Spravato, also known as esketamine, is a medication used for the treatment of depression. It is approved for use in patients who have not responded to other antidepressant medications. Spravato is a nasal spray that is administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional. This article will discuss the uses, benefits, side effects and warnings of Spravato.
Uses
Spravato is used to treat depression in adults who have not responded to other antidepressant medications. It is also used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant medication. Spravato works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that are responsible for regulating mood.
Benefits
The benefits of Spravato are that it can help people with treatment-resistant depression achieve remission. Remission is defined as the absence of depressive symptoms. Spravato can provide relief from symptoms such as a depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, excessive guilt, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
Side Effects
The most common side effects associated with Spravato are nausea, dizziness, and feeling sedated. Other side effects may include headache, vertigo, dissociation, anxiety, and increased blood pressure. Dissociation is the feeling of being detached from one’s surroundings. This can occur during and after administration of the medication. It is important to note that dissociation may impair a person’s ability to drive or operate machinery, and patients should not drive for at least two hours after receiving Spravato.
Warnings
Spravato is not recommended for people with a history of psychosis or substance abuse. It is also not recommended for those with uncontrolled hypertension or a recent history of cerebrovascular events, such as stroke or aneurysm. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of any past or current medical conditions before starting treatment with Spravato.
Spravato can also cause an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior in some patients. While the risk is small, patients should be monitored for the onset of depressive symptoms or suicidal ideation during treatment with Spravato.
FAQs
No, Spravato must be used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant medication.
Spravato is administered as a nasal spray under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Yes, dissociation is a common side effect of Spravato.
The effects of Spravato may be felt within hours of administration.
The long-term safety of Spravato is not yet known, as it was only recently approved by the FDA.
