Major depression can be treated with Spravato®, a nasal spray. Many people deal with persistent mental health issues. Antidepressants combined with talk therapy are the primary treatments for this condition. Some patients do not respond to these treatments. Spravato can be useful here. Here are the details if you’re interested in learning how this nasal spray can be used to treat depression.
How Spravato functions
This new depression medication has received FDA approval. For patients with depression who have failed previous therapies, this therapy may be an effective option. The nasal spray therapy combined with an oral antidepressant is what the doctor will recommend. Talk therapy is an option for patients taking Spravato. This medication is appropriate for those who have major depressive disorder. These people frequently engage in suicidal behavior or thoughts.
Esketamine is the medication’s active component. In just a few hours, this substance can relieve depression. It is a cutting-edge chemical substance. Patients who take Spravato may be able to live without depression. It may increase glutamate levels. This neurotransmitter stimulates the brain and counteracts depression’s negative effects.
Esketamine is a ketamine derivative. When used to treat depression, it is more effective than ketamine. It may also prevent the symptoms from returning. Spravato is given in three doses. They will be administered by the patient themselves five minutes apart. The attending physician will keep a close eye on this treatment as it is administered.
Spravato use
The patient will be instructed by the doctor in the clinic to use this nasal spray treatment. This therapy will be more comfortable if you sit in a treatment chair. Some patients may feel queasy or vomit. The patient will abstain from drinking for two hours before and after using the nasal spray. One hour prior to starting Spravato therapy, you should refrain from using decongestants or steroids. Patients are required to continue this therapy for as long as the doctor recommends.
Considerations for using this medication
To maximize the therapeutic effects, the patient must take the recommended follow-up doses at the appropriate intervals. It is crucial to let the doctor, pharmacist, and dentist know that the patient is using this nasal spray. These medication’s typical side effects include dizziness and sleepiness. While using this nasal spray, the patient should avoid operating heavy machinery or driving.
Spravato causes a temporary one- to two-hour increase in blood pressure. Before administering the spray, the physician will check the patient’s blood pressure. If the patient’s blood pressure rises too high, the doctor may choose to wait until it drops before treating them. If the patient’s blood pressure increases excessively after receiving one dose, the doctor may suggest another type of depression treatment.
Details regarding this nasal spray medication
Back then, Spravato was an FDA-approved alternative therapy for depression that had become resistant to other treatments. It was approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) that includes suicidal thoughts and attempts. After just a few hours of use, Spravato can reduce depressive symptoms. Compared to antidepressants, this medication works faster.
Sedation and dissociation are two possible negative effects. Only a strictly regulated medical setting is suitable for this therapy. The patient will be guided and the procedure will be supervised by licensed healthcare professionals. Doctors and a medical team will constantly monitor the patient to avoid addiction even if there is a chance that they will misuse the medication.
Spravato is a controlled drug.
Spravato is categorized by the FDA as a Schedule III medication. In other words, there’s a chance that this drug will be misused. The treatment area, however, will be calm and organized. All times, the patient will be under the watchful eye of the medical staff. Thus, patients won’t have any chance to abuse the medication in any way.
Nasal spray medication Spravato is well-known for treating depression
Chronic severe depression is a condition. It can take away joy and cause self-destruction. For some people, traditional antidepressants may not be effective. If your depression is resistant to treatment, Spravato may be able to help. If you qualify for this treatment, your doctor can help you, Consistency in results can be achieved by sticking with this nasal spray therapy.
What potential side effects could Spravato have?
When using Spravato, there is a chance for side effects, just like with any medication. Many potential side effects are transient, and they should go away shortly after your treatment. You might, for instance, briefly become disoriented, confused, lethargic, sedated, or mildly dissociative. Additionally possible side effects include elevated blood pressure and euphoria.
Additionally, some people who take this medication may experience nausea and vomiting. You should wait at least two hours before your appointment before eating, as advised by your doctor. Additionally, you ought to wait at least 30 minutes before consuming any liquids. Additionally, since driving is not advised after the procedure, you will need to make arrangements to be picked up after your treatment.
Although not all side effects are possible, these are often the ones that patients experience the most frequently. The potential side effects will likely be covered in more detail with your healthcare provider.
What is depression that has resisted treatment?
Before settling on a treatment plan that is effective for them, patients who have been diagnosed with depression frequently try a number of medications at various dosages. Some patients also require a mix of antidepressants to effectively manage their symptoms.
Some patients, however, experiment with various oral antidepressants without experiencing much improvement. Treatment-resistant depression is what this is. If you’ve been taking an antidepressant for at least six to eight weeks and your symptoms haven’t improved, your doctor may diagnose you with it. You might be a good candidate for Spravato as an additional treatment in this situation.
Is Spravato right for me?
If Spravato might be a good fit for you, that decision belongs to your provider alone. Spravato can assist you in getting back on track if you are experiencing depression that is resistant to treatment. There are some contraindications, though, just like with all medications. Use of Spravato is not advised if you:
- Are expecting, nursing, or intend to get pregnant.
- Possess a history of abusing drugs or alcohol.
- Have blood vessel disease or a background of brain bleeding.
- Possess an allergy to esketamine or any other component of Spravato.
Make sure to tell your provider everything about your medical history for your safety. This covers all medical conditions that have been identified as well as all prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as vitamins and herbal supplements.
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