In recent years, there has been a shift in the way society perceives mental illness, discarding the stigma that once shrouded the topic. Mental illness is now discussed more openly and accepted as a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
More and more people are coming forward to talk about their experiences and seek professional treatment. However, even with this increased awareness, there is a wide gap in treatment as traditional methods, such as therapy and medication, don’t always work for everyone.
It is estimated that up to 30 percent of depression patients and around 40 percent of anxiety patients don’t respond to traditional treatments like antidepressants and antianxiety medication. Additionally, those who respond to these treatments don’t always find the adequate relief they deserve.
This calls for alternative treatment options to help this subset of patients overcome their symptoms and lead quality and fulfilling lives. This is where Spravato comes into the picture.
What is Spravato?
Spravato (esketamine) is a novel medication approved by the FDA in 2019 for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. The medication is available as a nasal spray that contains one of the active ingredients of ketamine – S-ketamine (hence the name esketamine)
Ketamine has been used for decades to induce anesthesia during invasive medical procedures and recently as an off-label treatment for chronic mental illnesses like major depression, anxiety disorders, and suicidal ideations.
According to research, ketamine has a high efficacy with a success rate of up to 70 percent in managing treatment-resistant depression. Additionally, ketamine also boasts of a rapid onset of action, meaning that most patients experience rapid relief from symptoms, typically within hours or days, as opposed to traditional antidepressants that can take weeks or even months to work. Not to mention, ketamine offers prolonged remission from symptoms.
With all these potential benefits, it’s no wonder that ketamine therapy is being hailed as a game-changer in the world of mental health. Still, there has been a cloud of doubt surrounding the off-label use of ketamine infusions for clinical purposes despite a proven safety track record.
But with the FDA’s recent approval of Spravato, this novel medication is now available as a regulated treatment for those living with treatment-resistant depression. Currently, Spravato is only indicated for use in adults with treatment-refractory depression.
How Does Spravato Work?
Traditional antidepressants work by increasing levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. However, ketamine is thought to work by restoring connections between neurons that have been lost or damaged due to depression. This helps to reduce symptoms and improve mood and condition.
Spravato is typically used in conjunction with traditional antidepressant medications and should only be administered under the supervision of a certified professional in a medically-supervised setting.
Is Spravato Safe?
Like ketamine, Spravato is safe and well-tolerated by most patients when used as directed. But it’s not uncommon for patients to experience a few mild side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, and mild dissociation. These side effects are typically short-lived and fade away within a few hours.
Final Thoughts
Although the use of Spravato is limited compared to ketamine infusions, it is still a significant step in the fight against depression. With its rapid onset of action and potential to provide long-term remission from symptoms, Spravato offers hope to many people who have not found relief from standard antidepressants and other treatment options.