If you’re exploring treatments for mental health conditions, you may have heard of Spravato for depression. You’re likely curious about it, wondering if it’s right for you, and understanding what sets it apart from other treatments. We get it, so let’s dive into the Spravato treatment and how it works.
Spravato is an FDA-approved treatment for certain mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This prescription medication can be used with an oral antidepressant to help patients manage their symptoms. Here’s a closer look at what makes spravato treatment unique so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Overview of Spravato
Are you curious about Spravato™? You’ve come to the right place. Spravato™ is a nose spray medication that your doctor can prescribe to help treat depression in adults. It’s a breakthrough innovation that helps people manage depression symptoms, often when other treatments haven’t worked.
Doctors may prescribe Spravato for depression and prescribe who have a major depressive disorder (MDD) and either have not responded to previous antidepressant medications or have experienced side effects from these medications that make it challenging to stick with them. Spravato™ is also approved for treating adults with MDD and suicidal thoughts or behavior that have not responded to other treatments.
It’s important to note that Spravato™ must be used under the direct supervision of your doctor in the Spravato clinic, who will help decide if it’s right for you. Before you start taking it, your doctor might do tests to make sure that the medication is safe for you and monitor your responses while using it.
If prescribed, your doctor will likely discuss a treatment plan with you which may include medication, talk therapy, or both– and how Spravato™ fits into it. Working together with your doctor is critical to finding the right treatment plan for managing MDD symptoms and improving mental health.
Why Spravato Is Different From Antidepressants?
It’s different than antidepressants in that it works on the brain differently, targeting the glutamate system to bring about a change in mood.
Unlike conventional antidepressants, Spravato must be administered in a medical setting during a monitored observation period. It’s administered as an intranasal spray and is usually taken two times per month. Each session lasts between 30-120 minutes, depending on how you respond to the medication.
Unlike traditional anti-depressants which take weeks to start working, Spravato starts to work more quickly—even taking effect within 48 hours for some people. That means you don’t have to wait for months to start feeling better—you may start noticing changes soon after taking your first dose.
Who Is a Candidate for Spravato?
Are you wondering if Spravato could work for you? The answer is that it depends on your situation and the severity of your symptoms. Generally speaking, Spravato is typically recommended for adults who have a treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD) and who have:
What Benefits Has the FDA Seen With Spravato?
- failed to respond to at least two different antidepressant medications
- experienced an inadequate response in the current episode
- been stable on their antidepressant medication for at least six weeks
- tried psychotherapy but have not responded adequately and their symptoms persist or recurrently return.
You may be wondering what kind of benefits the FDA has seen with Spravato. Well, here are some of the most promising results:
Faster Onset of Antidepressant Effects
One of the primary benefits that the FDA noticed is that patients on Spravato experienced a faster onset of antidepressant effects. That means less time waiting for relief and more time living life with greater freedom. This faster response can be extremely helpful to those who are struggling to get relief from depression.
Improvement in Suicidal Thoughts
The FDA also noted an improvement in suicidal thoughts among those on Spravato. This is particularly encouraging news, as suicidal ideation can be one of the most difficult symptoms to manage when someone is dealing with depression.
Better Management of Depressive Symptoms
Finally, the FDA observed that overall depressive symptoms were better managed among those taking Spravato. That means fewer days spent feeling down and more days feeling like yourself again—which is priceless for anyone struggling with depression.
