Spravato for Treatment Resistant Depression
Avesta Ketamine and Wellness is now an eligible provider of SPRAVATO®. SPRAVATO® (esketamine) CIII is a nasal spray that is best used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant, for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults and depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior. Spravato is similar to ketamine (an anesthetic drug), however, Spravato and ketamine are not the same drug. They have some similar effects in the body, but they are different drugs.
How Spravato Works
In a four week clinical study, Spravato was found to improve symptoms of depression in people taking the drug. During the clinical study, one group was given Spravato and an oral antidepressant while the other group was given a placebo (no treatment) and an oral antidepressant. Depression symptoms were measured on a scale of zero to 60 (with higher scores meaning worse depression symptoms). During the study, people taking Spravato had fewer depression symptoms than people taking the placebo. Scores for people taking Spravato improved by 4 points more than scores for people taking the placebo. The greatest improvement in symptoms was seen in the first 24 hours after people took Spravato.
How does Spravato Treatment Works
Scientists have investigated the mechanism of action of Ketamine on the brain, and what we know so far is fascinating!
In order to begin treatment with Spravato, Avesta Ketamine and Wellness will order the medication for you, and we must pick it up on the day of your appointment. You are responsible for paying for Spravato directly to the pharmacy. We use Brookville pharmacy. When you arrive for your appointment, you spray each nostril, with our guidance, and will be monitored for 2 hours at the clinic.
Spravato Treatment Considerations
If your insurance covers the cost of the drug and reimburses you for the clinic monitoring time, then Spravato may be right for you. However, if your insurance only covers a part of the above, it is advised that you weigh that against
a. The cost of the IV treatments,
b. The time it takes to do IV versus nasal (1hr versus 2hrs), and
c. Research has shown IV ketamine to be more effective than nasal.
What to Expect From Treatments
01
Timeline
Treatment induction entails a twice weekly dosage for 4 weeks, then a 1 time per week dosage for another 4 weeks. After 8 weeks patients begin tapering down to every other week, or weekly depending on individual response.
02
Effectiveness
In general, patients feel effects within the first 24 hours, and are recommended to continue their regular care with a mental health practitioner, as well as their current drug regimen.
03
Response
The response to Spravato can vary but most patients feeling the effects within 24 hours,
