Spravato® (Esketamine) CIII Therapy

Who can Spravato® help?

Spravato is the first FDA-approved nasal spray medication, taken in conjunction with an oral antidepressant, for the treatment of:

  • Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)

  • Depressive symptoms in adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior (MDSI)

If you’re one of the many patients to have tried two or more antidepressants without sufficient relief, make an appointment with Coral Mountain Behavioral Health to see if Spravato is the right treatment option for you.

Due to its FDA approval, it is possible to have Spravato covered by your health insurance provider.

 

Common Side Effects

Spravato is a powerful and effective medication that is used regularly at our clinic. It is by no means a “cure all” for TRD or MDSI, but our patients have shown tremendous response to the medication. But like all medications, there can be side effects. These can include:

  • Sedation (Sleepiness)

  • Dissociation (Fainting, dizziness, spinning sensation, or anxiety)

  • Feeling disconnected from yourself, your thoughts, feelings, space and time.

  • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

To monitor and address these possible side effects, our staff have been well trained to address any complications as necessary. One of the tools that we use is the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) provided directly from Spravato® . This helps us monitor blood pressure and any sedation and/or dissociation that is experienced and help to resolve those symptoms before the end of treatment.

 

Is Spravato® right for me?

While Spravato has an established track record of success, Spravato therapy may not be the best treatment option for everyone.

Patients are ineligible for this treatment option for those actively dealing with:

  • Uncontrolled Blood Pressure

  • Substance Abuse and Dependence

Patients are ineligible for this treatment option with a history of:

  • Vascular Disease

  • Arteriovenous Malformation

  • Aneurysm

  • Psychosis

Spravato is only approved for Adults 18 years and older.

Adverse Side-Effects

Potential adverse side affects of Spravato can include:

  • Physical or psychological dependance (Abuse and Misuse)

  • Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions (especially in patients younger than 24 years of age)

To prevent or minimize these risks, no one under the age of 18 may be treated with Spravato.

If you or a family member have struggled with substance abuse (alcohol, misuse of prescription medication or illegal drugs) you may need to speak with our treatment team before starting with your medication. If you have feelings of physical or psychological dependance, please alert one of our staff immediately.

If you have increased feelings of harm to others or yourself, or suicidal ideations, call 911 or seek emergency treatment.

“I started the Spravato treatment several months later, after trying another failed treatment program. I was very hesitant going in, afraid to get my hopes up. But after the FIRST session, I could feel a difference. It was apparent on the outside as well. My husband told me that he noticed a difference in my demeanor. I was treated with Spravato for six and a half months, and it has been an honest to God miracle for me. Where nothing else had worked before IT DID. I still have some rough times with my anxiety, but those times don't last as long, and I had enough emotional stability to quit a job that had grown toxic, put resumes out for a new job, and actually obtain new employment—without having panic attacks or being too depressed to try. I feel like the ME I was, back before mental illness hijacked me. I recommend Spravato to anyone who feels like there's nowhere else to go.”

Marca B. (Wellsville)

FAQs

  • Spravato is a nasal spray that is FDA approved for the treatment of:

    • Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)

    • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with acute Suicidal Ideation (MDSI)

    Spravato (Esketamine) is a derivative from of Ketamine and works by targeting the N-methyl-D-asparate (NMDA) receptor to alleviate depressive symptoms.

  • Ketamine was developed more than 50 years ago as an anesthetic. It has an established and safe track record in surgery and emergency room settings and is frequently preferred for use in pediatric surgery. Over the past several years, ketamine has been found to have impressive and safe antidepressant effects. Administered in low doses, ketamine can be used to efficaciously treat patients with depression, suicidal ideation and treatment resistant depression.

  • While both have the same formulaic compound and can be effectively used to treat depression, Ketamine and Esketamine differ in a few ways.

    • Structure

    • FDA Approval

    • Insurance Coverage

    • Administration of Medication

  • Spravato is an FDA-approved medical nasal spray that is taken in conjunction with an oral antidepressant, primarily, to treat MDSI and TRD. It works by increasing a neurotransmitter (glutamate) in the body which improves the brains ability to function and self-regulate (2).

    Spravato leads to the creation of new neurons and neural connections through the stimulation of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF).

  • Traditional antidepressants can take weeks to months before any reduction in symptoms are seen.

    With Spravato, results are often noticed within 24 hours of the first treatment.

    Studies show a greater than 70% (4) reduction in depressed symptoms after Spravato treatment.

    One treatment of Spravato can have antidepressant benefits that last up to one week. Six treatments of Spravato over three weeks extends the antidepressant effects — some patients report relief from symptoms for months (3).

    This relief in symptoms allows many patients to have significant improvements in their day-to-day lives. They report more energy and motivation, less social isolation and more ability to tolerate stress. Also, patients have experienced improvements in their sleep and appetite. These positive lifestyle changes allow for further improvements in mood and extends the antidepressant effects.

  • Spravato was FDA approved for depression in 2019 and is covered by many insurance plans for treatment-resistant depression.

    You must be 18+ years or older to be eligible for treatment with Spravato.

    Spravato is only FDA approved for:

    • Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)

    • Depressive symptoms in adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior (MDSI)