If you’re one of the more than 2.8 million Americans with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), you may feel desperate if you’ve exhausted traditional treatment approaches such as antidepressants and talk therapy. Although these feelings are normal, SPRAVATO® offers hope.
At Labyrinth Psychiatry Group in Cranford, New Jersey, psychiatrists Salvatore Savatta, MD, Karen Omilian, DO, Orrin Main, MD, and our team of licensed nurses and counselors regularly prescribe SPRAVATO to adults. This blog explains what prescription treatment is and highlights its many benefits.
SPRAVATO is an FDA-approved prescription nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder (MDD). It contains esketamine, a form of ketamine that's been used for decades as an anesthetic.
Traditional antidepressants, like Prozac® and Zoloft®, increase neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals facilitate communication between your brain cells, which positively affects your mood.
SPRAVATO is different in that it also increases the production of glutamate, your brain’s most important chemical messenger. This allows SPRAVATO to impact more brain cells, providing stronger, longer-lasting results.
Now that you know what SPRAVATO is, let’s explore some of the benefits.
Many antidepressants take several weeks, or months, to start making a difference. It takes time for your brain to adjust and respond to new medication. But if you have TRD, waiting any longer can feel incredibly daunting.
SPRAVATO offers much faster relief. One study found that patients who took SPRAVATO experienced a reduction in their depressive symptoms within 24 hours, significantly quicker than patients who took a placebo and an oral antidepressant.
Traditional antidepressants often cause side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, sleep problems, weight changes, and low libido. SPRAVATO is much less likely to cause similar problems. Most patients report mild, manageable side effects, such as lethargy and dizziness. These side effects usually improve over time and our team works with you to manage them.
TRD changes the way your brain functions. Long-term feelings of sadness or hopelessness can become ingrained, making it difficult to feel hopeful or happy.
SPRAVATO encourages neuroplasticity. In other words, it helps your brain grow and change. Since it increases glutamate production, it’s easier to become “unstuck” from negative thought patterns.
About 60% of people with MDD experience a relapse after their first major depressive episode. Understandably, many patients worry that even if they get some relief, their symptoms will return. Here, too, SPRAVATO offers hope.
One clinical study found that only 27% of SPRAVATO users relapsed compared to 45% of people who took a placebo. Another study found that people who continued taking SPRAVATO as part of their depression treatment were less likely to experience symptom recurrence.
You may be a good candidate for SPRAVATO if you have TRD and your symptoms don’t respond well to other treatments. After a review of your medical records, a psychiatric evaluation, and an exam, we can make personalized treatment recommendations.
If you’re interested in learning more about SPRAVATO, contact our team at Labyrinth Psychiatry Group today. Schedule an appointment online or over the phone.
