When it comes to treating depression, scientists have definitely come to some breakthroughs in the past few decades. For instance, the introduction of SSRIs has been a major turning point, because these antidepressants are known not only for being highly effective, but also for having much milder side-effects when compared to some older treatment options. But then, that’s not where the developments have stopped, which is why we nowadays have Spravato treatments as a popular option for depression, administered in the form of a nasal spray.
Okay, since you are here, it is safe to say that you are already familiar with the existence of Spravato, and that you are potentially considering getting the treatment. Yet, you don’t want to do that before you understand some important things about it. Sure, you want to know what the side effects of Spravato are, but you also generally want to know what to expect from it, when it is administered and how the treatments work in the first place. In short, thus, you have quite some questions on your mind.
It is completely normal, as well as commendable, for you to want to learn some things before undergoing this particular treatment option. So, what we are going to do right now is help you understand precisely what it is that you have to know when taking Spravato. We will share some common facts that you have to understand, so as to get prepared for the treatment, to know what to expect, and to know what to actually do if you decide to go through with it.
There are, without a doubt, some important things to know here. And, if you’re ready to learn about those, then you have undeniably come to the right place. Keep on reading, thus, to figure out what you need to know when taking Spravato, and to thus get a better overview of the entire process, and form realistic expectations along the way.
- It Is Given for Treatment Resistant Depression
You may be wondering why this nasal spray even exists, when there are SSRIs and SNRIs, for example, as standard depression treatment options that people can definitely benefit from nowadays. Well, that is a legitimate question. The thing is, though, that some types of depression are resistant to those treatments, which is why introducing Spravato, which is a brand name for esketamine, and which works through impacting the glutamate system, instead of specifically, say, serotonin or dopamine, has come up as a good idea. To put it simply, it is given for treatment resistant depression.
Read more about it here: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24991-treatment-resistant-depression
- Usually, at Least Two Other Antidepressant Treatments Are Attempted
The above brings us to the next important point we have to make here. To cut right to the chase, you usually cannot get Spravato on your first visit and your first conversation with your psychiatrist. This is because trying the standard treatments first is, well, the standard. And, usually, at least two other antidepressant treatment options and combinations are tried before you can be considered for this alternative one. Then, if those don’t work, you are assessed as a candidate for Spravato.
- It Is Often Given in Combination With Other Treatments
Another thing to understand here is that undergoing Spravato treatments doesn’t mean that you should stop taking your other antidepressant medications. Quite on the contrary, this particular drug is often given in combination with other treatments. It is an FDA approved treatment, but it is approved to be taken in combination with your oral antidepressants. That way, those oral medications provide you with the stability you need, while this nasal spray gives you and additional boost, working through that different pathway.
- It Acts Quickly
Perhaps the biggest benefit of this type of treatment is that it is, well, quite fast. In other words, it acts quickly, and people often see improvements in their moods, and the reduction of depressive symptoms, in a matter of hours. This is unlike those standard treatments that usually take weeks to start working properly. Go here to understand esketamine better.
- You Have to Be Monitored After the Treatment
Now, since it acts so quickly, it is completely normal that you will have to stay at the clinic where you received it for a couple of hours after getting the treatment. This way, the staff will be able to monitor you. Tracking any changes, including your blood pressure, your breathing, your level of alertness, possible dissociation, as well as your emotional response in general. Being monitored ensures the safety of the treatment.
- Side Effects Are Often Manageable
Finally, we have to mention the side effects as well. The good thing is that they are often manageable and temporary. They can include symptoms like nausea and vomiting, increased blood pressure, headache, dizziness, and similar. This is another reason why monitoring you in the first few hours after administration is essential.
