Welcome to Well-Balanced Solutions- Learn About Spravato

What is Spravato?

Spravato (esketamine) is a prescription medication that is administered as a nasal spray. It is used to treat adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or major depressive disorder (MDD) when other antidepressant treatments have not been effective. Spravato works differently from traditional antidepressants, providing rapid relief of depressive symptoms and addressing an important aspect of depression that other treatments might not.

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704-727-7008

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704-774-6922

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What is Spravato FDA-Approved For?

Spravato is FDA-approved for:

Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD):

This condition refers to adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have not had adequate results from at least two different types of antidepressant treatments.

Depression with Acute Suicidal Ideation or Behavior:

Spravato is also approved for use in adults with depression who are experiencing active suicidal thoughts or behaviors, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Spravato can be taken with or without an oral antidepressant and should be administered in a certified healthcare setting under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

How Can Spravato Help Someone with Depression?

Depression can be a persistent and overwhelming mental health condition that affects a person’s daily life. For many individuals with treatment-resistant depression, conventional antidepressants may not provide the relief needed. Spravato offers a new solution for these individuals. Spravato can:

Provide rapid symptom relief, often within hours or days, compared to traditional antidepressants which may take weeks to show effectiveness.
Help reduce symptoms of depression for people who have not had success with other treatments.
Aid in reducing suicidal thoughts in people with major depressive disorder and acute suicidal ideation.

By addressing the neural pathways in the brain that are often disrupted by depression, Spravato targets the root causes of symptoms and works to restore balance.

How Does Spravato Work Differently?

Unlike traditional antidepressants that primarily target the serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine systems, Spravato works in a unique way by targeting the NMDA receptor in the brain. This receptor is involved in the brain’s neural signaling, and its dysfunction has been linked to depression.

Here’s how Spravato works differently:

NMDA Receptor Modulation: Spravato helps to restore the balance in the brain’s glutamate system by acting on the NMDA receptor, which plays a crucial role in mood regulation and synaptic plasticity (the brain’s ability to form and strengthen connections). This action is believed to promote neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to “rewire” itself, aiding in quicker recovery from depressive episodes.
Rapid Onset: Traditional antidepressants typically take weeks to show effects, but Spravato can work much faster, providing rapid relief from depressive symptoms.
Complementary Action: Spravato is used alongside other antidepressant medications to enhance the overall treatment plan, especially for individuals who have not responded to previous therapies.

Spravato offers a promising treatment option for those who have struggled with depression despite trying various other approaches.

MONITORING & DISCHARGE

To ensure safe and appropriate use, SPRAVATO® nasal spray is administered only at REMS-certified treatment centers.
After taking SPRAVATO®, patients are monitored and evaluated by a healthcare provider for at least 2 hours until patients are safe to leave.
Respiratory status (including pulse oximetry) should be monitored at each treatment session.
Blood pressure should be monitored prior to and 40 minutes after administration and subsequently as clinically warranted until values remain consistent at a safe level and the treatment session ends.
Patients should coordinate a ride home after treatment, as they should not drive or operate heavy machinery until the next day, following a restful night’s sleep.

Getting Started with Spravato: A Step-by-Step Guide

At Well-Balanced Solutions, we’re committed to providing you with the support and care you need to manage your depression effectively. If you are considering Spravato as a treatment option, here’s what you need to know to get started.

Step 1: Schedule an Initial Consultation

The first step in getting started with Spravato is to schedule an appointment with one of our healthcare providers. During this consultation, we will:

Discuss your medical history, including any previous treatments for depression.
Review any current medications or treatments you may be using.
Determine if Spravato is a suitable option for your treatment plan.

Step 2: Evaluation for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)

Spravato is typically prescribed for individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), meaning that other antidepressant treatments have not worked effectively for you. During your consultation, we will assess whether:

You have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD).
You’ve tried at least two different antidepressant medications without sufficient results.

If you meet the criteria for TRD, Spravato may be an appropriate treatment option.

Step 3: Obtain Approval and Insurance Verification

Once Spravato is determined to be a suitable option for you, we will work with your insurance provider to verify coverage. Our team will:

Submit the necessary paperwork to your insurance company.
Help you understand your benefits and any out-of-pocket costs associated with Spravato.
Ensure you are fully informed about the financial aspects of your treatment.

Step 4: Begin Treatment Plan and Schedule Your Sessions

Spravato is administered in a healthcare setting, so your treatments will take place in our office or an approved clinic. The process involves:

Initial Treatment Sessions: Spravato will be administered as a nasal spray, and you will remain under the supervision of our healthcare team for approximately two hours after each session to monitor your safety and response.
Regular Sessions: Depending on your treatment plan, you will typically receive Spravato twice a week for the first month. After that, the frequency of treatments may decrease based on your progress.
Ongoing Monitoring: We will continuously monitor your progress, adjusting your treatment plan as needed to ensure optimal results.
INDUCTION: WEEKS 1-4, Two times per week
OPTIMIZATION/MAINTENANCE: Weeks 5-8, Once per week
ONGOING MAINTENANCE: Once per week or every 2 weeks

Step 5: Follow-Up Appointments and Support

After starting Spravato, follow-up appointments will be scheduled to assess how you’re doing. These visits will include:

Evaluation of Symptom Relief: We’ll check in on how well your depression symptoms are improving and whether any adjustments are needed.
Side Effect Monitoring: We’ll monitor you for any side effects and make necessary adjustments to your treatment to ensure you’re comfortable.
Ongoing Support: Our team will be available for any questions, concerns, or support you need during your treatment journey.

Step 6: Continued Care and Long-Term Management

Spravato is most effective when combined with a comprehensive treatment plan. In addition to Spravato, we may recommend:

Ongoing therapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy or other therapeutic approaches).
Continued use of oral antidepressants if necessary.
Lifestyle changes or additional resources to support your mental health.

We’ll continue to work closely with you to create a treatment plan that supports your well-being and long-term recovery.

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If you or someone you know may benefit from Spravato, please reach out to our office for more information. Our team is here to guide you through the process and ensure you have all the support you need on your journey to wellness.

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