Can Spravato Help People Who Have Suicidal Ideation?

Suicidal ideation is a common, yet worrying side effect of major depressive disorder (MDD). For some people, these thoughts come and go, but for others, they’re constant, making it difficult to focus and live normally. In severe instances, these thoughts may even cause you to make plans to end your life. However, Spravato® is an FDA-approved treatment that provides hope. 

At Labyrinth Psychiatry Group in Cranford, New Jersey, our team of licensed mental health professionals regularly prescribes Spravato for suicidal ideation. Keep reading to discover what Spravato is and how it may help reduce thoughts of self-harm. 

What is Spravato?

Spravato is a nasal spray often prescribed for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or actions (MDSI). It contains esketamine, a drug derived from the tranquilizer ketamine. 

While researchers aren’t entirely sure how it helps manage severe depression and suicidal ideation, studies show the drug increases glutamate levels in your brain. 

Glutamate is a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) that plays a crucial role in mood regulation. Increasing its levels provides rapid antidepressant effects, offering significant relief for those suffering from suicidal ideation.

When to seek help for suicidal ideation

Contact our office immediately if you or a loved one experiences any thoughts of self-harm or worry you may injure yourself or someone else. Suicidal ideation is incredibly complex and requires prompt intervention. 

If these feelings occur outside of our regular business hours, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room. 

What to expect during Spravato treatment for suicidal ideation

Before prescribing Spravato for suicidal ideation, we review your medical records and complete a physical and psychological exam. We may also order lab tests, such as blood work and urinalysis, to check for underlying medical conditions that could worsen your symptoms.

After gathering a complete picture of your physical and mental health, we develop a custom treatment plan. Generally speaking, a typical course of treatment involves two Spravato sessions per week for the first four weeks, followed by one treatment per week for another month. 

Following this initial course, we typically recommend regular maintenance treatments once every other week.

Spravato is administered on-site. After taking the drug, you can watch TV, listen to music, or nap. Alternatively, Spravato can be used alongside psychotherapy, to enhance treatment outcomes. 

We monitor you the entire time, ensuring you’re safe and comfortable. Since it takes several hours for Spravato to wear off, you must have someone to drive you home.

Schedule your Spravato consultation today

Suicidal ideation can sap your energy and significantly affect your mood, outlook, and quality of life. Spravato can provide relief. 

Research shows that patients with MDSI who took Spravato and an oral antidepressant experienced a greater reduction in their symptoms than those who took a placebo and oral antidepressant alone.

If you’re interested in exploring this treatment option, contact our team at Labyrinth Psychiatry Group today. Schedule an appointment online or over the phone.