If you are living with depression, you know that searching for a treatment that works for you can be overwhelming. Available therapies often come with a long list of unpleasant side effects, require extensive periods of trial-and-error, or are expensive and not covered by insurance.
Spravato is an advanced treatment for depression that may provide quick relief if you have not had success with other methods. If you are wondering how Spravato works, contact the dedicated team at Upswing Psychiatry. We can help you understand whether Spravato is right for you and what to expect during treatment.
Spravato is an innovative treatment for depression, specifically treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Psychiatrists administer Spravato via an FDA-approved nasal spray formulated with esketamine. This advanced therapy continues to gain popularity due to its fast-acting response that is particularly helpful for patients who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or have not yet found success using other treatment methods, such as traditional antidepressants.
Spravato is administered at our Amarillo office under the supervision of our experienced clinical team. During treatment, we will carefully monitor your mental and physical health to ensure your safety and the medication’s effectiveness.
Spravato works to manage TRD and improve symptoms of depression by targeting the brain’s glutamate receptors to influence neurotransmitters and regulate mood and cognition. It also encourages neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and re-establish important connections, potentially healing damage caused by chronic depression.
While oral medications are effective for some people, one in three individuals do not see an improvement in symptoms when taking traditional antidepressants. In addition, many experience unpleasant side effects that make oral medication intolerable. In contrast, a recent study showed that 88% of patients experienced significant symptom reduction after just 24 hours of Spravato use. Physicians recommend using Spravato in conjunction with an oral antidepressant, as research has proven this combination provides rapid and significant improvement in depression symptoms.
Spravato works best when administered in phases, with each appointment lasting approximately two hours. The treatment’s induction phase lasts 14 rounds, during which you will visit our office twice a week for four weeks to receive your nasal spray, then once per week for four weeks, and then once every other week for four weeks. Clinicians designed this phase to introduce your mind and body to the medication and provide rapid symptom relief. Many patients report a profound lift in mood during this initial treatment period.
You should notice an improvement in your depression symptoms after the first four weeks of treatment, allowing us to begin reducing the frequency of your sessions. How often you receive Spravato during the next phase of treatment will depend on your individual progress, though it is typical to continue treatments weekly from week five to week eight, then every other week.
The maintenance phase begins at five weeks and can last indefinitely. Studies show that patients who continued Spravato treatments at least every other week were less likely to experience a relapse, or return of depressive symptoms, compared to those who stopped treatments.
Spravato offers a solution for individuals with depression who have not experienced relief with traditional therapies. This innovative medication is a safe and effective way to manage symptoms of depression and restore your sense of wellness. Upswing Psychiatry has helped many patients find relief through facilitated Spravato treatments. Contact us today to learn more about how Spravato works and schedule an initial consultation.