechanism of how Spravato works, the medication may increase synaptic connections in your brain to improve your depressive symptoms. People with depression are thought to have fewer synaptic connections. 

Am I a good candidate for Spravato?

The specialists at 2nd Chance Treatment Center determine if you’re a good candidate for Spravato during a consultation. You’re considered a good candidate if you suffer from major depressive disorder and can’t find relief from your symptoms with oral medications and behavioral therapy. More specifically, if you’ve tried two other antidepressant medications and haven’t experienced an improvement in symptoms. 

You aren’t a good candidate for Spravato if you have an aneurysm or a history of bleeding in the brain. It’s also important to share all of your medical history with the team during your consultation so they can determine the safest treatment for you. 

How is Spravato given?

Spravato is a nasal spray that can only be given by a health care professional. You can’t get Spravato at your local pharmacy or take the medication at home. The mental health specialists at 2nd Chance Treatment Center offer Spravato treatment at their office. 

After you’re given a dose of Spravato, the team has you remain at the office for up to two hours for observation to monitor for potential side effects, such as disassociation, dizziness, sedation, and an increase in blood pressure. 

Due to the sedative effects of Spravato, the team recommends no driving or operating heavy machinery until the day after treatment, and only after a good night’s rest. This means you need to arrange a ride home after administration of your medication. 

Initially, you’re given two doses a week for four weeks, followed by weekly doses for another four weeks. Your dose is then titrated to twice a month.

To learn more about Spravato and how it may help your depression, call 2nd Chance Treatment Center or request an appointment online today.